Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 205)

FireWire for Digital Audio
As an alternate to PCI Express cards, many manufacturers now offer audio interfaces that
connect to your computer’s FireWire port. These are not DV devices, but merely devices
that use FireWire as a means of transferring digital audio data. FireWire interfaces are
more convenient to switch between computers than are PCI Express cards, and they can
be used with both desktop and portable computers. A FireWire interface typically supports
ten or more inputs, and at least eight outputs.
Computer Breakout box
FireWire 400
(6-pin)
XLR connector (2)
Analog or digital VTR
Important: Although a FireWire bus supports a very high data rate, connecting too many
devices, such as a DV video device, a FireWire hard disk, and a FireWire audio interface,
could potentially exceed the bus speed, resulting in dropped video frames or audio with
missing samples.
PCI Express Audio Interface Card
Of all the audio interfaces, PCI Express audio interfaces provide the maximum transfer
speed and can support many channels with high sample rates. Many audio interfaces
come with a separate breakout box where the audio input and output connectors are
located.
205 Chapter 12 Connecting Professional Video and Audio Equipment