Firewire- for External harddrives or for Soundcards?
I recently got a Macbook pro after one too many frustrating dj experiences on my aged HP. To fully switch over to the Macbook, I need a new external harddrive that works optimally with Mac (my current drive is slow and old) and a soundcard. I am thinking that one of these devices will be a firewire while the other is USB. Which should be which?
Moreover I’ve got about $250 for the project. Any Suggestions? Must one of the devices be plugged in and not bus powered? So far I’m looking at the Lacie Rugged drive and the Audio 2 DJ. Comments?
Firewire audio cards blow usb audio cards out of the water. If you have $300 lying around grab a presonus firebox. As far as having an external harddrive goes, do you really need one? Unless you’re using wavs or have an ungodly amount of tunes there’s really no point–it’s easier just to keep them on the laptop harddrive.
While I agree that FW is the better protocol, I’d say- on this budget- go with a FW800 (if you have the port) HDD and something like a Maya or the Audio 2/4.
Really depends on how much space you want.
I’d rather let some Apple-Store install a 500GB HDD first, which should leave more than enough room internally for Tracks etc.
The Firebox is excellent, have seen Demo-Units at GuitarCenter for 250$, might be worth a look.
From what I understand you want to mix internally? Then I’d really say go with the Maya44, it does a good job on a budget and is lightyears ahead of the MB-Audio Card (output-level-wise).