Latency question when outputting to Firewire audio devices.. at DVinfo.net

Aaron Koolen · May 11th, 2005, 04:28 AM

Hi everyone. I'm wanting to replace my crappy soundblaster 16 (Don't laugh) and like the idea of an external interface that I could use for recording as well with a laptop if I need it. My main priority though is simple sound playback. So, when playing back video in Vegas, would I have some sort of latency going out firewire, to the box -> to my monitors or would audio and sound seem in sync.

Sounds like a weird question, but whenever I read about these devices people talk about all this latency that's in them. I know they're mainly talking recording but I'm interested to know if that's for simple playback too.

Cheers
Aaron

Douglas Spotted Eagle · May 11th, 2005, 07:09 AM

Any latency greater than 5ms is unacceptable on record, and you should experience no latency on playback, of course.
Most of the 2 channel USB cards will be fine, but all of the Firewire cards I've recently experienced are fine. Echo and M-Audio are my primary choices, unless you're in Apple land, and then the MOTU should be a consideration too.
I wouldn't worry much about latency, and latency is more related to your app these days, vs the driver.

Aaron Koolen · May 11th, 2005, 02:33 PM

Thanks Spot.

Aaron

Ryan Baker · May 12th, 2005, 09:53 AM

Spot,

What is your reason for not recommending MOTU on the PC?

Douglas Spotted Eagle · May 12th, 2005, 09:58 AM

MOTU has horrible tech support for PC, second, MOTU has always been "PC-second" and even as recently as NAB, I was told by a MOTU rep that "PC users aren't as numerous as Mac users." For MOTU that might be true, given that they've always had a strong Mac base. They develop on Mac, they are a primary partner for Apple, and their Mac drivers are rock solid. PC always takes a second seat, and that's fine, if that's their attitude and market direction. They build very fine products, and I can't say anything negative about the product itself. That said, there are lots of products that are aimed primarily at PC users that cross over to the Apple world as well, that sound just as good, in the same price points. The MOTU stuff surely is sexy looking though! :-)

Ryan Baker · May 12th, 2005, 11:00 AM

Spot,

Thanks for the insight on MOTU having an Apple dominated user base. The Traveler sure looks like a versatile and *sexy* product though :)

May 11th, 2005, 04:28 AM	#1
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	Latency question when outputting to Firewire audio devices.. Hi everyone. I'm wanting to replace my crappy soundblaster 16 (Don't laugh) and like the idea of an external interface that I could use for recording as well with a laptop if I need it. My main priority though is simple sound playback. So, when playing back video in Vegas, would I have some sort of latency going out firewire, to the box -> to my monitors or would audio and sound seem in sync. Sounds like a weird question, but whenever I read about these devices people talk about all this latency that's in them. I know they're mainly talking recording but I'm interested to know if that's for simple playback too. Cheers Aaron __________________ My Website Meat Free Media Last edited by Aaron Koolen; May 11th, 2005 at 05:08 AM.

May 11th, 2005, 07:09 AM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Any latency greater than 5ms is unacceptable on record, and you should experience no latency on playback, of course. Most of the 2 channel USB cards will be fine, but all of the Firewire cards I've recently experienced are fine. Echo and M-Audio are my primary choices, unless you're in Apple land, and then the MOTU should be a consideration too. I wouldn't worry much about latency, and latency is more related to your app these days, vs the driver. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

May 11th, 2005, 02:33 PM	#3
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	Thanks Spot. Aaron __________________ My Website Meat Free Media

May 12th, 2005, 09:58 AM	#5
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	MOTU has horrible tech support for PC, second, MOTU has always been "PC-second" and even as recently as NAB, I was told by a MOTU rep that "PC users aren't as numerous as Mac users." For MOTU that might be true, given that they've always had a strong Mac base. They develop on Mac, they are a primary partner for Apple, and their Mac drivers are rock solid. PC always takes a second seat, and that's fine, if that's their attitude and market direction. They build very fine products, and I can't say anything negative about the product itself. That said, there are lots of products that are aimed primarily at PC users that cross over to the Apple world as well, that sound just as good, in the same price points. The MOTU stuff surely is sexy looking though! :-) __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

May 12th, 2005, 09:53 AM	#4
Ryan Baker New Boot Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 24	Spot, What is your reason for not recommending MOTU on the PC?

May 12th, 2005, 11:00 AM	#6
Ryan Baker New Boot Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 24	Spot, Thanks for the insight on MOTU having an Apple dominated user base. The Traveler sure looks like a versatile and sexy product though :)