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peepsaudio
Published on 08/27/08 at 15:23
I got this a while ago before switching to a MOTU interface. It served me well while I had it though the MOTU I have now has more features. I used it basically for the preamps and for AD conversion. I used it with a PC running Nuendo. The PC has a dual core processor and 4GB of RAM so it's a higher end box. This has got 8 XLR inputs, all with gain controls and phantom power for your condenser mics. It connects with firewire. It also has MIDI in and out, which is a nice little bonus if you need it. It has a 1/4" jack on the front for headphone monitoring, and also SPDIF connections on the back if you need them.
UTILIZATION
This was very easy to install like most firewire interfaces. You just install the drivers, plug in the power and firewire, and turn it on, and your computer and host do the rest. You will of course want to make sure that your host is using the inputs from your FP10 and not from an internal sound card if you have one. Other than that there isn't much configuration to worry about. There aren't compatibility issues with my computer. The manual is sufficient, but this thing has limited functionality so there isn't much to explain.
GETTING STARTED
The drivers were fine on my computer. I never encountered any bugs, so I'm sure they're stable enough now that they don't need to be updated often. This again was using the FP10 with Nuendo on a PC, with Windows XP. The latency is marginal since firewire has good bandwidth. You can get 8 audio inputs simultaneously with this. There are also 8 independent outputs on the rear panel, all of them 1/4" outputs which can be useful if you have a slightly more complex setup.
OVERALL OPINION
I used this for about a year before upgrading. The sound of this box is okay - definitely good for the price but not breathtaking or anything. The affordability and convenience are its best assets. However, you have basically no metering, so you'll have to rely on your host to tell you what's going on with your levels and clipping, which is really a pain for someone like me. You don't get XLR outputs, so you might have to go with some non-traditional cabling for connecting other devices. At $400, this is one of the best entry level converters for more than 1 or 2 channels. You'll definitely want to upgrade to something else with more features eventually though. Overall, not a bad piece of gear, and a good value. I wouldn't get it again now, but I'd recommend it for a beginner.
UTILIZATION
This was very easy to install like most firewire interfaces. You just install the drivers, plug in the power and firewire, and turn it on, and your computer and host do the rest. You will of course want to make sure that your host is using the inputs from your FP10 and not from an internal sound card if you have one. Other than that there isn't much configuration to worry about. There aren't compatibility issues with my computer. The manual is sufficient, but this thing has limited functionality so there isn't much to explain.
GETTING STARTED
The drivers were fine on my computer. I never encountered any bugs, so I'm sure they're stable enough now that they don't need to be updated often. This again was using the FP10 with Nuendo on a PC, with Windows XP. The latency is marginal since firewire has good bandwidth. You can get 8 audio inputs simultaneously with this. There are also 8 independent outputs on the rear panel, all of them 1/4" outputs which can be useful if you have a slightly more complex setup.
OVERALL OPINION
I used this for about a year before upgrading. The sound of this box is okay - definitely good for the price but not breathtaking or anything. The affordability and convenience are its best assets. However, you have basically no metering, so you'll have to rely on your host to tell you what's going on with your levels and clipping, which is really a pain for someone like me. You don't get XLR outputs, so you might have to go with some non-traditional cabling for connecting other devices. At $400, this is one of the best entry level converters for more than 1 or 2 channels. You'll definitely want to upgrade to something else with more features eventually though. Overall, not a bad piece of gear, and a good value. I wouldn't get it again now, but I'd recommend it for a beginner.