Question

I would like to record some live performances but my laptop doesn't not have a firewire input and I'm not sure if buying a Firewire to Usb converter cable would work. If not, are there any other ways to record from the studiolive? Preferably multitrack recording so I can mix afterwards

Answer 1

To connect the StudioLive AI/RM/Classic 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

Alternatively you can use an Apple Mac which would require the following cables/adaptors depending the Mac you get. 

• A Bilingual S800 to S400 FireWire cable: http://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210046833-9pin-6pin-Firewire-800-400-Cable-Why-is-a-Bilingual-S800-to-S400-FireWire-cable-needed-
• Apple's Approved Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire Adapter: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter
• Apple's Approved Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2ZM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter

If you purchase a PC with USB-C you would need to ensure that the USB-C port on the computer is an approved Thunderbolt 3 port.

Please review this video carefully to ensure that your computer is compatible.

Link: https://www.startech.com/faq/thunderbolt-3-or-usb-c-port

If you deem it compatible then the following is required.

• A Bilingual S800 to S400 FireWire cable: http://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210046833-9pin-6pin-Firewire-800-400-Cable-Why-is-a-Bilingual-S800-to-S400-FireWire-cable-needed-
• Apple's Approved Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire Adapter: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter
• StarTech's Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C adaptor: https://www.startech.com/ie/Cables/thunderbolt-3-cables/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-thunderbolt-adapter~TBT3TBTADAP

Answer 2

I faced the same issue. There aren’t any Windows laptops made today with FireWire, I had to build a tower pc and use a PCI FireWire card. There are no FireWire to USB adapters because of the nature of the protocol. Hate to say it but the StudioLive III series mixer is the one you need, it has usb. I bought a series III for our school and I used my laptop with that for a school play and it works great. Sorry, wish I had a better answer.

Answer 3

I have an Apple Macbook pro. It has a FireWire connector.

Answer 4

Many people are facing problem after the windows 10 update. I am also getting an issue, my windows 10 startup folder is not working​​​​​​​ after the Windows 10 update. Any solution to resolve this issue?