5.1 output using the Griffin FireWave

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Level 1

20 points

5.1 output using the Griffin FireWave

So, here's the thing... I'm mainly a video guy, but I really like to dabble in audio. When I saw the demos at NAB for STP2, I was really excited, but did not ask enough questions about it to know what I needed to buy in order to monitor the 5.1 output. I assumed that I could use the optical output and speakers with an op-in. Wrong, as everyone knows. So after coming on this board and finding out I would need to spend hundreds of dollars more on a MIDI device plus speakers, I was really discouraged.

Anyway, long story short, I bought a Griffin FireWave and a set of Logitech x-540 speakers - less than $200 total for everything.

Now - again - I'm not a pro-audio guy, but in SPT2 with the latest updates, I'm outputting to all speakers. Using the 6 channel tracks and the dial thingy in the timeline, I can pinpoint exactly where I want the sound to be. This is all as of this morning.

I have not tried to output anything I've played with, and one more time, I'M NOT A PRO-AUDIO GUY!!!!!!! So if I'm saying something incorrect, someone please point it out. But if you're looking for a cheap solution to be able to monitor the 5.1 features of SPT2, this could be it.

Best wishes....

Mac Pro Quad 3 - 4 GB RAM - ATI Radeon something or other with 512..., Mac OS X (10.4.7), Final Cut Studio 5.1

Posted on Jul 8, 2007 8:54 AM

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Answer 1

ADCNR_Tim

Level 2

460 points

Jul 14, 2007 12:10 AM in response to FilmBeloH20

I think we've had this conversation before.

I bought a Griffin FireWave and a set of Logitech x-540 speakers

This will not let you monitor a 5.1 mix. The Griffin FireWave is a decoder only. To monitor a 5.1 mix you need a multichannel audio interface, not a FireWave.

Read these:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=4768847#4768847
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=4769701#4769701

I really like to dabble in audio...I'M NOT A PRO-AUDIO GUY!!!!!!!

No offense intended, but surround sound production is not for the inexperienced. It is MUCH more complicated and involved than mono and stereo audio production. Not that I'm saying you shouldn't try it, just don't expect to be producing quality 5.1 productions any time soon.

tim

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Answer 2

FilmBeloH20 Author

Level 1

20 points

Jul 14, 2007 7:57 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

Well, maybe it doesn't work, but when I plop a 6 channel audio file into the timeline, and open the surround pan window, I can very, very specifically move that sound to whichever speaker or set of speakers I want it to go. So if it's not working correctly, why can I do that?

Oh, and I have already exported a couple projects that I've played with, made a DVD out of them, and played them on my home system with 5.1, and they do exactly what I wanted them to do. So, seriously, I'm not trying to take anyone in the wrong direction or give bad advice, but for a device that shouldn't work, it seems to be doing everything I need it to do.

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Answer 3

ADCNR_Tim

Level 2

460 points

Jul 14, 2007 7:47 PM in response to FilmBeloH20

I've been doing some more research, as this would be a great low-cost alternative, but am having trouble finding the 'nitty gritty' on this device.

I can very, very specifically move that sound to whichever speaker or set of speakers I want it to go.

So it lets you select which of the six outputs you want to play the track through (not using the panner)? All the information I can find is ambiguous about whether or not these are discrete outputs or decoder outputs.

I found this, which says that it does have a DPL2 encoder, which would allow you to mix in surround sound, but not 5.1.

and it will allow iTunes, QuickTime, or any stereo content to be presented in Dolby Pro-Logic II, since it also incorporates a DPL2 encoder. For those new to Pro-Logic II, this is Dolby's outstanding expansion technology which extrapolates five full-bandwidth channels from any two-channel source. -from http://www.hometheatermag.com/htpcs/107griff/

Is there a way to set it for discrete output using OS X's Audio MIDI Setup utility?

It would be nice if we could get a clarification on the FireWave's capabilities.

Thanks

tim

Power Mac G5 Quad Mac OS X (10.4.9) FCP 5.04; AJA Kona LHe; Ciprico MV4210

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Answer 4

Links

Level 4

1,780 points

Jul 15, 2007 1:30 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

According to this report at xlr8youmac:

"in standard mode, Audio MIDI Setup sees it as a 5.1 audio device so it has six discrete channels"

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/archives/aug06/083106.html

I'm on PCI-X G5 so the internal M-Audio Revolution card suits my needs.
Those on PCI-E machines will find this an inexpensive way to get into monitoring discrete 5.1 audio.
But it does worry me a little that it is so cheap.
It doesn't support DTS.
Also it's a FireWire 400 device.
This may be troublesome to those depending upon other devices on the same bus which require firwire 800.( I don't know for sure.)

The slim technical specs published on Griffin's web site don't exactly impress:

Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz
Line-out voltage: 2Vpp

That's the full spec.
no S/N ratio, harmonic distortion, channel separation?
Perhaps there is a reason...(not very good?)

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Answer 5

ADCNR_Tim

Level 2

460 points

Jul 15, 2007 6:44 PM in response to Links

Okay Links, that clears it up. It sounds like the FireWave would be a cheap solution for those wanting to get their feet wet in surround mixing, but not for any serious work.

The slim technical specs published on Griffin's web site don't exactly impress

I totally agree -- not even a downloadable user's manual. But it DOES output 6 discrete channels of audio.

I stand corrected, FilmBeloH20.

tim

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Answer 6

FilmBeloH20 Author

Level 1

20 points

Jul 16, 2007 8:59 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

I've e-mailed these posted reponses to Griffin, hopefully they'll respond to me.

Tim: That's really all I wanted to do was get my feet wet a little. When I need a real engineer, I hire out, but since I have the program, I might as well start using it... I only wanted to post this so others who wanted to do the same, but didn't want to invest in super high-end gear, could do so.

I really, really appreciate your advice.

I'll post when I hear back from Griffin.

Mac Pro Quad 3 - 4 GB RAM - ATI Radeon something or other with 512... Mac OS X (10.4.7) Final Cut Studio 5.1

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Answer 7

ADCNR_Tim

Level 2

460 points

Jul 16, 2007 11:12 AM in response to FilmBeloH20

Cool beans.

tim

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Answer 8

Adam F

Level 3

628 points

Sep 21, 2007 8:58 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

Anyone hear back on this yet? Do we know if something like Logic could direct audio to discrete channels (now that Logic got the big price cut). What firewire solution is recommended for the next step up?

THANX

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