Firewire Audio Interface

Firewireaudiointerface.com is a site dedicated to the discussion of audio interfaces/converters that utilize a Firewire connection to work with a computer. There are many advantages to the Firewire format, among them being lower cost, portability, cross platform support, and the ability to connect up to 63 devices to a FireWire bus, makes Firewire audio interfaces a great choice for entry to intermediate level audio recording (whether in a home studio, project studio, or livesound environment). There are many questions that not only need to be asked, but equally important, need to be answered to help the end user understand what interface with best fit their needs. That is what we are here for.

What is an audio interface/converter?
An audio interface/converter, is a device that converts an analog audio signal into digital information, and communicates that information to a computer. Respectfully, the interface/converter also converts the digital information back to an analog signal, so you can hear/monitor the audio that is being or has been recorded.

What is Firewire?
FireWire, also known as IEEE 1394, is a spcification for transferring information between digital devices, utilized mainly in audio and video equipment. FireWire is fast -- currently achieving up to 800 Mbps, and is expected to jump to an unbelievable 3.2 Gbps with the upcoming overhaul of the technology. Firewire was developed by Apple Computer Company in 1986, along with Texas Instruments, Sony, Digital Equipment Corporation, IBM, and INMOS/SGS Thomson (now STMicroelectronics).

What are the advantages to Firewire?
As stated above, portability is big advatage. With cross platform support, you can record in your home studio, take your interface/converter to a friends house to record on their computer, or take it to a live performace or rehersal for recording purposes. The ability to power a unit via the Firewire connection makes this even easier, as you are not reliant on AC adapters to power the interface. Firewire is hot pluggable, which means you can plug the device in, or unplug it at anytime, and the computer will automatically recognize the presents (or lack thereof) of the device.

Another big advantage is cost. With so many devices untilizing Firewire, this makes the technology very affordable, which means musicians on a budget can put together a small, yet quality setup to get down ideas, or record demos, live gigs, and rehersals. With Firewire being first utilized for multimedia devices, this makes it right at home in the audio recording industry.

M-Audio ProjectMix I/O FireWire Audio Interface and Control Surface

M-Audio ProjectMix I/O Details

Today, more professional music is produced at home than ever before-and the new ProjectMix I/O delivers what you need to take your computer-based studio and productions to the next level. It features seamless integration with all major DAW software and the ability to record directly into industry-standard Pro Tools sessions. ProjectMix I/O is the universal solution that combines the best of the hardware and software worlds for a new standard in streamlined production.

Steinberg MR816X FireWire Audio Interface

Steinberg MR816X FireWire Audio Interface Details
The Steinberg MR816 X is an innovative 16-in/16-out FireWire interface, though it delivers much more than just I/O. This next-generation device boasts onboard DSP reverb alongside advanced Cubase integration technologies, making it a superb choice for project studios, professional studios, and mobile recording rigs alike. With the Steinberg MR816 X, you get eight newly developed Class A "D-Pre" XLR/TRS combo preamplifiers alongside professional must-haves, such as ADAT I/O, word clock I/O, and S/PDIF I/O. If you're working within Cubase - or any other DAW - you'll find exceptional value with the Steinberg MR816 X.

Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface

Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface Details
Apogee introduces Ensemble, a multi-channel digital audio interface designed specifically for use with Apple Macintosh computers. Ensemble is the first and only multi-channel audio interface to be controllable natively within Apple's Logic Pro software, creating a complete, fully integrated professional hardware and software system for audio production on a Mac. Ensemble is the "Logic-al" choice for music production on a Mac!

Avid Pro Tools MBox 3 Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools 9 Software

Avid Pro Tools Mbox 3 Audio Interface Details

Professionals around the world have long been using Pro Tools systems to create award-winning music and sound for film and TV. Now you can get the same world-class results in your personal studio with Pro Tools Mbox—a complete, integrated, computer‑based music creation and production system. Designed by the same engineering team responsible for our high‑end Pro Tools|HD systems, the Mbox hardware interface features a premium analog signal path and high-performance converters for exceptional sound. The included Pro Tools 9 software is the same platform used in commercial facilities around the world—ensuring pro studio compatibility and delivering everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix music. Mbox also provides third-party drivers for rock-solid integration with nearly every popular audio recording application.

RME Fireface UFX Firewire and USB Audio Interface

RME Fireface UFX Firewire and USB Audio Interface Details

The Fireface UFX is the new flagship of RME's audio interfaces.

Sixty channels of audio! Digitally controlled high-end preamps, reference class converters and complete 192 kHz operation. Ultra-low latency operation with USB OR FireWire combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance.

Including active jitter suppression, professional reference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, RME´s unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox and – of course – identical operation on Windows PC and Mac.

Firewire Audio Interface