Apple Final Cut Pro 6 - Manual (Page 191)

190 Part III Setting Up Your Editing System
USB Audio Interfaces
There are a wide variety of USB audio interfaces available. Most support two or four audio
channels at one time. USB audio interfaces vary in quality considerably, so take some
time to research before you purchase. The connectors on USB interfaces vary; some
interfaces have RCA connectors and others have both XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors.
Very inexpensive USB audio interfaces may have only a stereo miniplug connector.
Make sure you don’t exceed the total bandwidth of the USB bus by connecting too
many devices. USB 1.1 has a fairly low data rate, so be careful not to add too many
USB items to the bus. Also, USB hubs can potentially cause audio problems. If you are
having audio problems with a USB interface connected to a hub, try removing
USB devices and eliminating the hub from the connection.
USB 2.0 audio interfaces are also available. Because USB 2.0 devices can handle high
data rates (similar to FireWire 400), you can treat them similarly to FireWire audio
interfaces (described below).
FireWire for Digital Audio
As an alternate to PCI cards, many manufacturers now offer audio interfaces that
connect to your computer’s FireWire port. These are not DV devices, but merely devices
that use FireWire as a means of transferring digital audio data. FireWire interfaces are
more convenient to switch between computers than PCI cards, and they can be used
with both desktop and portable computers. A FireWire interface typically supports ten
or more inputs, and at least eight outputs.
Computer
USB
RCA connector (2)
Analog or digital VTR Audio interface
Computer Breakout box
FireWire 400
(6-pin)
XLR connector (2)
Analog or digital VTR