hi there..
im reposting from the audiofire2 review thread..
well… maybe you guys can help my dilemma..
im using the new macbooks (no firewire..) and im really on a quest for a decent (USB2) sound card.
Currently i have the novation Nio 2/4 - really not impressed.. - sounds very pale and weak on large systems (actually even connecting the line directly to my mac sounds much punchier and crisp)
NI - Kontrol 1 - saw some bad reviews on Mac compatibility issues.
so? what’s left?
any help would be appreciated!
I use m-audio conectiv. I’ve gigged with it several time, only problem with it (which is common with all external sound cards) is if you move the usb cord too much the card quits and you need to remove and reinsert the usb cable. Sucks but takes 50 seconds.
Other than that, good volume, sturdy (not as sturdy as audio 8), and enough i/o.
I’m assuming you have the 13" Macbook, and know what you’re talking about…but just in case you have a 15" and missed it, there is a firewire 800 port there.
As for a recommendation, what about the new NI Audio 4? It just came out.
hey guys
thanks for the good replies.
yes - its a 13" (have no idea why they took the FW out…)
the NI sounds interesting - i just didnt hear good things about the Mac drives NI supplies - maybe it changed (?)
the Numark seems a bit low-end-ish, again - only from reading specs
i will also look into the muto and maudio , but i think that out of the above the NI seems the most apealing
Being the newest USB2.0 soundcard on the market, I’m assuming the NI Audio 4 has some pretty brand spanking new drivers that will work well on both Mac and PC. Anyone actually used one?
and I assume you’re looking for a multiple channel output for the purpose of headphone cueing? that’s the one thing ua-25 lacks at, I’ve had to learn how to use the visuals on Traktor (waveform on the deck, and level meters on mixer) to compensate for no headphone cueing. As soon as I can afford it I’m upgrading to a FA-101.
if you need headphone cueing one a usb2 interface, I’d recommend the edirol UA-101 which supports multiple audio channel outs.
I’m currently using the A8DJ and FA-101 with my macbook, they both work great.
I like my A8DJ, but i only use it in a bedroom studio - haven’t used it on a large system yet… i like that my TTs connect directly to the unit with no need for a preamp.
You can buy expresscard → firewire adapters that will give you macbook a couple firewire ports. You will still need to power your soundcard with a wallwart if you go this appraoch.
I personally use one in conjunction with a presonus firebox and i am happy with the latency, the quality of the sound and the build quality of the card.
