Apple Final Cut Pro 5 User Manual download pdf (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,” on page 191.

USB or FireWire

Audio interface

Audio

FireWire

Video

Computer

DV VTR

Standard definition

monitor

Amplified speakers

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Apple Final Cut Pro 5 User Manual Page 168