Waiting for NAMM to see what will be released. I need many many Ins. Would be great if 24 or 32, but about $2500 budget. I have seen Behrenger x32, I do not feel like Behringer gear. Been looking at MIDAS Venice 320- no longer available at Sweetwater- wondering why. And Presonus StudioLive- nice but old- wondering if they will be releasing next week new board. Any other suggestions? Thank you.

AFAIK, UAD's Apollo is the only AI that uses thunderbolt.

I know people like firewire but it seems like a dying breed?

Well- if FW was dying breed, Thunderbolt card for UAD is $500 and USB 2 only supports up to 8 tracks and is slow, and USB 3 is not available- then- what is the option? I am looking in to FireWire, hoping for more Thunderbolt.

I upgraded for an RME Fireface UFX about a year ago when it first came out, which has FW, USB2 and is compatible with USB3 chipsets (and all kinds of I/O).  I"m happy with it and would recommend checking it out.   Apparently RME is partnering with Sonnet to deliver Thunderbolt connectivity to their audio interfaces as well, but I'm unfamiliar with it.

I agree that Firewire is a dying breed, but there's such a huge install base in the market over the years, I doubt it's going anywhere anytime soon.

Russ

Make absolutely sure your system has the right firewire chipset before dumping that kind of cash. You may want to look at PCIe stuff instead if you don't want to use USB. BTW I've read that although USB is much slower than Firewire in theory it's still much faster and capable when dealing with audio than need be. The gist was that yes USB is slower but you will never be able to push it hard enough in audio applications to make it matter in the slightest.

I am not however a tech so maybe that's hooey but it did seem to be a common theme in the USB vs. Firewire debate.

Texas Instruments firewire chipsets are the ones you want however apparently now they put out less capable chipsets so you'll want to research which ones are optimal for audio.

I do not agree it is dying breed. MIDAS Venis F32/24/15, Presonus StudioLive, Behringer x32...

That doesn't change the fact that if your system doesn't have the right firewire doodads you are likely to run into problems. The issue is the computer parts manufacturers. Not necessarily the interface manufacturers.

  Just make sure you know what's in your system. If it's not good enough you can always buy a Firewire card with the appropriate chipset. They are not that expensive. 

Good luck.

Yes, agreed many audio interface manufacturers are still producing products with FW, but I believe most major PC manufacturers said they're moving away from FW in favor of USB2 / 3 (I think Apple has rumored something simliar, no?).  Either way, it will certainly be around for a long time, given its' large install base - as I said above. 

Personally, I would prefer interfaces with multiple connectivity options instead of just FW, but that's just my opinion.
Russ

I've noticed more interfaces that have both USB and FW which really is the ideal way to go. Best of both worlds and if someone prefers firewire at least they can use their interface on other systems if necessary.

Options yes, not all in one unit where you have to pay for ports you dont need. Like they put ADAT everywhere and clami to have 128 ins/outs, when in reality it is only 8 physical.

I bought the FireWire card that looks ok and feels ok. I connected it but did not test it and not sure if it is good one. I would not know how to tell.