hey all,

I'm wondering if it's possible to disable the internal soundcard in audio interfaces and use them just stand alone preamps? Because I'd like to use one right now with firewire or what ever and then use it with a pci soundcard and just use the interface as a preamp. Is this possible? I'm looking at this new unit from Focusrite. http://www.focusrite.com/productdetails.asp?id=63&iRange=5&view=specs

Thanks

Luke

Luke,

I don't really see what you're getting at. You wanna use the Saffire LE with the firewire out but using the AD converter of your soundcard? It doesn't work that way.

As for using the Saffire LE just as preamp, the answer to your question is yes it's possible. Just use one/two of the 8 analog outs and connect them to your pci card, just like you would any other preamp. But if you aren't going to use the AD/DA converters, why not get something else?

Hey Zygon,

What I'm getting at is, I'd like an interface to use right now,use it with the firewire and it;s software etc and it'll probably last me a good 2-3 years. But then after that when windows has a new operating system, I'd like to use it in the future, I just don't want something that i have to throw away after 3 years, especially something that costs $350. So I thought it'd be advantageous to then just buy a new pci card in the future, and use it with the interface and i don't know if i have to disable the soundcard in there, or how exactly it works. So how much functions of the saffire would be useable?

Could i still hook it to active monitors, and also have a working headphone out?

As far as I can tell you don't need a pci card at all. It's a pre and soundcard in one which you hook up to a firewire port on your pc. And I don't think the firewire standard will become obsolete anytime soon.

As for specifics, check the manual, I'm guessing the answer to your question is yes.

quote:

Originally posted by Lukeo:

I'm wondering if it's possible to disable the internal soundcard in audio interfaces and use them just stand alone preamps?

I think the answer would usually be no, becuase firewire and USB devices that are not hooked up to a computer have no analog or digital output options (that is, analog or digital output of the analog or digital input).

I could be wrong, but I doubt the manual will answer this question for you. Call the manufacturer or the retailer.

quote:

Originally posted by Lukeo:

What I'm getting at is, I'd like an interface to use right now,use it with the firewire and it;s software etc and it'll probably last me a good 2-3 years. But then after that when windows has a new operating system, I'd like to use it in the future, I just don't want something that i have to throw away after 3 years,

Yes, there will be a new OS, but your device will surely have a new driver provided (unless the company goes out of biz). Also, you can avoid this by not upgrading to the new OS. That's really your answer. Frankly, in 2 to 3 years, it is your computer that will be out of date...but is that what you meant??? I'm so confused.