Multi-tracking with SPDIF...

[MediaUnion]

Hi,

I've been looking at the M-Audio Firewire 410 and they call it a 4in X 8out interface. They're including the SPDIF as a stereo input along with the 2 analog to get 4 in. Now I'm short on cash with the holidays, so I thought that I'd try before buying the 410 using my Audiophile USB (it has the two analog and SPDIF I/O).

When I enable the control pane to allow for spdif in the core audio, it shows 4 inputs. Check

Jumping over to Metro the port shows the inputs 1-4. Check

Will Metro support that kind of multi-track recording?

I have hooked up the digital out from my Phillips CDR870 to the audiophile SPDIF in but can't get a signal. It must be that the CDR isn't putting out SPDIF compatible digital. I have tried sending analog mic signals through the audiophile after checking the spdif in the control pane and the analog inputs stopped working.

Thoughts?

[MediaUnion]

Sorry,

I forgot to include the text from the manual...

Active Channels & Sample Depth: Activation of the Analog and
S/PDIF inputs and outputs is done with a set of four check boxes.Two radio
buttons allow selection between sample bit depths of 16-bit or 24-bit.
These settings will interact with each other, either expanding or limiting
your Active Ports, Sample Depth, and/or Maximum Sample Rate settings.
Using the full USB bandwidth will allow for 4x4 audio streams at 16 bits
with a sampling rate of 48kHz or below.

I currently have it set at 16 bit and SPDIF in, Analog in, analog out.

Kevin )

[Jerm]

I have heard there may be problems with the M-Audio driver. Have you inquired with them?

With Metro, you should be able to record all 4 tracks at a time. 2 Analog and 2 digital assuming the driver allows it.

[MediaUnion]

thanks Jerm,

I'll continue to bug M-Audio.

Kevin

[MediaUnion]

Just an FYI of what happened in the interim....

I packed the Audiophile USB away and purchased the Presonus Firestation from Musicians Friend for $499.

You can learn more at: http://www.presonus.com/html/products/firestation.html

Kevin

Media Union

[Jerm]

I am working on getting a firestation here. How do you like it?

[MediaUnion]

Hey Jerm,

I have had no problems with it. It runs really smooth, the converters are really clean, and the audio paths are so flexible that I haven't even begun to scratch the surface.

There's the ADAT Optical conncetivity and the FIREstation can be used as a line mixer without connection to a computer. There is no latency or delay between the time the signal hits the respective input and goes to the headphone/main output.

There's the flexibility of clock sync via BNC if you have a generator, mLan(your MAC via Firewire) and ADAT Sync.

The sample rates are 32, 44.1 and 48. Now I have only used 44.1 and I think that's all I really need.

The FIREstation can be serial chained (via Firewire)according to the manual but it sounds that doing so would require some attention (possible resetting preferences) as each FIREstation has a unique machine ID and matches computer preferences (panes?) by that ID.

The only suggestion I would have for ProSonus is simplify their channel names in their driver. Their port names in their driver look like this in all dialogs....
PRESONUS|mLAN-FIRESTAT|YAMAHA|mLAN-NCP01|NCP01V1.00 1+2
PRESONUS|mLAN-FIRESTAT|YAMAHA|mLAN-NCP01|NCP01V1.00 3+4
PRESONUS|mLAN-FIRESTAT|YAMAHA|mLAN-NCP01|NCP01V1.00 5+....etc

This is a great interface and I'm really happy with it.

Kevin Laurila
www.mediaunion.org