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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

Space Tue, 05/26/2009 - 20:49

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.

Guitarfreak Tue, 05/26/2009 - 21:02

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

rbf738 Tue, 05/26/2009 - 21:51

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?

Space Wed, 05/27/2009 - 18:56

"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