My main card is a Lynx L22 with LS-ADAT using ASIO.  I came across an FW1884 on the cheap that I couldn't resist buying (the 2nd I've owned) .  A friend is updating it with the Machinator mod and the BB opamps next week (still a great value).
 
I don't want to use the Tascam as my main sound card but simply use it: A.) as a control surface; B.)to use the MIDI patchbay on it for my keyboard and percussion modules; & C.) and feed the audio from the modules through the 1884 to the DAW via ADAT.
 
Will Sonar recognize the MIDI and control surface data via Firewire or does it require the same ASIO driver?  Or, is the conlflicts with ASIO drivers related only to AUDIO?
 
I won't have it hooked up for a couple of weeks but am curious as to the limitations knowing I can always get my investment back.

Hey Wren,
question - if you're only going to use the ADAT portion of the audio, doesn't that mean you are bypassing the amp portion of the unit, thus you'll never see the benefit of the Burr Browns?

I don't have answers for you on the control surface portion of it.  I was just curious about the BB upgrade if you're only using ADAT.

you or anyone can tell me I'm completely wrong - that's OK.  I thought that if you're just using ADAT, tho, that you aren't going thru the analog domain at all, it's just a digital signal and that gets sent to the computer via firewire as a digital signal - no D/A - A/D conversion, therefore no analog signal running across the amp.

Hey Beag - no, you are correct if I am using only the line level ins but I will have the ability to use the upgraded preamps via ADAT when I want and need to.

Depending on the routing options of the 1884 I am also hoping to use it as a monitoring unit VIA the ADAT ins from the DAW.  Hopefully, I'll have some time this weekend to scour the manual about that though.

Wren,
Take a look at my FW setup tutorial:
http://deeringamps.com/fw1884/sonarx1b_fw1884.htm
That will get you started.
I have my doubts about the Machinator mod, but that's a different topic...
I use the FW as control, and the UFX for audio.
I don't use the ADAT, maybe Bapu can give us some advise there?
I DO have the UFX and FW connected via BNC to sync the word clock.
UFX is the "Master" and FW the "Slave".
You can PM me if you need any additional help.

Tom

I thought only one thing could use ASIO at a time. Either hardware or software based. 

I was able to run several things but only one can use ASIO, the rest can run fine using other drivers. 

My experience was software programs. I would run several that all preferred ASIO drivers but whichever one was opened first got the ASIO and the rest had to default to something else.

Herb is right, 1 ASIO device; if not please enlighten us both.
If this is your ultimate goal;
C.) and feed the audio from the modules through the 1884 to the DAW via ADAT
Then the FW WOULD be your i/o, and the L22 would lightpipe in via the FW.
At least this is how I understand it...

Tom

Sorry guys, I've been out of town for mother's 80th BD.

Thanks Tom & Herb for the input. That's my experience as well.  I have been able to do the light pipe thing with my 896hd once I set the routing up on it to ADAT.  I just haven't had time to experiment with the 1884s routing options.

Tom - your work and documentation on the 1884 is priceless and I  may Indeed take you up on your offer. Thanks!!

Wren