M-Audio FireWire 410 4-In / 10-Out FireWire Mobile Recording Interface
Manufacturer: M-Audio
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price:$399.99
Our Price:$269.00
Features: -
On-board ASIO 2 compliant mixer and software control panel provide total routing flexibility -- including monitoring with external effects
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Ultra-low latency software monitoring and zero-latency hardware direct monitoring
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Two headphone outs with independent level controls
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Can be completely bus-powered for totally mobile operation
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2-In / 8-Out 24-bit analog I/O
Description:
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Reviews:
Stay far away!
First, the good things about this interface:
When it's working, it is a great unit. Sound is clean, and I love all the inputs and outputs. The software is pretty good, and gives you a lot of options for routing and tweaking. Notice I said the software is good, not the drivers.
The Bad:
As I said, "when it's working", which is actually not very often. If you plan to dual-boot between Mac and Windows, forget this unit. Every time you boot into OSX, it will pause to upgrade the firmware, then you have about a 50/50 chance of it working, and if it doesn't, you'll have to reboot. Then, you have about an 80/20 chance of it working. When you boot into Windows again later, it probably won't get recognized. You'll be greeted with a flashing blue light that says the unit won't connect. Then you have to reboot. If you're lucky, it will actually work on the second or third reboot into Windows. Are you starting to get the picture?
Now, with most units, this wouldn't be a big problem. You could just unplug it and replug it, and the computer would recognize it. Except that if you "hot-plug" the 410, meaning plug it in while the computer is running, you will most likely fry your firewire port, making it inoperable for ANY firewire device. Check the support documents on M-Audio's site and you'll see that they know about this issue, and they warn you against it.
So now we have a unit that not only won't connect about 50-70% of the time, but you can't unplug and replug it, which is the most common fix for this problem. Sounds like a winning combination, doesn't it?
As if this wasn't enough fun, I just started having an issue where Logic seems to disconnect this unit altogether. Whenever I try to play anything in Logic, the unit disconnects, and no audio will play in ANY program from that point on. This COULD be a problem with Logic, and it could be something I did, but given this unit's reputation for problems, I'm inclined to place the blame there.
M-Audio's quality used to be pretty good, but in the last few years, they just can't get their act together at all. Drivers are terrible, they STILL don't have Vista drivers for most of the products over a year later, and their products seem to just get cheaper and cheaper all the time.
Stay far away from this unit. Don't be lured in by the extra outputs. You can get much better quality for the same price, and if you need all the outputs, just spend a little more for a better brand.
Good for the price
This healthy, relative card the better thing that you can find to this
price. The driver it can be better, but the relative approval. With
for M.-fed tools it the job hardly appreciate all the Mbox, 002 or 003
only torment but with 2 immessi. Really relative task a great
interface.
Not as bad for Mac users as what other reviews say
I've used my 410 on two different Macbooks (with different processor speeds) and a Macbook Pro and haven't had any problems at all. Just make sure to install the drivers from the M-Audio website and not the ones that come with the installation cd. I can't speak for older Macs though.
good card when it works
I got this card about 2 weeks ago, to use with music software. I use mostly Protools M-powered and Finale. The card is excellent when it works, but it is the buggiest hardware I have ever used. Sometimes it does not turn on when I start the computer. This requires shutting down, unplugging everything from the card, and restarting the computer. There are alot of excellent cards out there, I would recomend getting a different one than this.
Be careful
If bought fireWire 410 - it is perceived that the device is not a
device compliant of firewire exchangeable warmth. If you d3connecter
it while your calculating is on you base the probability to damage
your orifice of firewire. I have jumped towards the outside mines
while I initially tried to install it. definately recomend that it
remains via from this product.
This product is a bit of a pain
I bought this thing about a month ago since it seemed perfect for my needs (portable, multiple outs, mic pre-amps and compatibility with ProTools). Unfortunately I regret it every time I use it. I've heard the stories from Mac users having problems but I'm a PC user and am experiencing them as well. As I speak the little signal light is on for no good reason and seems to be stuck.
First off, the device has no OS pre-loaded. It's loaded when you start up Windows/OSX and this in itself causes problems. I spend a good deal of time unplugging, turning on/off the unit trying to get it to unload it's OS so you can reload it and your computer can see it (this is also why it's not compatible with Linux and never will be).
One big annoyance with this unit is it's constant blinking (super bright) blue LED when the unit is off. This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. When it's off it shouldn't be screaming at you I think. I use it in my bedroom so I always have to unplug it in addition to powering off. Which seems to be better anyway as every time I leave it powered on and shut down my computer I have to go through a unplug-turn-on/off ritual to get it recognized again.
The drivers are also pretty horrible. I upgraded my drivers to the latest version after it was recommended and now every time I try to turn the volume up or down the M-Audio control panel freezes. Anyway the whole things saddens me.
I think I should have tried the Presonus FBOX 6X10 Firewire Recording Interface instead.
On the other hand, when it does work, I'm using Windows, and I don't have to change the volume the sound quality is good, the portability is nice and I'm enjoying the ten outs.
Not too bad
I have this interface connected from my calculating to my domestic
theatre, via the optical sound. It seems to make the trick. To have
exited multiple is enough accurate also, however I have still not
calculated towards the outside like using them all. Perhaps relative
laziness the just one from the reading of the handbook. I am using the
second one taken of the cap like produced additional loudspeaker that
it leaves it to control the right of the volume outside of the
interface. From the installation of the this device, my Midi to the
usb still works. Assigned I could couple the Midi right through the
interface, but if aint the shelter were broken off not. The recording
of the vocals is good also. I was recording straight through the
postcard previous base. Like terrible bleeding that was. This resolved
device that problem. The blue light of the LED is REALLY luminous and
the care because the acceca:o) that the gain controls on the device
are large. You can really crawl the volume in on with it. Nizza. The
technical support was moreover a lot courteous and useful. I was on
the grip in order a moment enough however.
very handy
i just got this to be able to route audio through something other than on board audio. it works very nice, practically installed drivers/software, plugged it in, and started jammin away.
it has many features, and enough of them to keep you busy. The audio sounds super crisp and is delivered very clear.
im not much of a reviewer, but in regards to how many firewire audio interfaces are out there to choose from, this one was competing with 4 other units, and I dont regret my choice with it.
I owned two and they were a royal pain in the @$$
I have had two different units (and I approach to a third party for a
short period), I have used them with three different computers (all
the macs: a PowerMac G4, PowerMac G5 and a PowerBook G4) and I have
had cargos of the problems with every configuration. The units were a
po temperamental and to times I have had to recommence the calculating
in order to convince them to work correctly. Like pointed out in other
starter shafts, these units are not warmth-hot-pluggable and making so
as to they could render the calculating, the FW410, or possibly other
devices connect you you of permanent firewire inabilita to you. That
is especially a problem since the cables of firewire do not have
mechanism to block on the place -- like the inch lives -- and can easy
accidentally be d3connectered. I have called M.-M-Audio and they have
really tried to scrollare the shoulders outside this like if it were
great transaction even if the FW410 comes with a self-sticking paper
of urgent warning that covers the orificii of firewire that it says
you not to the warm thorn. In fact, I know personally of a calculating
where the logic edge was fried had the FW410 that disconnected and is
plugged behind within while the calculating was over. Moreover the
tendency of FW410' is pointed out in other starter shafts s not to
play with other devices you of firewire well, especially dispositive
you of firewire 800. I can attest to this. On my PowerMac G5, I have
had the FW410 poichè the only device on the bus and on I of firewire
400 bus FW800 has had a drive of inserted Iomega FW. Everytime would
recommence my calculating that I would have to make sure that I have
extinguished my loudspeakers because of strong cracking and
scattantesi noises that would happen when the drive of Iomega has been
inserted. They are not really good to remember itself of the things
like that one and I they believe that this is that what has jumped one
of my video feeds BX5a to you M.-Audio (than, on purpose, I
appreciate). In order to support my calculating to the drive of
Iomega, I would have to close my calculating outside, d3connecter the
FW410, therefore I recommence my calculating and support. Otherwise, I
would obtain those the noises cracking and scattantesi horrendous (and
strong), or the FW410 would be disabled and would have to recommence
however in order to obtain it behind. Probabilmentesiete wondering
iete wondering why I have had two of these units. Well, that first one
has been transformato in in arrested operation and, fortunately, it
was under the guarantee and M.-Audio transmitted new (benchè pits to
me without music for over a month). I have thought that my problems
could have had a defective unit but that second one was not more best.
I have had all the described problems previously (and others... yes,
were more) with different versions of the driver (until 1.8.1) also
after the reinstallazione of driver the many times. I have always
thought that the problems were right my putting to point until that
you did not make more search. I would have to specify that I am using
the macs and all can work perfectly with the PC, YMMV. Possessing
other M.-Audio products (the video feeds BX5a to you sopraccennati
and anM.-Audio keyboard) and I they have not had problem with neanche
of those. One what that I have not appreciate approximately M.-Audio
is that their technical support has made it to seem like I was the
ONLY customer who is having problems with this product. As far as my
FW410, you can try them on eBay (is only one brace of the months). To
this point, I have d3connectered hardly the FW410 because they are in
the fear for my system. After ulterior search, probably I am going to
buy a firebox of PreSonus. This unit seems to work gushes with the
macs, is pluggable warm and six input simultaneous they are possible
various of the FW410 in which only two input simultaneous they are
possible (in spite of the name).
Good features for the price, but driver software may need touching up
I have bought this device because of the relative price and is
regulated to characteristic-me. To have the option of operation of the
tools for (M.-Alimentato) it made part of the appeal. I have not
verified all the line outs or the orificii of S/PDIF, but over the
last months of the braces all otherwise up to now it has worked very
well. I have not tried to for means of the adapter of feeding one,
since the mine is fed via firewire. The input front and posterior they
cannot be used simultaneously (I have known this once bought it), but
it would be a great improvement. M.-Audio perceives in order not to
couple itself in firewire chetappa with this unit. I have felt to
speak about this with other devices you of firewire (without warnings
of the supplier) from other musicians, so as to I do not have problem
with this council. The only thing that has need of the improvement is
the software of the driver. It
* never * cargos after a loading of the cold, single system after that
a loading of the warm system (riavviamento). Moreover, brace of my
preferred regulations still seems unset one (even if * look
* as they are regulated) after that determined applications has used
it, than I have not seen documented, so as to I presuppose that this
is a bug. That could be because I make it to connect to the
calculating through a ship-boy of firewire. Various of the interfaces
of Digidesign, it allows that several applications use the relative
characteristics simultaneously, than the interfaces of Digidesign
allow only when for tools it is not working and even then in a way in
some simplistic way. However, I have found the driver of the
Digidesign for their interfaces are enough stable. They are RIGHT with
the alternation. driver Cliff-solid and the simultaneous use of input
front and posterior it would earn five stars.
No Vista Drivers
MODERNIZATION: Hour they have a driver of the SIGHT. It is "marked
BETA" but it seems to work.
Firewire 410
The article de Nizza helps to produce it music in many different
senses and adds to mine other programs of the recording!!
Doesn't work with a MAC
It works for a little while, then al the sound goes dead. Reboot. Same thing, might work for a minute or two, then it goes quiet. When on the internet and found a lot of horror stories about trying to run this thing on a mac. Wish I would have done more homework before spending my money. No response from customer service or the retailer (Electronica Direct). I plan to go see the M-Audio people at the Namm show and raise hell.
Excellent for recoding in a home-studio setup
Easy to install - a single cable of firewire servants is from group of
feeding for the device that like beacon-exchanges means. It more has 4
mono/2 input stereos and exited that I really have need of. Mine
guitar it is connected to 2 of the input in the posterior part (after
to have gone with a great selection processor in real time of it marks
them of the lessico and Roland/Boss) and mine synth breeze in order to
control it with the series of sonar of Cakewalk (successive versions
like 5 or 6 is connected to the others two Is one) through the ASIO
interface. Not a large fan of the Midi-style recording, so as to I ago
one huge amount of recording of shape of wave from mine synth of
Fantom XA with the 410 M.-Audio. The healthy quality is simply
narcotic. In ASIO the regulations paginano, give to the device amount
of dimension of the memory of I/O transit enough and you will not have
crackles or cracks to 24-bit 96kHz (also that it avoids the feared
interruptions procedure of sonar). My dimension of the transit memory
is regulated to 2MB (has a table 4GB with the CPU of double-nucleus
3.40MHz). The more well $250 that I have spold lately.
Misleading! Really 2IN not 4
I appreciate M.-Audio but to declare this box has it 4IN is
deceptive. You can only use 2 input to the time. That one would really
have to be declared clearly - lamè.
ideal for home studios seeking professional sound
This unit has quite a remarkable price/performance ratio. Sure, Pro Tools HD will show this thing who's boss, but at this price, this little dude demands to be heard. I recently added some Rokit RP5s to go along with the 410 (along with a pair of Audio-Technica M40fs headphones to match the RP5s), and the results are astounding. DVD-Audio (Metallica's Black album in this case) sounded amazingly clear and warm and rich, with none of the digital harshness (ugly sounding highs with lows often too overpowering) that frequently accompany more mainstream consumer-level audio products. Software synths like Native Instruments' Absynth or Steinberg's Hypersonic sound extremely realistic and very deep. All the smallest details can be heard. Heavy distortion or clean tones transfer beautifully to software like Cubase. For under $1000, you can have a private studio with audio quality only dreamed of a few years ago.
A few things to be aware of - a fast hard drive and a fast computer in general with lots of RAM are pretty much a requirement to get the most out of the 410. Also, be prepared to fork over some more cash for studio monitors (at the very least, a nice pair of headphones, otherwise you're kinda defeating the purpose of the 410).
One of the best purchases I've made!!
??POP - POP - POP??
I have had to also crack continuous, but it is not the defect of
firewire 410' s and can easy be avoided. I have had my to firewire 410
to be based to right close to mine router of Linksys and was obtaining
not to come cracking of arrest through the loudspeakers and my
recordings. To crack has been arrested when I have moves them to you
of approximately 2-3 feet beyond to vicissitude. Perhaps it has
something to make with marks them of WiFi. I am using a PC of the
table. If been using a laptop with a modem/WiFi inner, one makes sure
that you do not have your to firewire 410 to be based close to right
to yours laptop or probably you will have the same problem. As far as
the customers desktop... I have bought some cables longer than
Ethernet and that I have moved mine router approximately 15ft via from
my system hardly in order making sure that I do not have other
problems. If still been having problems cracking or of stutter,
controls your latent state that rule in the driver. Rules the state
latent to the defect (256) or greater until that you do not have a
more powerful calculating that can handle to the latent states more
bottoms. Moreover I have felt the horror history approximately the
driver. It seems that the greater part of this history of horror came
from the customers of the mac. I use the PC and all it seems solid
being of the cliff. One or the other sense, makes sure you hardly to
have the last ones driver from M-Audio(dot)com. Task that driver the
currents can resolve editions of the mac. In a generalized manner,
pleasant one for the price is an interface much. It cleans up to go
healthy within and outside. I am using this mainly for the narrating
video. They have been torn between this interface and the firebox of
Presonus. Moreover I was watching the products of Tascam. Finally I
have decided on this firewire 410. I will not say null defective
approximately the others because I do not have they some personal
experience. I will say, however, that a lot I have satisfied with my
decision. On a famous end, I have called the technical support in
order to make some questions. I have had to attend on the grip the
minute approximately 15-20 in order to speak with someone, but, kind
and they were informed.
Pop, pop, pop!!!!!!
I wish that it was the title it of new song that I had recorded hardly
but it is not Is the sound that continuous to obtain itself, on this
sesion of length of the week recording, I was making. I could not
understand that what the problem was. Hour I must make it once again,
are made tic tac outside and approximately going to give a earfull to
the people that have sold it this part.
Your computer's limitations are your computer's limitations
Many of the negative reviews of the Firewire 410 posted are in my opinion symptoms of the purchaser's computers' limitations. Many factors can affect the "performance" of a digital audio interface. I'm no expert, but I have a good aptitude for reading manuals, and a good aptitude for the general properties of digital audio. Latency and lack of memory issues can be demonstrated by symptoms of popping, and crackles in a recorded track with any interface, USB or Firewire. Often it's a matter of setting the correct buffer size in the recording software or adding memory that can help avoid this issue. A deficit in memory can cause freeze-ups and anomalys in the final tracks. I would be inclined to believe that many of the complaints about this product could be fixed if folks understood the limits of their computers that they plug these interfaces into. It only amplifies these issues when you are utilizing a firewire (faster) interface to record music. The computer can't keep up. I have purchased the M-Audio Firewire 410 and found it to demonstrate all of these symptoms reviewers have described, except I was able to resolve the issues. I benchmarked my own computers' limitations and got back to reality that just because I spent $299 for an interface that it isn't a cure-all for recording the perfect track. So I can confidently say that IF you have a computer that meets the minimum requirements have a good knowledge of the properties of digital audio (Know what latency is, have enough memory, and how to adjust your buffer size), this interface performs superb. An analogy would be if you painted a rock, it may look good. It's still a rock. you can't buy something that will compensate for a lack of knowledge of digital audio and poor computing performance. this product may only amplify the shortcomings mentioned above, mainly because it performs better than a soundcard. Step out of the box, M-audio has partnered with Pro Tools. Most things you hear in the mainstream media were produced with Pro Tools. Get it?
Unreliable.
I have convinced this interface in order to play the exposures in
tension with my group of the synthpop. I have used the abundance of
other interfaces of the recording and have repaired they the problems
countless with, but the problems with this interface seem to be
unfixable. It knows and the crackles to you of the audio. To times the
unit will stop to work in means of the performances. I must recommence
the calculating in order to repair it. I have not felt to speak to
this problem in whichever other place, but I extract the buzzes
strongly always my accesses of laptop the hard drive. It resembles
some people does not have problems with this interface, but it is
definitively a game. That is the only part of equipment that M.-Audio
I have never had a problem with.
Great feature set but risky investment
Feature:
Feature set is also pretty good. Mic preamp has 66db of gain which is exactly what you need for those ribbon mics. Has a pad and twin headphone jacks as well.
Quality:
Although the physical quality of the product was great, I had problems with the drivers. For a while the 410 recorded fine but then Cubase seemed to loose sync with the box. When I created a new project everything worked fine but then I noticed after saving it a few times the project would make the sound card stop responding. I played with this for a while and just gave up and returned it. Personnally I think that it was just the firewire connection that was flacky and not the card itself. If you are tempted to buy this, make sure you can return it in case your computer's firewire isn't up to the challenge.
Value:
Feature set is great but the firewire side is just not reliable. I'm sure my problems weren't 100% the 410's fault but M-Audio shouldn't be selling these things if its not willing to support and diagnose problems that arise. I would have been much happier with the product if it had some log file that just said "Firewire card failure" or "IRQ failure". Instead I wasted a lot of time failing to diagnose what was wrong.
Desirability:
Nice looking product.
Sound:
I don't have a "pro" setup but as far as i could tell the card sounded great when it worked with my AT3035 mic. No complaints here.
Support:
They responded to my initial email with a generic "IRQ conflict" answer. I sent them my system information which clearly indicated that the firewire connection was not sharing a connection and I never got a replay after that. They just gave up on me.
Overall:
Feature set is good. Like I said, I don't know if my problems were specific to this card or firewire in general. However, I tried it on two machines and they both had the same problem. I ended up returning mine and am now waiting for a gina 3d in the mail. The product is great when it works, if you are feeling lucky than give it a go.
They seem to have fixed whatever issues there were
This unit is large. Hour I have had it for 2 hours and can: Face to
completely work for tools * while * the audio one working of nucleus
with other programs of the audio simultaneously and without problems.
It leaves from nothing. Those means, if I am playing the audio through
the incorporated taken one of the cap of mine powerbook and insert
this, the audio will bounce automatically over to it without
interruption. Graceful impressive. People can protest approximately
the driver, but I have not never used therefore elegant part of
implantations (tiger of OS X of the mac of the famous one)
A very decent affordable multi-function box
terrible compatibility with other firewire devices
I have had this unit for 2 years and they have never completely not
been satisfied with the relative possible employment job with the mac
and laptops and firewire of the PC guides in the generation the video
and of the qualche.cosa audio inserted yours orificii of firewire
except the 410 it will cause the errors of driver. the m.-audio has
known approximately the conflicts with the 410 and using the orificii
of firewire 800 of the mac for the years and they have not made
nothing to make up for the problem on the PC of driver of will the
punk mysteriously outside in means of one session. my experience with
the customer support was a sure one blather approximately "the
complexity of the soundcards professional". savings she the moneies
and the headaches and invest in an other unit.
Beware Mac Users
I bought this soundcard and have been wrestling with the drivers non-stop for two months... nothing seems to work. Crackles and a high level of whitenoise in the background.
Tech Support responds very courteously and quickly, however, their advice is to reinstall the drivers... Gee who would have thought of that. I've only done that about 100 times... Sometimes the meters on the driver interface are dancing wildly when no sound is going through it... Sometimes when I reinstall the meters behave normally. That's the only thing "fixed" by reinstalling - however the fix is always temporary...
I get the impression that the tech support knows that there are some problems with the driver and with the unit. Hot swapping has blown a lot of firewire boards - including mine (replaced it and now I never hotswap).
I have had nothing but problems - my ipod's system software is trashed if ever I plug it into the firewire port beside the 410. It took me three times to realize that the problem was the 410 not the iPod. This was just salt in the wound... Solution from Tech support - "don't plug an Ipod OR ANYTHING ELSE into the firewire port if the 410 is plugged in also. But, whatever you do, don't hot swap the 410 or it could blow your board!" Thanks a lot. So I have to shutdown. Unplug the 410, plug in the iPod and restart just to sync my iPod... so much for the convenience of firewire.
Tested the 410 in my powerbook in an attempt to isolate the problem... bad idea. Now my once rock solid powerbook doesn't recognize the firewire card and the wireless PC card would not talk to the airport base station. Solution: reset basestation, clean reinstall system software to reinstall drivers for the PC cards (native to OS 10.3). Thanks alot.
I have read reports of people having problems with this unit. It only seemed like a fraction. I hoped I wouldn't be one. I am.
If I had a G5 that was dedicated to music, I bet I could get this soundcard to work great. But, unfortunately, I have a G4 (maxed out with RAM and the hottest processor I can put in it). And I use it for writing, photos, video, games AND music.
For any mac user who is not making a dedicated music work station, I would highly recommend that you steer well clear of the 410 and of M-audio products just to be safe. There are other options out there that don't have the same problems.
terrible compatibility problems, terrible support
m-audio does not have forums on their site. there is a reason. their drivers are unreliable and highly incompatible.
absolutely refuse to provide any documentation nor do they accept returns.
if you value the stability of your computer, stay clear. stay well clear
M-Audio Firewire 410 - Versatile & Powerful yet Power-Hungry
This is an excellent audio interface for the money if you already have a firewire card. However, on my Mac it would not operate on the same bus as other firewire devices. To run firewire hard drives or DVD burners while using the Firewire 410, it may be necessary to purchase a separate firewire card, or perhaps a faster Firewire 800 card would allow all devices to operate on the same bus.
That said, the Firwire 410 is a stable and speedy alternative to slow USB and outdated PCI devices. The eight analog outs allow for multitrack monitoring and surround sound editing, while the two analog ins provide the opportunity for high quality recording. (Although there are four analog in jacks, you can only use two of them at any one time.)
The digital coax and optical outs will drive 5.1 surround and beyond while watching DVDs, and the ins allow for pure digital input. Throw in a midi in and out, as well as two headphone jacks with separate level controls, and you've got a versatile and portable interface for a fraction of the cost of higher end firewire devices from Motu and Digidesign.
Amazingly, it can also be used without a computer for live recording. My only pet peeve is the very bright blue power indicator which flashes on and off when it is turned on without a firewire cable connected, or when the firewire connection is lost. For mobile recording in a club setting, a bright flashing blue light is not desirable. Some concertgoers may have flashbacks to blue light specials of their youth or think the cops are coming. Seriously, if it bothers you, you can always stick a piece of electrical tape over it. I've had mine a couple of weeks, and have only used it with the computer, but I highly recommend it.
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--end of M-Audio FireWire 410 4-In / 10-Out FireWire Mobile Recording Interface