Using a 2408 mk3 without the PCI card?

[Davros303]

Hi all,

I just purchased a 2408 mk3 second hand without the PCI 424 card, is it possible to connect it to my Pc without the pci424 card? I assumed the audio wire connection was just a regular FireWire connection

Cheers

[EMRR]

No, you can't use FW. ADAT in/out would be the only option.

[mikehalloran]

No, you can't use FW. ADAT in/out would be the only option.

To elaborate, in standalone mode you can use it to convert 8 channels of analog to ADAT or TASCAM or vise versa.

Otherwise, it requires a 424 PCIx or PCIe card, depending on your computer's PCI slots.

In fact, the data cable is not a FireWire cable and often, a FW cable will not work without modifying the ends -- this has been covered in many older threads.

[Davros303]

Thanks all - should've paid closer attention! I saw many 2408's sold without the PCI cards and assumed this was an optional extra to network the 2408 with the other add-ons.

Best / cheapest place to find PCI 424's on their own? Craigslist?

[mikehalloran]

Since the 424 card will handle up to four compatible interfaces, many of these were originally sold as expansion units. You need two 424 cards only if trying to connect five to eight units.

The older 324 card can only handle three units, does not have CueMix and is not compatible with
PCIx or PCIe.

Older units that originally shipped with the 324 card do work with the 424, 424x and 424e.

The original 424 card does not work in PCIx slots but 424x cards do work in older PCI slots.

[Davros303]

Found a 424 on ebay for $100 so should be set. Which type of FireWire cables are compatible with the motu?

[mikehalloran]

Found a 424 on ebay for $100 so should be set.

Good, as long as you know the difference between the first gen 424, 424x and 424e, you should be good.

Which type of FireWire cables are compatible with the motu?

Technically none since the AudioWire cable has slightly longer plugs. However...

Some FW400 cables work right out of the package. For those that don't, many have found that by trimming about 1/8" or so off the insulator, a FW cable can be made to work.

I make no guarantees.

[Davros303]

Cheers mike, appreciate all the advice. My tower will take PCI and pcie, the card is definitely standard PCI