I am looking to purchase a high quality/low cost audio interface.  On
a previous question,
http://mail.google.com/answers/threadview?id=445942, I was given a
good answer, but I need a little further clarification.

My questions for further clarification as I make my decision are these:  
1. which is superior, USB or Firewire?  I originally thought firewire
was the only way to go.  Should I be leaning towards one?

2. of the few interfaces mentioned, only the M-Audio Firewire Solo has
an XLR input.  does this make this interface superior?

3. please steer me a little more on which interface is combination of
interface/software to go with.  Keeping in mind I am looking for ease
of use/quality/price because i am a novice.   Let?s keep the total
price of interface software under/close to $400.  is the Steinberg
Cubase System 4 the combination i am looking for?

4. aside from the Powermac G5 i have, i also have a HP dv8000. 
(2.2GHz AMD Turion 64 mobile processor, 2 gigs of RAM, and dual 100gb
hard drives for 200gb total.)  i don?t mind lugging the Powermac if it
is really worth it.  also does the Steinberg
Cubase System 4 provide software for both PC/MAC or
would I need to choose?  if so, which should i go with, considering
the systems i have.  and if I ever was to record audio to the PC, would
i be able to transfer with no problem to the Mac for editing purposes?

It won't let me answer, so here's my comment........

1. Usb and firewire have nearly the same speeds and specs. I have used
usb and personally beleive it is better.

2. I don't know if having an xlr input makes it superior, it depends
on your needs. The xlr input would be for inserting a mic or

guitar.

3. Interface -  The M-Audio Fast Track Pro 4x4 Mobile USb interface is
what I would go with. It has dual mic/instrument xlr inputs.

Headphone output with volume control. mac and pc compatible. price is
retailed at 250. street price is about 200.

Software - For software I would go with either Steingberg Cubase SE.
windows and mac compatible. street price is 150.
Or Sony Acid Pro which has a street price of about 250, and is only
compatible with windows. Sony Acid Pro is better for loop based

production whereas cubase is better if you're going to use Virtual
instruments. Check sonymediasoftware.com for a trial of sony

acid pro and see what you think of it. I can't find a trial for cubase. 

4. Steinberg Cubase system 4 has software for both windows and mac. I
think that system would do the job.

I think the bottom line is that it depends on if you really want to
use both computers or just one. If it were me, I would download the
Sony Acid software and try it out. If you don't like it, go with the
Cubase software. Also, if it were me, I would probably get the M-audio
fast track Pro, as I use several M-audio products and they all work
beautifully.

thanks for the response, but i have two things i hope you can clear up...
1. what is the difference between vrtual instrument and loop based?  
2. does cubase Syste 4 have xlr inputs?  
3. i will be recording a lot of vocal, do i need the XLR inputs for
this or do the mics connect thru a differnt input.