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Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 3:30 pm
by siabost9deas
Hi All,

I am currently configuring an Optiplex 390 small form factor Core i3 PC to be a music studio running Kubuntu 18.04 with KXStudio repos and a Low-Latency Kernel.
I am looking to purchase a Firewire Roland Edirol FA-66 for it, which research indicates should run flawlessly on Linux.
To do this I need to install a PCIe Firewire card (a half-height one at that). I'm looking at Sedna PCIe card which supports 400/200/100Mbps on Amazon.

Will all PCIe Firewire cards work in Linux or do I have to beware of certain chip-sets as with WiFi Cards?
Also, will 400Mbps be sufficient in regard to running the FA-66 or other similar device?

Many thanks.

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 3:52 pm
by Joermungand
As usual with FireWire audio, the chipset is crucial, irrespective of the operating system. Stay away from anything VIA, they are not suitable for audio purposes. Texas Instruments are generally said to work, as well as LSI/Agere, but I would research the actual model before buying. I’m using this: https://www.startech.com/uk/Cards-Adapt ... ~PEX1394B3, which has a Texas Instruments chipset and works flawlessly with my Focusrite Saffire Pro 26.
Edit: I’ve only used the 400 port so far, so that should pose no significant problem.

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 4:46 pm
by siabost9deas
Thanks Joermungand,

I went for the 2x400 port version of that Startech card. Budget is a bit stretched.

Supplementary question:
If I plug in two firewire soundcards (one in each port) would I be able to use them simultaneously? For example, plug in 2No 2-input cards to get 4-inputs. Possibly Jack wouldn't allow that?

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 5:11 pm
by Joermungand
Using multiple cards to extend your inputs is always tricky because of syncing issues. Perhaps buying an interface that provides the required amount of inputs/outputs is the safest bet here. I’ve never tried to use two interfaces at once, but I know it’s a regular can of worms to open.

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 6:25 am
by Joermungand
siabost9deas wrote:I went for the 2x400 port version of that Startech card. Budget is a bit stretched.
I’ve taken a look at the 2-port options, and if you selected this: https://www.startech.com/uk/Cards-Adapt ... PEX1394A2V, please note that it doesn’t have a Texas Instruments chipset, but a VIA one, so I don’t think it’s a good option.

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2019 1:12 pm
by siabost9deas
Thanks.
Unfortunately I only noticed that after it had arrived. I've since returned it and found one for a extra £10 that definitely does have a TI chip.
Have also bought a Roland Edirol FA-66 firewire soundcard which works perfectly out of the box :D

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:36 pm
by Joermungand
Great to hear it’s sorted out. It might be useful to share a link to the card’s product page or at least the make and model, just in case somebody stumbles on this thread looking for the same thing.

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:42 am
by siabost9deas
This is the card I bought (although it seems not to be available on Amazon UK anymore).
https://amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007MO8 ... UTF8&psc=1
It's an IOCREST SY-PEX30016.
Here's the new version on the manufacturer's website (both have TI chipsets):
http://www.iocrest.com/en/product_details262.html

Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2023 2:33 pm
by Kir

Hello,

Indeed, somebody stumbles on this thread looking for the same thing =)
Just followed your advices and ordered a DeLock card (89153 : PCI express with 2 x FireWire B and 1 x FireWire A), which has a Texas Instrument chipset. Found it when looking for european shops selling the IOCREST SY-PEX30016 (looks exactly the same and with same prices... maybe it's the brand has two names ?).


Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2023 5:35 pm
by asbak

Cards are sold under all kinds of names, check what chipsets are on the card.


Re: Firewire via PCIe Card

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2023 8:43 pm
by j_e_f_f_g

I have a Firewire 400 PCI (not PCI express) card. It's half-height, made by Lacie, and has a Texas Instruments chip. It has 3 standard female firewire ports for 3 200/400 devices.

I never used it, and I never will. So anyone who wants it, can have it. Just pay shipping to wherever it's going.