firestudio / audiofire macbook pro compatibility

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 5:55 am

I just bought a new macbook pro and am going to buy an audio interface soon. I'm interested in the firestudio, but am not sure it will be compatible with my macbook due to some things I've read. Here is what the guy from presonus told me to look for.

"A combination of these specs may result in incompatibility.

Agere fw chipset
Geforce 8600 MGT video card
Intel 945/965 chipset
4. Combo fw400/800 port"

I can't seem to find all the info listed about my computer. I looked in "about this mac". I do have the Geforce 8600M GT video card so am a bit worried. However I'm not sure if I have the other things, and the guy said that a combination of these things "may result in imcombatibility".

I couldn't figure out if I have the Agere fw chipset or not. When I click on "Firewire" in the about this computer under hardware the only information given is"FireWire Bus:Maximum Speed: Up to 800 Mb/sec' with no mention of what chipset it is. Maybe I find this info somewhere else?

I also can't seem to find out if I have the Intel 945/965 chipset or not. I didn't really see the words chipset anywhere in any of the contents under about this computer.
I'm not sure about the combo firewire 400/800 thing either. I think I have two firewire ports, one of each size, if I remember correctly, but it doesn't really say or at least I don't seem to know where to look.

I guess my best option is to take my computer to a dealer that has the firestudio in Seoul (I know of one) and try it out before I buy). On if my computer recognizes the firestudio does that basically mean I will be ok to buy it, or are there other issues I need to worry about. Some of the things I read at recording.org seemed to suggest if you have this problem the thing is basically a paperweight, and is not recognized at all. Maybe I'm wrong about this. Also, is this some kind of hardware problem that will not be able to be fixed with some kind of software update from Leopard, or a driver update from presonus? I'm really hoping it is compatible as it seems like the best buy for my money and has most of the features that I think I want. The thing that appeals to me about the firestudio is the amount of inputs and the fact that it has good built in preamps, which I figure will be a money saver for me.

The motu 8? has two built in pre amps. Are the preamps really needed for everything or just most important for vocals? I don't want to get into buying separate pre amps for every channel.

I also saw on another topic a guy talking about the Echo Audiofire 12. I haven't researched the audiofire 12 at all but it looks like it may be an option if the firestudio ends up being incompatible. Does it have built in pres? Is it expandable like the firestudio. The extra 4 inputs could be nice. Can you daisy chain them? Well I will do some research myself, but any info is appreciated. As I said I will go into the dealer in seoul and cross my fingers that the firestudio will work.

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 6:21 pm

Hi rainsong,

If you have the means, try before you buy. Try as many different interfaces as the dealer will let you.

Can't speak for MacBook, but i run a FireStudio from my Sony VAIO laptop and i've never had any issues.

I would also recommend an external Hard Drive if you can afford it. Recording to your Laptop HDD can be sketchy sometimes.

-Chris

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 6:46 pm

Thanks Chris,

I do know a place I can take my laptop and try the firestudio before buying, so I'm definately gonna do that.

I've also heard folks suggest an external hard drive. I probably will do that eventually, although I did get the 7200 rpm hard drive option in my new mbp. But when I have the $ I may look into a 500gig firewire hard drive.

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