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ESI DuaFire – iDj magazine – June 2008

07-05-2008

ESI launch their FireWire audio interface. Using EWDM technology, the Mac- and PC-friendly DuaFire will support a range of drivers simultaneously, making recording easier than ever before, iDJ gets fired up…

ESI’s DuaFire is a portable FireWire recording interface with mic, line and RIAA inputs. The same size as a small portable hard drive, the DuaFire is FireWire-powered and has enough ins and outs to get you hooked up to your computer and recording software with ease.

Being both Windows and XP compatible also makes the DuaFire capable of supporting most of the popular drivers, including EWDM. ESI even throw in a lite version of Cubase to get you started. Also included is DirectWire, a software-based on-screen patch panel that allows you to set up your hardware and software quickly and easily, just like a hands-on hardware patch panel. All is clearly explained with screenshots in the user guide to make things really easy.

All the required drivers are supplied with the unit. Being a Mac convert I have to say it’s much easier setting up FireWire units with OS X than they ever are with any Windows program! The installation is fairly easy as the DuaFire’s onscreen control panel has all the inputs and outputs, plus monitor and master levels, sample rate and latency displayed in analogue form. All you need to do is adjust them by moving the faders with your mouse. Now what could be simpler than that?

The packaged Cubase LE4 features 48 audio tracks with full 24-bit, 96kHz operation, 64 MIDI tracks, VST plug-ins and full VSTi support. It also combines powerful audio and MIDI recording features with professional editing and effects. You can upgrade LE 4 whenever you choose to the higher Cubase 4 and Studio 4 versions that are used by professional audio and music professionals worldwide. Cubase LE 4 also features a new software-based copy protection system, which will require you to register online after 30 days to obtain a permanent licence.

ESI even provide two FireWire cables and an external power supply for good measure, and, just to sweeten the pot even further, there’s a whole host of extra software bundled with the unit including ESI FX, plus various other VST Synth, Piano and Guitar programs. The metal box itself is satisfyingly rugged, although it has to be said the finishing of the countersunk screws left a little to be desired. Its operation is pretty simple, but it’s totally effective and, being FireWire rather than USB, its latency is very low.

All round, the DuaFire does what it sets out to do admirably. The packaged software is a good starting point for anyone getting into digital recording, and with the ability to hook up line level inputs as well as instruments and a mic, this little box gives you all the options and connectivity you need.

Verdict
Sound quality: 16/20
Build quality: 13/20
Ease of use: 16/20
Value for money: 15/20
Feature set: 14/20
iDJ rating: 74%

The DuaFire is portable, rugged and easy to use, and comes supplied with a good software package to get the ball rolling for you to start digital recording without latency issues.

Click here for more information on the DuaFire