audio interface vs. USB/FireWire Mixers

Can a Mixing console with USB or FireWire eliminate the need for a stand alone audio interface to my computer?

I've been looking at the Allen & Heath ZED mixers, Alesis MultiMix w/ USB, Yamaha with USB
vs.
the MBOX2, Lexicon Omega, M-Audio interfaces, etc...


thanks,

jt

kungfupimp wrote:Can a Mixing console with USB or FireWire eliminate the need for a stand alone audio interface to my computer?

Yes but dont even bother with a USB interface/mixer. Make sure its firewire.

thanks , i like the straight forward advice


i'm guessing the USB is a bit slow for transferring music data?

respect_mbs wrote:

kungfupimp wrote:Can a Mixing console with USB or FireWire eliminate the need for a stand alone audio interface to my computer?

Yes but dont even bother with a USB interface/mixer. Make sure its firewire.

Why?

kungfupimp wrote:thanks , i like the straight forward advice


i'm guessing the USB is a bit slow for transferring music data?

yes. i just learned this as of a few days ago. i copped a lil behringer usb joint just to hold me down for a bit and that shit is slow. it can be worked around but its annoying.

GRMM D wrote:

kungfupimp wrote:thanks , i like the straight forward advice


i'm guessing the USB is a bit slow for transferring music data?

yes. i just learned this as of a few days ago. i copped a lil behringer usb joint just to hold me down for a bit and that **** is slow. it can be worked around but its annoying.

How old are you guys' computers? Usually usb 2.0 yields some half decent results for music. But if your machine is a little old and it's utilizing usb 1.1, then that would answer the question of why performance levels may seem to be below par.

But supposedly, usb 3.0 which has a transfer rate of up to 4.8 gbits/sec, is slated to be in production by 2010.

I have a Yamaha Usb mixer... doesnt have any delay or slow rate of transfering..

well if money is not an issue.. I would say go with firewire 800 (the current fastest bandwidth)

But out of the brands you listed (not that I tried each of those units) I suggest the allan and heath specifically for it's wrap sheet of being good quality. I have never heard anything negative about them.