Laptop + Xite : a whole studio possible ?

[bill3107]

I have purchased a macbook pro ready to receive the Xite and I think a thread dealing with laptop solution can be intersting. According to forumq and friends, here is what I am planning to do :

1) MacBookPro : OS + audio software
2) 1 HD on FW400 for samples (VSL, stylus RMX)
3) 1 HD on FW800 for audio recordings, projects
4) Xite on the express card (fastest, "no" latency)

I am really happy that SC has chosen the express card while many audio companies (except Apogee) only make Firewire audio products. As it is DSP based, the Xite means power and a huge amount of data transfers so the express card is the fastest way .. Furthermore streaming samples can work very well on FW800/400 connections and external HD on firwire can work perfectly. And a DSP product deserves the best : express card ! And above all, a host of audio stuff seems to have problems with the new firewire (Agere) of the macbook pro so except if you have MBP made before nov2007 or a PC laptotp, buying firewire products (RME, Presonus forums talk about this firewire issue) is currently a bit risky. So an express card audio interface is the less risky option (soniccore or Apogee but may be there are other brands ?).

That's why I do think that the Xite (preamp+in/outs+plugins+power) + laptotp (here a macbook pro) may become a killing mobile DAW in 2008. The express card option is, to me, one of the most inoovative idea of Soniccore, really ... Even pro audio reviews has to face the truth : firewire dsp products (ex : TC power core) have to cope with latency problems. The express card way is just the fastest ...

I think I will get rid of my racked PC (to curb the Xite price ) and focus all my audio work on this mobile solution. Damn, that semms possible now ! So much power is just amazing but true .... This thread can help those who are looking for a mobile DAW too ! So please give your comments and experience ...

Jonathan

[at0m]

That indeed looks like a fantastic solution, but I wouldn't put all my eggs in that basket before I'd have some confirmation on how well that setup works. If it performs as advertised, you could put a project on the Xite containing all synths/fx/etc for a full gig, maybe even for a full band.

But the slightest little snag could render it all unstable - let's face it, not one report on it has been filed eh. If it works as well as stable as Scope, you have all reason to go for that mobile setup of course I'm amazed you already bought a macbook before the first reviews are out... Good luck

[bill3107]

yeah... Actually I needed a laptop and the droping prices of macbook pro (you get 2 firewire + the express card) makes it ideal for audio.... That's why I bought it. As for the Xite, i am really Xited but of course i am waiting for the release and the updated information.

As for gathering everything in one solution i agree... and desagree... I have found out that amazingly, the more gear you have the more problems you can get (especially when it comes to computer-based gear) : compatbility, powersupply, not enough connectors, etc .... The Xite will need the express card of my macbook pro, that's it : audio recording, and FX/synth , scope rooting.... That's very nice. I can use the 2 firewire ins for HD only ! That's why i focus my attention on the Xite.

All (almost ?) the RME and Presonus stuff use the firewire technology. So, if you want additional power (powercore X8, uad rack) - which will occur if the studio relies on a laptop - you have a "problem" as both audio interface and DSP racks use.... the firerwire interface !(they share the bandwidth). That might lead to troubles as reported in some forums. You need to be very carefull .... That's why i am vary Xited

[kylie]

All (almost ?) the RME [...] stuff use the firewire technology.

afair only the fireface (400 and 800) do actually firewire, everything else having an ieee1394 connector uses a proprietary protocol (like CW / S|C does with z-link, and motu with audiowire) over basic ieee1394.