Basically I was using a SIIG 1394 Cardbus Adapter type deal to connect my old laptop to my Firepod as it had no firewire ports. I just got a new laptop (to make recording faster in part) and it also has no firewire ports, but it also has no Cardbus port. Instead it has an ExpressCard/54 Slot and of course 3 USB 2.0 ports.
So I'm thinking of a couple of ways to handle this. First, does anyone know of a cheap adapter to connect the firewire ports from the Firepod to either my ExpressCard/54 slot OR one of the USB 2.0 slots? Maybe I'm missing something but I wasn't seeing anything right away, if someone could provide links I'd appreciate it.
My other option is to just get a new audio hardware altogether, especially since I have no need for simultaneous recording. I was looking at the PreSonus Audio Box because it connects right to your USB slot, correct? That seems easier than having to rig up an adapter.
Any suggestions, I really need to figure this out, because as I said much of the reason for the laptop upgrade was to better my recording experience but I didn't realize that the adapter card would not connect to the ExpressCard/54 slot.
Thanks everybody!
Comments
I'm always a bit put off by folks that have more money then time
I'm always a bit put off by folks that have more money then time required to investigate the purchase before making it, but in your shoes, I would take the notebook back.
It's just making a difficult situation more so. Get one that does or has what you want so that it is a piece of quality gear and not a Frankenstiened converted USBWire processor ;)
Seriously.
But in the event you are still reading this, look at this link:
http://sewelldirect.com/siig-firewire-expresscard-800-2port.asp
Is that what you need to get a firewire port into your computer?
Sure it is.
Make certain that you are not in need of a 34mm, when you say expresscard 54.
LOL, you gotta love the thought process of an audiophile. $400
LOL, you gotta love the thought process of an audiophile. $400 piece of audio gear vs. $700 machine. "Well the laptop's gotta go"
Hahahahaha 8-)
Actually I do agree with this more or less. More more than less, if you aren't too attached to the computer yet just upgrade. Firewire is a must at least in my mind, it's just a better and more balanced system than USB 2.0
"(to make recording faster in part)" ^^ If you want to record f
"(to make recording faster in part)"
^^
If you want to record faster, you need to speed up time. Recording an hour takes an hour, no less, no more.
(Unless you're using an MME soundcard in which case 1 hour of recording will translate to 1:01:00 of slightly clicky, poppy audio)
Thanks for the link, that is what I need. It looks like I found
Thanks for the link, that is what I need. It looks like I found the same thing for around $80, and yes I'm quite certain I have the 54 as it's called the ExpressCard/54 module slot.
So then overall firewire is a great deal faster and better suited for higher committed data transfers such as digital audio recording, and the consensus would most definitely be that I should go for the adapter rather than a USB based recording system, correct?
Card Bus is significantly slower than Express Card. Forget abou
Card Bus is significantly slower than Express Card. Forget about the Card Bus adapter and move on. USB is not even a contender for anything past two tracks. Leave USB for your external recording drives. I have that same Siig adapter. Works like a champ.
"Both USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394a have advantages and disadvantages.
"Both USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394a have advantages and disadvantages.
If performance is critical, then IEEE-1394a is the clear choice.
If performance is not as important, then USB 2.0 represents a ready option."
That sums up my thinking on the two. Performance is never secondary, for me and mine.
Firewire(peer-to-peer) and USB(master-slave) are clearly designed for two different goals. Usb is for input devices to interact with a computer and firewire is for running audio and/or video. There again, my personal thoughts but the rest of the world should catch up!
http://www.qimaging.com/support/pdfs/FirewireUSB.pdf