User guide

Chapter 4 Setting Up Your System 91
There are two kinds of FireWire connectors: a 4-pin connector (typically found on
video equipment, such as camcorders) and a 6-pin connector (used for computer and
audio equipment).
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
USB is a consumer standard used for computer peripherals and other devices. USB 1.1
offers a much lower data-transfer rate than FireWire (11 Mbits per second). USB 2.0,
however, transfers data at 480 MBits per second. It supports plug-and-play operation
and the ability to connect several devices in sequence (daisy-chaining). Some USB
devices draw their power over the USB cable, while others require a separate power
connection. USB 2.0 ports are included on all current Macintosh computers.
There are two kinds of USB connectors:
 A connector, typically used to connect a device to a USB hub.
 B connector, typically used to connect devices together, and also to connect a device
to a computer.
Note: USB audio interfaces should always be directly connected to your computer, not
via a hub or to the computer’s display, keyboard, or another peripheral.
PCI
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) interfaces, unlike FireWire and USB interfaces,
require the installation of a dedicated card in your computer. PCI provides extremely
high bandwidth and fast data-transfer rates, allowing you to record and play back large
numbers of files at the highest possible sample rates and bit depths.
ExpressCard
ExpressCard is an updated version of PC Card (PCMCIA) or CardBus, found on MacBook
Pro computers. ExpressCard is much like the PCI interfaces described above, but the
cards slide into a slot on the outside of your notebook. Express Cards and PC Cards
available include audio interfaces, hard disks, networking, and SCSI interfaces, wireless
adapters, and more.
FireWire 400 (6-pin)
(Sometimes labeled iLINK)
FireWire 400 (4-pin)
USB (Universal Serial Bus)