What interface will work?

[jcotner]

Looking for an interface that has digital ins/outs @ 192KHz and a FW interface. Don't care about analog in/outs won't be using them. Don't know what's been made over the years but old doesn't bother me. Probably better because I will be using this on a G5 box and the older ones are more likely to be compatible. I'm thinking there are probably some older interfaces that will do this that might be less expensive. Especially since I don't care about the quality of the analog section. I will mention that I can work with S/PDIF, optical, or AES/EBU including the ADAT 192Khz variation. Thanks.

[Frodo]

Here are some options that seem to meet your feature requirements (analog i/o aside).

Motu 896mk3 hybrid
Motu 892mk3 hybrid
Focusrite Liquid Saffire
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
Apogee Ensemble
RME Fireface 800

These are but a few options, and prices vary. You can check out other products from these companies for different prices points.

IMPORTANT!
With a G5, take note of which manufacturers still offer drivers for 10.5x and earlier, and whether or not those drivers will work with the newer gear.

That said, you might be able to find a used interface in excellent condition. Aside from auction sites, I would suggest checking out your local music stores in case a worthy item may be on consignment. You could try before you buy. Also, you might benefit from a trail period with a return policy if the item is defective. Further, I would inquire about whom to contact in case repairs are needed, whether right away or later on.

[jcotner]

Thanks for the input

IMPORTANT!
With a G5, take note of which manufacturers still offer drivers for 10.5x and earlier, and whether or not those drivers will work with the newer gear.

Exactly the reason I said FW instead of USB. Plug and play USB seems to be limited to 10.6.2 and later. Also the reason I didn't want to go the PCI route. Although I already have a PCIX-424, so the Motu options would work with just an expander unit (2408,HD192). But I don't think I can get the 192KHz digitals except on the HD192 and that is more money than I want to spend. However a new Mac would require a new PCI card, so I think FW gets me into the next Mac as well.
And I really wasn't thinking new anyway. This is just kind of a stop gap measure. That's the reason I don't care about the analog section and the older the box the more likely it will work with 10.5.8.

[Frodo]

But I don't think I can get the 192KHz digitals except on the HD192 and that is more money than I want to spend.

That's the thing with 192khz-- the price. But, there's an HD192 on ebay for $924.99 BIN. There's also one on the Sweetwater Trading post for $1200 as an "asking price". That might mean there's some room to negotiate.

Have you looked at the MOTU 828mk3? You could find those new in the mid-700s with pretty much all the connections you wanted and the 192k sample rate. MOTU's driver version 1.6 supports 10.5.8 for this unit.

[jcotner]

You know I was thinking that probably what I really need is a F/W to S/PDIF
converter, if there is such a thing. I don't need audio at all. I haven't heard of such a device but wouldn't be surprised if they did exist. If anybody know of such a device chime in. I appreciate Frodo's suggestions but in that price range I could get a hot rod Mini and not need a converter at all. Just not ready to go that route yet.

[mikehalloran]

F/W to S/PDIF

That works for 2 channels. ADAT optical gives you banks of 8.

[jcotner]

F/W to S/PDIF

That works for 2 channels. ADAT optical gives you banks of 8.

Yeah but there is this new S/MUX stuff that my converter does over an ADAT link.
"Eight channels at 96 kHz and four channels at 192 kHz are available using S/MUX technology. " Of course an older coverter box probably won't do that anyway.

[jcotner]

Well I think I have a solution to my interface problem. A little different direction that I had intended on taking. I'm going with a Lynx AES16-SRC card. The Hilo has AES/EBU, my K2600 has AES/EBU and my Tascam mixer has AES/EBU. $500 for the card along with a Decent PC with some extra DAW software I'd like to play around with. The K2600 only does 48KHz so having Sample Rate Conversion for that is helpful. After I retire the G5 I can continue to use the Lynx card in a PC and maybe by then DP on Windows will be a serious option for workflow.