flageolet said:
Wow, lots of useful info right there
So for me it comes down to S / PFD into to Optical converter or the firewire connection.
Any remarks on the difference between those?
If you have use for an audio interface:
1) Are you going to record?
2) Do you need midi communications?
3) Do you need to route multiple audio inputs (beyond just the AxeFx)?
.... then the choice is a no-brainer since the audio interface will be so much more flexible and the FireWire connection can handle much more information than a single stream optical connection. Whenever you make digital-stream connections between devices (as would be the case with pushing the AxeFx signal directly into a computer), synchronizing the devices can be a major hassle. The audio interface drivers will make this process automatically. An audio interface will also handle the midi connection to the AxeFx so that you can update firmware more easily (a legit concern given Cliff's constant improvements) and use the editor from your Mac.
Since I'm a Mac guy, when I need to sort out my recording needs, I consulted a friend that works in the industry as a writer/ composer / sound designer. My friend was sold on MOTU (Mark Of The Unicorn) for interfaces and DAW (recording) software. MOTU has been a Mac-centric company for over 20 years. I've no connection to them but I do use their products and am a satisfied customer. Since I understand their product line, I'll use examples of their products to help illustrate why I think an audio interface is the way to go. There are of course other companies that make similar products, Apogee and RME / Halo stuff is consider very high quality, but often more expensive I believe.
The following will give you a good idea of the kind of things that are available. I keep a 828mk3 in the rack with my AxeFx. I think Ed Genero uses an 896mk3. Maybe he can chime in as well on that unit. Have a read through their site to get a better idea of the capabilities of the various units.
Motu Ultralite mk3 - $550 - their smallest unit
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite-mk3/
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ ... fullscreen
Motu 828 mk3 - $750 - their midrange unit - more input/output choices
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828mk3/
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ ... fullscreen
Motu 896 mk3 - $1000 - their high-end unit - more preamps / XLR outputs
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/896mk3/
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ ... fullscreen
Regardless of what I want to do on the AxeFx, I always hook up my laptop so I can use the editor to access the AxeFx rather than the front control panel. One fireWire connection connects me to both the AxeFx and the 828mk3 (which I use as an Audio & Midi interface and as a mixer for my stereo Ultra signal, bass guitar, two vocal mics, stereo keyboards). Using my 828mk3 as a small mixer I then send a stereo signal out to an analog mixer that collects all the other instrument inputs for the band. Someday I'll add a 896mk3 so I can handle another eight microphone inputs, but for now this set-up affords me a bunch of headroom and greatly simplifies my work.
Again, I've got no connection to MOTU. I just understand their product line and thought this might help you wrap your mind around some of the issues.
cheers,