Question

I have a 2011 HP Pavillion DV7 laptop running windows 10 with Studio One installed. I have ports for eSata and USB 2.0 but no firewire port from the manufacturer. I have looked over numerous new computers and am failing to find any firewire availability. A new laptop isnt really in budget either. I have a RML32AI 32 channel rack mixer I would love to use with Studio One. What can I do short of either buying an older Firewire equipped laptop or PC. I have seen a few Fantom Drives external hard drives that provide FireWire ports on the external drive and connect to the laptop with eSata which provides faster transfer speeds than FireWire. I am uncertain if this will remedy my connection problem. What have other users done to connect FireWire hardware to more modern laptops and computers.
I hope you can help
Thank you
Kevin

Answer 1

To connect the StudioLive RML32AI to a computer for recording/control purposes, the computer must have a valid firewire port or one that can be used with an adaptor. USB to Firewire adaptors are not supported and in general do not work for audio equipment. If you are buying a new computer the following articles will be helpful. 

Link: https://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210046123-Choosing-a-PC-for-recording-with-a-Firewire-interface

Link: https://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210047053-Is-there-a-Firewire-Compatibility-List-for-Firewire-cards-

Link: https://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210046103-Finding-a-PC-laptop-to-use-with-your-firewire-audio-interface