Connecting and Using a Firewire Audio Interface

A FireWire audio interface is a computer-based music production solution for digital recording systems. It consists of a device where instruments can be plugged into, as well as software that provides the user with an interface in which to control music production using a computer. The software bundled with the device is compatible with either MAC or Windows operating system.

The Interface

The interface has two inputs for analog audio. Microphones or musical instruments, such as guitars, can be connected directly to these inputs. The inputs are either in XLR or TRS connections. As soon as the audio signals travels from the instrument to the interface, it is automatically converted from analog to digital since computers can only interpret digital signals. The audio produced can be monitored by using headphones or speakers.

Installing the Software

In order to use the system, the user has to install the accompanying software into the computer first. Before installation, check if the computer meets all minimum requirements. Windows requirements include Windows XP or higher operating system, Pentium IV or higher processor, 512MB RAM, and at least 30MB free disk space. For Mac users, OS X 10.3.9 or higher operating system, 512MB RAM, G3 processor or higher, and at least 35MB free disk space. Follow the installation procedures provided by the manufacturer during installation. The software and installation guide should be found in the installation disk.

Connecting the Firewire Audio Interface 

Ensure that the knobs in the device are all turned down to avoid any surprises. At the back of the device, locate the input jacks. Connect the microphones to the jacks using the correct input connector. Connect the instruments to the input jacks as well using either XLR or TRS connectors. The instrument can be connected to a preamp before it gets connected to the device.

To connect an amplifier or speaker to the device, locate the monitor jack at the back panel of the interface and plug the connecting cable. To listen to the audio using headphones, connect it to the phones jack. As soon as all connections are secured, connect the FireWire to a computer using the cable provided by the manufacturer.

Using the Interface

In order to use the system, turn on the computer and open the software application. Select FireWire as the audio device for both audio input and output. There are basically two modes of operation when using the interface, the True 6-output Mode and the Mirror Mode. The mirror mode is the default operation mode where two audio streams coming from software are sent back to device and are mirrored to the S/PDIF out, Monitor out, or Phones out. The audio streams can then be transferred to a recorder connected to the S/PDIF out and mixed together to produce the final music product.

The True 6-output mode is used to return 6 audio streams from the software to the device and out into the output devices. This is useful if you want to mix six audio streams instead of two. Take note that changing from mirror mode to this mode is irreversible.