Dell Inspiron 8200 Firewire

[zatchmo]

Hello,
I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 8200, then I started looking for a recording interface for it. The MOTU 896 is the ideal card, however there are problems with it and the Inspiron 8200. I talked to MOTU, they recommended I purchase a 3rd party firewire card. Well, I still have the problems (unwanted noise).
Dows anyone know if this problem exists with any firewire audio device and the Inspiron 8200? I really want to make this work...

I'd also add, I had a lot of problems with Dell's customer service too. When I told them I was going to be buying a firewire sound interface, I was told "Why would you want to do that? Firewire is only for video"
Thanks,
Zacjh

[Justin]

Don't fault them for it. Most computer vendors and service centers heard the word "Audio" and think you mean "rip and play mp3's".
Because it's a very specialized market that typically doesn't get it's gear from Best Buy, they're just unfamiliar w/ the technology we use.

[finman76]

I have the exact setup you are talking about. I have no problems at all recording with the 896 and an Inspiron 8200. I think the built-in firewire card is fine for recording.

[Charlie H.]

I have an 8200 and have had similar problems even with the output from the onboard sound interface. What I've traced this down to is being plugged into the AC adapter gives off a 60Hz line hum, and as soon as I unplug from the wall the sound is crystal clear.

If you are running while plugged into the wall, maybe try un-plugging and going with battery power.