M-Audio & Edirol USB/FireWire/Optical Info, Reviews, Comparisons...

**sdashiki** · 02-19-2007, 11:32 AM

Well well well, time to dust off the ol' thinking cap and commence with a comparison for things I dont even own.

So here is YOUR chance to chime in on ideas, thoughts, comments or reviews of the following products. Anything worth adding I will post here, so you dont have to scroll thru the entire thread.

These are mostly for Mac Car users who wish to use the optical/USB/Firewire of the Mac Mini for their sound, as opposed to the line-out. These are all intended for audio recording, and not so much for actual audio passthrough like a pre-amp, but they can be treated as such.

M-Audio Co2

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converts between optical and coax S/PDIF
serves as a repeater to extend cable runs
TOSlink optical and coaxial digital inputs
TOSlink optical and coaxial digital outputs always active
transformer-isolated RCA jacks prevent system ground loops

The CO2 is a compact and rugged digital audio tool that converts S/PDIF signals from optical to coax and from coax to optical. Its 2-in, 2-out design allows the CO2 to operate as a full-duplex, bi-directional converter, or as a half-duplex converter with “thru” port—allowing it to work as both a converter and a repeater. The CO2 is also affordable enough that it’s easy to add several if needed.

Comments: cheap and small, takes optical from Mac Mini and converts to RCA for direct amp hookup. Needs external power source 9v

M-Audio Audiophile USB

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2 analog line in pairs
2 analog line outs w/ level knob
S/PDIF digital I/O w/ PCM, AC-3 and DTS support

Audiophile USB is a compact audio and MIDI interface that builds on the success of our popular Audiophile 2496. AC-powered components allow Audiophile USB to deliver some of the best fidelity, frequency response, dynamic range and noise specs available in a USB interface. You also get digital I/O for pristine transfers, as well as the ability to pass AC-3 and DTS surround sound signals.

Comments: USB, optical and RCA inputs/outputs. un-needed MIDI and 1/4" jacks, unless you want a mobile recording studio. AC powered. External volume knob.

M-Audio - FireWire Audiophile 4/6

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4 x 6 24-bit/96kHz I/O
S/PDIF digital I/O w/ PCM, AC-3, and DTS support
flexible software-controlled mixing
momentary A/B source monitoring switch
1 x 1 16-channel MIDI I/O

FireWire Audiophile is a compact, FireWire-compatible audio/MIDI interface that takes the legacy of M-Audio’s award-winning Audiophile line to the next level. 4 x 6 audio I/O combines with powerful on-board mixing in a mobile package that’s perfect for live performance, home recording, and digital DJ work. You also get zero-latency hardware direct monitoring, ultra-low latency ASIO software direct monitoring, and 1 x 1 MIDI I/O. FireWire Audiophile even has AC-3 and DTS passthrough for surround sound playback.

Comments: external volume knob software adjustable, Firewire powered, un-needed MIDI I/O, optical and RCA inputs, FOUR RCA outputs

Edirol UA-1EX USB Audio Interface

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Up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio quality
ASIO 2.0 (Win/Mac), WDM (Win2000/XP), CoreAudio (Mac OS X) compatibility
Zero latency, direct monitoring
USB powered, AC adaptor not required
RCA pin (L/R) in & out
1/8" phone type S/PDIF optical in & out
1/8" headphone jack and independent volume control
Audio I/O signal indicators
Microphone input port for plug-in powered electret condenser type (stereo)
Input volume control
Sampling rate switch (32/44.1/48/96 kHz)
Supports both advanced and OS-standard drivers (Win/ Mac OS X), selected with ADVANCED DRIVER.

Comments: small, affordable, HIGH quality, external volume control

**sdashiki** · 02-19-2007, 09:18 PM

maybe this needs to move to another forum?

hardware?
audio?

**EnglandGreen** · 02-19-2007, 09:28 PM

Interesting. Thanks for posting. I have none of the above but I have been looking at the Roland (Edirol) as a possible solution to my Mac Mini carputer.

**pepsibobby** · 02-19-2007, 10:54 PM

its geared soley to macs so i dont think it needs to be moved.

**www.workingcars** · 02-20-2007, 04:40 AM

It is interesting as i was originally looking at uying digital amps so i could run straight out of the mac to the system.

But after a long think and alot of research and the fact that the nav couldn;t be run well on a mac, i decided it wasn't for me...

NOW i would definately consider it if i was going into it again...

Not too sure which i would use, but for simplicity and ease of use then it would probably be the Edirol, for the simple reason that no power is required except form usb so no wiring up an invertor just for that.... Lol

**DavC** · 02-20-2007, 05:44 AM

every single device there is just as compatable with a PC. I think this should be moved to the audio section for everyone to see.

**sdashiki** · 02-20-2007, 10:49 AM

IM leaning heavily to the M-Audio FireWire 4/6

FW powered, handy volume knob instead of a touchscreen volume control, and it has 4 channels out instead of the typical 2.

combined with a mac mini (or any FW capable pc) and an amp with internal crossovers, you are all set.

M-Audio being geared to MIDI stuff, kind of sucks for this application, but w/e I can jam in the car if I wanted to.

**kandyman676** · 02-20-2007, 11:10 PM

nah, let it stay here. not everything mac works with a PC and vise versa

**DavC** · 02-21-2007, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by kandyman676

nah, let it stay here. not everything mac works with a PC and vise versa

whats this? keep it for the mac community, or something?

whilst i appreciate the differences and compatablitiy issues between mac and PC hardware, I'd like you to identify just one of those devices which isn't fully compatible with a PC.

so tell me then, why isn't this in the general audio section (or even the hardware section as mentioned above) for all to see who are interested.

I'm not a mac user myself, haven't been for some years now (was pre osx days for me), so I don't tend to venture into the mac forum really, I found this by clicking the "new posts" link at the top of the page. there's some good info here that i think should be shared with everyone who has an interest in it.

**monsho** · 02-21-2007, 04:54 PM

I use the M-Audio Firewire 4/6 for live stuff, is a good bit of kit! powered through firewire, 4 outs, nice stable unit and decent sound. have had a few problems with it on the G5 in the studio though, needed to re-instal drivers a couple of times, but i think thats more to do with the build on the G5! works brilliantly on the laptops.

It is quite a big unit though to find a place in a car build...