[Ken Winokur]

I'm looking for an excellent portable interface to use with my Mac
Powerbook G4 (1500 Mhz). I'm running Digital Performer 5 and OS
10.4.8. Which do you recommend?

I'm looking at:

MOTU Ultralite
RME Fireface 400
Sound Devices USB pre 1.5

Questions:
-I've read in previous posts about lots of problems with the RME and
Mac. Are these resolved?

- I've read that the D/A on the Sound Devices glitches upon playback.
Is that still a problem?

- Is there any major difference in the latency problems with these
different models?

- When I next upgrade my Powerbook will there be any issues with any
of these pieces?

- Do the new MOTU mic pre's compete at all with the RME or SD? How
about the A/D?

- I rarely hear anybody talking about the Sound Devices. How is the
software? Is there good monitoring? I assume the mic pre's are first
rate.

- Is there any advantage to sticking with MOTU if I'm using DP?

Use: I'm sure you'll ask what I'm doing with this. I do soundtrack
work. I have an elaborate studio (albeit somewhat outdated) with
video sync and 24 Channels of A/D, built on an old G4 450 (running
OS9) and a Motu 2408. I'm looking for an excellent portable system
that I can use while on the road, or for location recording. 2 - 4
mics is fine (although more inputs could be useful on occasion).
Although I don't necessarily plan to mix the two systems (portable and
studio), they do need to be compatible so that I can move projects
from one to the other.

I know that the OS 9 vs. OS10 issue is going to be a pain. Someday
soon I'm going to have to invest in a G5 and willl probably upgrade
much of the other equipment at the same time (but I can't afford it
now). the RME stuff does seem to be a step up from my MOTU system, so
that might be the way I go when I upgrade the studio - Although I've
been very happy with MOTU for many years.

Thanks,
Ken Winokur / Alloy Orchestra