M-audio Profire 610 VS Fast track Ultra?

[LosingReality]

So im trying to decide between these 2. They both have the same preamps and converters. The main differences that i see are the FTU has 4 pre amps and is USB2.0 and the 610 has 2 pres and is firewire (about 100 bucks more too.)

What do you guys think of these? And which one would you go with?

Also, how come everyone says go firewire instead of USB2.0....but on the M-audio site it shows USB2.0 being faster?

Connection Maximum Speed
USB 1.1 12Mbps
USB 2.0 480Mbps
FireWire 400 400Mbps

Thanks for the help!

 

[Metaltastic]

The thing with USB (both 1.1 and 2.0) is that it transfers data in packets and thus is prone to bottlenecking (and the 480 MBPS is by no means an average but rather a peak, whereas FW is a steady stream of data and thus is a lot more consistent). Honestly, I've heard pretty crappy things about the M-Audio 1814 (dying preamps, shoddy construction, etc.), so I'd be wary of the Profire 610 (which seems to be its successor of sorts) - the Focusrite Saffire LE seems to be the best bet around the $300 price range IMO! (or my beloved Onyx Satellite for ~$150 if you can deal with only two simultaneous inputs and no SPDIF)

 

[John_C]

most people here say firewire>USB. Flat out speed isn't everything it seems

 

[Metaltastic]

Also, since this thread, I've been seriously GAS'ing for a TC Electronic Konnekt 24D (man that's a mouthful), though you'll wanna read over the whole thread to get the lowdown, cuz it's a bit risky (though personally I'm willing to take it...once I get money )

 

[2000ContourSVT]

I have the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra. It works fine for me. The preamps are pretty weak, but they are pretty low noise even when cranked. I've recorded 6 tracks at once with it and have had no problems so far. Lot's of people in the reviews I looked at said that the drivers weren't good but I have had no problems with the drivers on Mac OS 10.5.6. It also is compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered. Personally, I would take the Fast Track Ultra over any of the USB Digidesign interfaces.

USB sends data packets in short bursts where as Firewire sends data continuously which is why people usually recommend Firewire over USB 2.0 for audio and video work.

 

[LosingReality]

Also, since this thread, I've been seriously GAS'ing for a TC Electronic Konnekt 24D (man that's a mouthful), though you'll wanna read over the whole thread to get the lowdown, cuz it's a bit risky (though personally I'm willing to take it...once I get money )

I read the thread and i just noticed it has driver issues. But ive noticed most all Interfaces have issues....right?

Am i missing somthing in that thread?

 

[KeithTidd]

i had the 610 for a few weeks. It had really good conversion, but the pre's were still meh. i only tried them on DI bass, miced gtr/acoustic gtr. The di was super clean sounding. It also felt pretty sturdy. If it wasn't for the fact that i needed pt8 to use it, i probably would have kept it.

 

[Metaltastic]

Am i missing somthing in that thread?

Mainly the fact that it's the cheapest ADAT-equipped interface, as well as the fact that its converters ran with RME in a blind test

 

[LosingReality]

Mainly the fact that it's the cheapest ADAT-equipped interface, as well as the fact that its converters ran with RME in a blind test

Yea but you said somthing about a risk.....

 

[Metaltastic]

Hell yeee, they do make good shit don't they? I had my eye on it for a while, and then I heard of all the driver issues. Maybe They are resolved now, I'll have to check again...

lol ok i just did a quick google.ca and people still seem to be having problems with em : http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1614053&page=65

Maybe, but you could always get one and return it if it didn't work! And I'd imagine it'd have better pres and converters than any other ADAT-equipped interface beneath $800!

EDIT: Just read those posts though, eek

Duudde! I just found a shootout between the Konnect 24d and a fireface : http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/104691-konnekt-vs-fireface-400-a.html

And here it is A/B'ed against a gold mic: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/105613-konnekt-preamp-vs-spl-goldmike.html

Veryy interesting resultss.

I'm tempted to buy one and try it on my machine and then just return it if it craps out.

Guitarded, interesting threads - I figure if you buy new and see if you get it from a place that offers one of those ridiculously extended warranties, it'd be a good bet!

That oughta cover it

 

[LosingReality]

^ thanks dude.

So sweet water offers a return on it? No questions?

 

[Metaltastic]

Hmm, well that I can't be certain on, but they've always prided themselves on their customer service (and I've had great experiences buying stuff from 'em), so I'd say it's likely! I'd still recommend calling beforehand to get the full lowdown though...