I am out looking for a PC based external digital recorder and I had a hard time finding what I need. I narrowed down my choices to a firewire external device for the following reasons:
1- I need it to work on both Desktop and Laptop
2- I don’t like the USB connection because of its limited bandwidth when it comes to recording multiple tracks at a time.
3- PCI is not an option as I can’t use it for the laptop.

I was waiting for a while for the new M-Audio Firewire 410 to come out but I got discouraged when I found out that it has only 2 inputs (and 10 outputs!!!!!!!!!)
Then I came across this amazing product by PRESONUS, it’s called FIRESTATION and it has 8 IN – 8 OUT ; Preamps for 2 MIC’s ; S/PDIF ; Balanced ¼” and XLR ; 24/96 ; MIDI I/O ; and best of all, Firewire interface. http://www.presonus.com/html/products/firestation.html
I preferred this unit over the MOTU’s 828 and 896 because they don’t have MIDI I/O

Now, the problem I am having is the fact that this unit is using the new YAMAHA M-LAN Technology, which is basically a new technology for carrying both MIDI and Audio information through the same firewire cable (BTW, this is the new technology that is implemented in the new YAMAHA MOTIF and KORG TRITON). I heard from some friends that this technology is fairly new and not tested enough yet and causes your PC to become unstable.
Have any body had a chance to test this unit before? Did you guys hear about the new M-LAN technology to start with? Any input?

Thank you

Maged

Thank you...

I have it in the Motif but haven't tried it to this point. perhaps you could find out more about it on the Motifator site by going to http://www.motifator.com There is a very large and active forum over there and I'd bet if someone has tried it and had questions or issues you'll find some answers.

AJ

Thank you AJ
I just checked the MOTIF web site, it has a wealth of information in PDF format.
Thanks for the link...

Maged

Maged,
I would recommend you make some posts at www.audioforums.com under their PC soundcard
section. There seems to be a gold mine of
information there.
BTW, there is supposedly a whole batch of
firewire interfaces like the Presonus coming
out in the near future. One of them is
the M-audio "Firewire 410"(which will list for $499.00 USD).