MOTUnation.com

Hi,

I'm thinking of switching from a PCI based set up to a Firewire based setup. I'm currently running a 2408MkIII (w/Blacklion Mod's) to a PCIe in a Mac Pro but am looking at changine to a 828MkIII (will also get the blacklion Mod's).

What kind of performance reduction if any can I expect? What are the advantages of one way over the other, again if any... Track count, processor strain etc

The reason is that I'm trying to combine an Audio G5 and a video G5 into one system and I need 4 PCI slots 1xMotu PCI, 1xUAD-2, 1xRAID and 1 x Graphics. But could swap the Motu PCI for a 828 MkII over firewire.... and pop a blackmagic video card in there instead.

Thanks, thoughts and feedback much appreciated!

I was facing the same issue myself. I own a 2408 mk3 and I am upgrading to a new Mac Pro. I thought about going the firewire route, but PCI audio cards are far more stable than firewire or usb. I've always owned PCI based audio cards, and I never had a problem. I hear a lot of issues with people who have firewire interfaces such as driver problems, and connection problems. I would recommend staying with the PCI system in my opinion. I also have a problem paying MOTU $295 for a new PCI card! But, I still think the 2408 is a rock solid system. Hope this helps.

Going to a FW based interface is a very large step down in reliability and performance. I would avoid doing it.

I can't agree as to the reliability point, as my 828mkII has been rock solid for years, as was my 2408 before it. Then again, the ONLY thing sitting on my Quad G5's Firewire bus is my 828 and a CD burner that is turned on only when needed.

I do wonder if anyone has actually done any tests as to CPU load, comparing an identical file with Firewire v PCIe-based interfaces. I asked this question long ago here at (then) UNation, but no one took me up on it or offered any input.

So... is anybody in a position to do a little test and report in?

Another question... what is the actual difference between MOTU PCI "Audiowire" and "Firewire?" Is it possible the PCI card MOTU sells is essentially a Firewire card with some additional processing (CueMix) built in? Could one accomplish the same effective efficiency by using a PCIe Firewire card with a MOTU Firewire interface? Is it possible there isn't as much of a difference as some apparently believe?

Inquiring Minds.

One thing to check is that as far as I know, Black Lion isn't modding the 828mk3 (I emailed them about this awhile ago, and they mentioned 'at this time, no').