Topic by sigasa

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  • sigasa
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  • From: UK
  • Registered: 09-01-2008
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Topic: Firewire express card works far better than laptops factory fw socket!

I have recently bought an express firewire card. Previously to owning this, I used the computer for pianoTeq and got fairly good performance. But it wasn't the performance I desired so I bought a more powerful computer (Intel i5 2.3GHz processor as a opposed to the Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 processor in the 'slower' computer.

However, I couldn't use my firewire interface in this new computer so managed with my E-MU 0202 USB. To cut a long story short, I like the sound of the firewire interface (Saffire Pro 24) better than the E-MU 0202, so I bought the firewire card thinking it would work in my new computer. IT WOULD HAVE IF THERE WAS AN EXPRESS CARD SLOT IN IT!!!

I forgot to check this out before buying the card!!! Anyway, I decided to use the card with my older computer, and OMG, I'm getting great performance from it now! Audio Buffer of 64 at 48000Hz Sample Rate (both PianoTeq and Host). NO CLICKS WHATSOVER! EVEN WHEN THE INTERNET IS ON!!!

I seriously advise anyone looking to get better performance from PianoTeq on their computer and are thinking of upgrading their computer to achieve this to first check out whether there is a simple alternative (like the one I've just described) that would significantly boost performance without having to fork out for a new machine!

The card cost me £16!!! (UK POUND STERLING)

The computer I bought cost me over £500!!! AND I'm getting better performance from the older computer with the firewire card than I have been with the new one and E-MU 0202!!!

Don't make the same mistake as I did!!!

Reply by Luc Henrion

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  • Luc Henrion
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  • Registered: 02-05-2007
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Re: Firewire express card works far better than laptops factory fw socket!

Sorry, but, AFAIK, the Firewire interface has nothing to do with performance: it's basically the drivers. Besides, all Firewire cards are not created equal: mine doesn't work at all with my 01V96 console (MLan) while my other (older) notebook, with an integrated Firewire works just fine. Conversely, my Tascam US-2000 has better performances with the Firewire card on the other notebook! Be careful also: if you look deep inside the owner's manuals of some well-know products from Presonus, Tascam, Yamaha and the like, you'll find recommendations about this or this type of Firewire chipset (recommended or to be avoided!). And they are not the same. E.g.: NEC chipset doesn't work with Yamaha. NEC is recommended by Presonus, go figure!
It just seems you've been lucky! :-)

Last edited by Luc Henrion (04-04-2011 12:01)

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