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I've got an M-Audio FireWire Solo and just bought a new Macbook Air so I could run Pro Tools. Didn't think to notice whether the Air would have a Firewire port (it does not). So now I've got a brand new interface and a brand new computer and can't do anything.... What is the best option here? Should I get a FireWire -> USB hub? Or will I be overrun with latency issues? Should I simply return the FireWire Solo and get an interface with USB? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Paul |
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I suggest returning the Macbook Air and getting a Macbook with Firewire. USB interfaces will give you latency when monitoring the recording signal, unless you have one that allows for hardware monitoring. (Perhaps someone else can speak about this. My interface is supposed to have this, but I've never used the feature. I also don't know what will work with Protools, I use Logic.) Getting a Firewire to USB adapter will almost certainly give you latency issues, and could also introduce compatibility issues. If you can live with a little latency and can't return the Macbook Air, I suggest a plain USB interface. It's a simpler option than using the existing one with an adapter. You also have another option, if your budget allows: Get a dual USB/Firewire interface with hardware monitoring. That'll not only let you monitor the signal being recorded in real time, it'll let you use it with pretty much any computer. (But there will still be latency when using it with USB, even USB2.) |
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I have heard that UA was demonstrating the new Apollo interface using a Macbook Air with Thunderbolt, and an external Thunderbolt audio drive. This would be an amazing setup if it works like they say, however you'd have to wait for the Apollo to be officially released. If not that route, I'd suggest the same as the above--take the Air back and get a laptop more suited to PT and audio. |
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are you sure that it's not the new firewire port, because I thought the same thing with my mac book pro but just found out that they upgraded firewire to a new type of chord/input. I agree that macbook airs are not meant to be pro tools workstations. If not for any other reason, then because they use flash instead of an optical drive. I'd never trust that. You're better off trading it in either way, but make absolutely sure that the Mac you buy has an operating system that is compatible with your pro tools software. Too many people never mention that and it can end up costing you a fortune to upgrade your interface on top of buying a new mac. If you're going to do this, do it soon because I've just heard word that they are discontinuing the mac book pro all together and only selling airs from now on. |
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