Hi, I'm looking for a recommendation for a firewire audio interface to be used with STP for the purpose of mixing 5.1 audio. I want to go from Mac to interface to my stereo receiver- 6 analog inputs. Any tips are appreciated, Thanks! Jeff

Hi Jeff, You haven't mentioned your budget or how many inputs you would like and whether you need mic preamps built-in? SO, I can only give general advice on looking at the Motu, RME, Apogee and Presonus range. Let me know the above details... Cheers Rounik

Thanks for the response. As far as inputs, I just want to be able to get STP out of my Mac and into my stereo. I only have 5.1 speakers right now, but my receiver can handle 7.1 inputs and it would be nice to have an interface that can go up to that once my 'studio' space is ready for it. My budget- as this my first interface, I am thinking of starting cheap so that I can more quickly get into an upgrade in the future after I know more about what I want/need. Typically, I prefer the best quality possible. But since I am a novice, the cheaper the better for now. Thanks, Jeff

Hi Jeff, When I say "inputs" I'm talking about the inputs on the audio interface. This is what you could connect a mic or guitar to in order to bring sound IN to the Interface and into STP on the Mac. The number of inputs will determine how many instruments/mic's you can record simultaneously. If you want to be able to hook a mic up to your interface and record into STP then this I'd recommend an interface with decent preamps and at least one xlr input connection. The number of outputs on an audio interface will determine whether you can hook it up to a 5.1 surround system or a simple stereo system. 5.1 needs 6 outputs, 7.1 needs 8 outputs. You don't mention what Mac you are using. new Macbook without FireWire? Most interfaces are either USB or Firewire. The later being a better option. If you're not concerned about recording in to STP at all, then check out some of the consumer level products for example: [url]http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave[/url] I have no experience or knowledge of these. For more Pro options, the prices tend to get a bit pricier. The Presonus Firebox is a good device: [url]http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=4[/url] The Presonus Firestudio project would allow you to upgrade to 7.1 in the future: [url]http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=43[/url] MOTU also make lovely devices: [url]http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite-mk3/[/url] Apogee are fantastic, but we're going up and up in price. M-Audio tend to make fairly good interfaces and at a reasonable price: [url]http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWire410.html[/url] [url]http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackUltra.html[/url] I hope this is helpful! It's worth taking some time thinking about what you want to be doing with interface now and in the near future and even roughly what your budget is. Let me know if you need more help :) Rounik

Rounik, Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my questions. Almost everything we are discussing is very new to me and I am doing my best to keep up! For now, I am not anticipating the need for inputs for microphones, instruments, etc. Someday I would like to consider a portable audio recording station, but for now, I just want to focus on post production as it relates to audio for movies. My main editing station is a Mac Pro, but where I want to work on my audio I'll be using a MacBook Pro, previous generation- so I do have firewire. The Firebox was something that I was considering, but it seems like it has been out for quite some time. Does the technology for these types of products stay current for a long time? Thanks! Jeff

Hi Jeff, No problem at all! I'll try to go a bit easier on the techno babble too ;-) The Firebox is a nice device. I have one I used to use. I loved being able to have it powered directly through the firewire connection from my old powerbook and iMac. Unfortunately, there is/was an issue with the Firebox and MBP's that meant (at least with my year old model) that the Firebox needs to use the main power adapter supplied - and cannot be powered over firewire. So, if you plan on using the firebox with the MBP somewhere there will be no mains power ( a field ) then, unless Presonus have fixed the issue, it won't be suitable. Otherwise it's a fine interface and a good first choice. The drivers are pretty solid, the in's and out's very good for the price IMHO. With audio interfaces the most important considerations are the quality of the components, analog to digital converters, drivers etc etc.... Firewire devices will be around for a while IMHO. I think the Firebox would be a good solid device to get. The MOTU I linked too is better quality from what other Pro's have told me - and the M-audio devices are also very popular, but I'm not convinced by how well they work with Logic - from reports I've read over the years. They might be better now though. Hope that doesn't confuse the issue too much. Best Rounik

Rounik, Thanks for the advice! I went with the MOTU and it arrived yesterday. There is much to be learned on my end, but that is half the fun. Thanks again, Jeff

Hey Jeff, Great! Which Motu did you go for then? Rounik

UltraLite-mk3 i have to get 1/4 to rca cables yet haha

:) Enjoy the Ultralite! Let us know if you ever need any help or have any questions :) Rounik