USB vs. FIREWIRE

[madnessman]

I know FireWire is a bit faster than USB 2.0 but is there any real difference when it comes to recording? I heard that USB 2.0 is only fast enough to record one track at a time. So why are there USB audio interface with more than 1 mic or line in input jacks?

 

[doggieshaman]

firewire is faster than USB 1.0

im not sure about usb 2.0 but they are equally fast.

the one that is only fast enought to record one (two mono tracks actually) is USB 1.0.

Even in usb 1.0 multiple inputs can be mixed first to two output tracks so when it enters your DAW they only appear as two audio tracks

usb 2.0 is fast enough to let you record the tracks all seperately, thats the difference

 

[engz]

very true

if u wanna go down to the nitty gritty, just do a google on usb, firewire, etc. you will get all their protocols, history, etc.

look out for usb 3.0 though. its gonna be way faster than any firewire apparently.

oh yeah. apple seems to be wanting to faze out firewire in favour of usb 3.0. i think its still just rumoured, but its a real scary rumour =\

 

[madnessman]

Thanks for the info! So basically, for my purposes (just recording a guitar and vocals), USB 2.0 is enough for me. Thanks!

 

[engz]

yup. for single track, hobbyist recording its more than enough. just make sure ur hardware gives u the quality u'd want

 

[doggieshaman]

hahhaha usb 3.0 is like what, 5GB per second?? i wonder what you need that for.

maybe in the next 10 years webcam with USB 4 can show like star-wars like holograms hahaha

 

[persentio]

I know FireWire is a bit faster than USB 2.0 but is there any real difference when it comes to recording? I heard that USB 2.0 is only fast enough to record one track at a time. So why are there USB audio interface with more than 1 mic or line in input jacks?

USB 2.0 offers up to 480MB/s, and FireWire 400 at 400MB/s. However when it comes to audio choose Firewire over USB because USB 2.0 transmits data in “packets,” but FireWire provides a continuous flow of data—allowing FireWire interfaces to process audio more efficiently.

 

[alshit]

firewire ftw!!!!

 

[gutturalpiss]

And I get to work on USB 3 code! Die you biatches! I'll make sure it'll be as slow as possible :mrgreen:

Btw, FireWire transfers are technically streamed differently than USB. Wikipedia has some information on it but if we were to compare one similar transfer between the two, FW will come in a tad faster.