M-Audio ProFire Lightbridge FireWire Lightpipe Interface
connects up to four Lightpipe devices with a PC or Mac via FireWire. Shipping for $399 at most retailers, it’s a pretty inexpensive way to connect digital mixers, AD/DA converters and/or ADATs with most popular DAW software.
The unit is capable of 32 channels of Lightpipe I/O, S/PDIF I/O and two-channel analog output for a total of 34 x 36 concurrent channels at 44.1 or 48kHz sample rates. (It also supports 16-channel Lightpipe operation at 88.2 and 96kHz sample rates via the SMUX protocol.)
The ProFire Lightbridge can output word clock as a master, or slave to external sync on any input, and MIDI I/O also accommodates MIDI Time Code and MIDI Machine Control. Independent volume controls are provided for the ¼†balanced outputs and front panel ¼†headphone jack.
The ProFire Lightbridge is compatible with most DAW software. My experience with M-Audio’s drivers, however, tells me to be cautious.
larraga | 22-Nov-06 at 3:13 pm | Permalink
I really want something just like this to connect a Mackie d8B to a G5 for use with Digital Performer, but wonder if one Firewire 400 connection can handle 32 channels of audio bandwidth. That and M-Audio build quality has me worried somewhat.
LoudMac | 22-Nov-06 at 7:01 pm | Permalink
I think 32 channels falls squarely inside the available bandwidth of a Firewire 400 buss.
BUT, and this is a very significant caveat IMO, if you’re running an external hard drive on that same buss, or a DSP effects box like the Liquid Mix, Powercore, or Duende, fat chance says I…
And I’m right there with you on the build-quality of M-Audio anything (especially drivers).