while i don't have any comparison between the two i can tell you that the converters in the fireface work satisfactoryly for me and the features of that device overall come in very handy. great unit!

without a doubt rme fireface 800!!! (actually it costs 2 times more than the firepod...)

Why is the RME better in your opinion? Is there a difference in audio quality as far as the D/A, A/D conversion?

yeah i think theres a big difference in quality. Of sound and construction. Also RME has zero latency, (not sure if the presonous does).

But definetly go for the RME.

Yeah, the Presonus has a zero latency monitoring option, as do most of the firewire boxes. I think quality is the main issue. The verdict is still out on the Digi 002 hardware. That would be useful as I also use Pro Tools and Logic 7 works with it too. I know that many have issues with the Digi stuff. For me it's between 002 and the RME... I think.

The rme fireface is without question a finer quality hardware instrument than the 002r. Ive owned both.The Fireface has pre's that dont need upgrading,and converters that do not need upgrading.
That alone is really what helped me decide.
Got rid of the 002r.
And took a gamble on the rme.So far..Im very satisfied with what it is and what it does.

maybe the only other real question other than finances is whether to protools Le or not to protools Le. Digidesigns has its users by the hardware scruff...another reason I opted out of protools for now.
I chose the fireface and the logic route.

You can make music in either program..they are all pretty good.

If your interested in the rme...check out..http://www.bayviewproaudio.com
they are selling rme at a really really good rate.

Im also curious to see what mac comes out with for interfaces within the next year or so.

The Fireface has not only converter. It has 28 in/out (12 without external hardware) good workclock, powerfull mixer etc.

If the Fireface works like the Multiface (we can trust RME, IMHO), you are sure to have a good and solid rock device.

I was so close to getting the RME. Instead I picked up a Digi 002 Rack. It has all the same ADAT capabilities with the extra ins and outs added on top of the analog ones, AND I can still use Pro Tools. I also bought Logic Pro 7, which I am very excited about using. It works with the Digi 002 hardware as well. Trying for the best of both worlds. I like Logic, but need Pro Tools to stay compatible with some clients.

So far I have no complaints about the Digi Rack. Logic pro 7 is giving me an error message about not finding audio hardware on startup, but when in the program, it makes full use of it perfectly... Strange.

Does the Fireface have zero latency with a pcmcia firewire card? I'm just wondering if there is an extra layer of software between windows and the card.

Thanks

John Stafford

nothing will give you zero latency, but no there is no extra layer of software. the fireface connects via firewire, you can use the port on your laptop (maybe) a PCMCIA like Lacie is the best bet.
(also depnds on the PCMICA chipset as well) the onboard firewire might actually work better)
with laptops you never know what to expect unless you researched the chipsets prior to purchase.

the fireface is the best inteface you can get for a laptop.

Scott