Audio Interface - USB or Firewire?

[EnzoAmata]

I'm looking to get an audio interface for my iMac, which provides better quality and speed, USB or Firewire?
As far as I know Firewire runs faster than USB, I assume this is the same for transferring audio?

I'd like to hear from people who have tried both and which one provides the best quality.

 

[zimv20]

USB can't handle much more than a couple channels at a time, so if you're looking for an 8-channel interface, between the two it would be firewire.

i've never had an issue with my (usb1) mbox. also note that the non-card interfaces are trending towards USB over firewire, and apple isn't putting firewire on all their laptops.

likely, some other transport mechanism will replace firewire (e.g. lightpeak), so for a few years we'll have a lot of USB3 vs lightpeak discussions.

 

[EnzoAmata]

I've just landed £1400 on an iMac I'm not looking for USB 3.0 or LightPeek to become mainstream for another two years, hopefully

I assume since you have a Digidesign box your running Pro Tools?

 

[zimv20]

yes, i run PTLE, usually w/ a digi002r via firewire, but i have an mbox 1 for the occasional remote need.