OVERVIEW
FireWire 410 is a powerful audio/MIDI interface that features fast Firewire connection, flexibility, compact size and low price. FireWire 410's 4-in/10-out configuration complete with preamps is ideal for personal recording, studio quality monitoring, or routing discrete outputs to a mixer. The on-board mixer and software control panel provide total routing flexibility—including monitoring with external effects. You also get ultra-low latency software monitoring and near-zero latency hardware direct monitoring; and two headphone outs with independent level controls let you collaborate with a partner. FireWire 410 can even be completely bus-powered for total mobile operation.

USES
- high fidelity recording and output
- plug-in recording with pre-amps
- excellent for laptop/mobile use

FEATURES
24-bit/96kHz analog to digital converters: The FireWire 410 uses the highest quality components for digital audio conversion, insuring high quality recording and analog to digital transfers.

24-bit/192kHz digital to analog converter: New high-end audio formats such as DVD-Audio are delivering output at a stunning 192kHz sampling rate. If you're ready to take your critical listening up a level, FireWire 410's ability to output 24-bit/192kHz fidelity in stereo is a giant step up. You also get high-resolution 96kHz audio from all outputs simultaneously.

2 analog audio input channels: Two independent analog input channels accept a wide variety of input signals. A front-panel switch for each channel selects between 1/4" TS (-10dBV) line-level input on the rear and Neutrik (1/4" TS and balanced XLR) mic/instrument input on the front. Connect microphones, guitars, keyboards, samplers, CD players and more. The driver software allows you to route these internally to any analog or digital outputs.

8 analog audio outputs: The combination of eight 1/4" TS outputs and software-controlled routing and mixing yield a tremendous amount of flexibility. This design is equally suited for routing individual signals to separate channels on an external mixer or directly driving the components of a surround sound system. Any output pair can also produce high-definition 24-bit/192kHz signals for amazing sonic clarity.

Digital I/O: Two channels of S/PDIF in and out allow pristine transfers with other digital devices such as CD players, DATs and MiniDisc systems. The software control panel selects between rear-panel coaxial and TOSlink optical inputs, as well as which signals are routed simultaneously to both digital outs. Accompanying LEDs indicate valid data for both input and output. S/PDIF sample rates can either sync to external sources or operate at 44.1kHz, 48kHz or 96kHz.

Dual high-performance preamps: Each of the two input channels incorporates award-winning M-Audio microphone/instrument preamp technology—complete with +48-volt phantom power for condenser mics. They offer up to 48dB of gain for instruments like guitar and bass—and an amazing 66dB of gain for microphones. 20dB pads, as well as signal and clip LEDs on each channel also aid in adjusting proper input signal levels. These preamps simply sound great no matter what you connect to them. FireWire bus-powered operation means that you can record anywhere your laptop goes.

MIDI I/O: In addition to audio, FireWire 410 also features a built-in 1 x 1 MIDI interface. A bypass switch also allows throughput from MIDI In to MIDI Out , allowing you to maintain gear connections even while the computer is off or busy with non-musical tasks. The included drivers are compatible with most popular MIDI software for both Mac and Windows.

Dual headphone outputs: The combination of two 1/4" TSR headphone outputs allow you to easily compose, record and mix with a partner. The software control panel allows assignment of one or more sources to the headphones—perfect for producing in surround. Independent volume controls assure maximum flexibility and listening comfort.

OUR OPINION

The Firewire 410 was one of the first affordable and portable Firewire interfaces on the market. Coupled with its excellent features set and extreme flexibility, the Firewire 410 has become a mainstay for many home and portable studios. If you are a beginner or intermediate producer, don't let all the technical features scare you away, this is an excellent piece that you can grow into. For advanced producer, you'll like all the flexibility the Firewire 410 offers, an invaluable feature for the mobile producer.

- 4 x 10 FireWire audio interface with dual Firewire ports
- 2 x 8 24-bit/96kHz analog I/O
- 192kHz stereo out
- 2 mic/line ins w/ preamps and phantom power
- 8 line outs to mixer or direct surround output
- S/PDIF digital I/O w/ PCM, AC-3, and DTS support
- 1 x 1 MIDI I/O w/ bypass for stand-alone use
- low-latency software monitoring
- direct hardware monitoring
- dual headphone outputs with independent level controls
- plug or Firewire powered
- PC & MAC compatible

- includes Ableton Live Lite

reviewed by the mgmnt