Audio Interface versus Mixer with USB or Firewire port

[rssii]

All,

Tried to search the forums for an answer to this, but there's too much info out there and it made my head hurt.

Background: I am a solo guitarist that uses Mixcraft for composing my own songs. Currently I use a Roland GR-20 synth with analog outputs and midi, and a Digitech GNX4 workstation with analog outputs, USB and midi. I also use a Vox Valvetronix amp with an analog headphone/line out jack. I run Mixcraft on a P4 3.2GHz PC running XP SP3 with an Audigy 2 soundcard. Right now I run USB to the PC for the GNX, and analog into the soundcard for the GR-20 and Vox. When I want to switch the analog source going to the soundcard, I have to switch cables. Ideally I would like to have everything digital and permanently hooked up to the computer so I don't have to switch cables all the time. I would also like to drive the midi on the GNX and GR-20. Currently I don't think I have a need to do offboard mixdown of input signals going into Mixcraft, because I only record one source at a time.

Question: Would an audio interface with USB or Firewire work for my situation, or should I opt for an 8- or 12-channel mixer with USB or Firewire? If so, is there any speed/capability advantage to Firewire vs. USB? Also, any suggestions on quality brands to go with for interfaces or mixers?

Thanks for your help and insights

[Jim Lad]

I'd go for the audio interface with either USB or Firewire.
It's simple, less wires and leaves more time for the creative process.

[Vibrant Audio]

Question: Would an audio interface with USB or Firewire work for my situation, or should I opt for an 8- or 12-channel mixer with USB or Firewire? If so, is there any speed/capability advantage to Firewire vs. USB? Also, any suggestions on quality brands to go with for interfaces or mixers?

A capable USB audio interface would work. By capable I mean that it has midi and analog inputs. Whether you get a mixer or not is up to you. The only advantage that I see with a mixer is that you could add and control more than one analog instrument without having to "switch cables." You would still need a midi capable interface.

Look at this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US122L/

The advantage of Firewire rather than USB is that Firewire can carry more simultaneous digital audio channels than USB. With the right interface USB 2.0 can carry 8 channels of digital audio at 24-bit/44.1kHz while Firewire can carry 32 in and 32 out at 24-bit/48kHz. It's bandwidth.

BTW, switching cables comes with the territory. Sound Technician = Cable Jockey. I assume that you just want to make it easier to switch cables than it is for you right now.