Apple Final Cut Pro 5 User Manual
Page 168
Chapter 12
Designing Your Editing System
167
III
FireWire for Digital Audio
Instead of using a PCI card, many manufacturers now offer audio interfaces that
connect to your computer’s FireWire port. These are not DV devices, but merely use
FireWire as a means of transferring digital audio data. FireWire interfaces are more
convenient to switch between computers than PCI cards, and they can be used with
both desktop and PowerBook computers.
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.
Using a Breakout Box With Video and Audio Interfaces
Some PCI cards are too small to mount all the connectors for the various input and
output signals available. In this case, a breakout box is included to provide a sturdy
housing for all of the video and audio connectors. For example, professional audio
interfaces use XLR connectors, but these are too big to be mounted directly on a PCI
card. Instead, a breakout box, included with the card, contains the XLR connectors. A
multipin connector on a fairly long extension cable is usually used to attach the PCI
card to the breakout box. The breakout box can then be mounted on a desktop or in a
standard equipment rack, making the connectors more accessible than on the back of
your computer.
For instructions on connecting a breakout box to your PCI card, see the documentation
included with your interface. An example of a setup with a breakout box is shown in
Chapter 15, “
Connecting Professional and Non-DV Equipment
H
USB or FireWire
Audio interface
Audio
FireWire
Video
Computer
DV VTR
Standard definition
monitor
Amplified speakers