Got the item quickly. Set it up quickly. Recorded some nice tests to begin with. Then it all went to hell in a handbasket. First off, let me say that this item comes with the warning: "Do not hot plug--it can destroy your computer!" BUT the first thing you have to do when installing it (as per the Firewire enable) is TO HOT PLUG IT! Apparently you can do this when enabling it. Why? I don't know--M-Audio support wouldn't respond to my questions. So, I went ahead & followed the enabler's instructions. Everything seemed fine. Two days later my system stopped recognizing the interface. So, following the software's instructions, I reinstalled the interface only to be told it isn't compatible with my system (funny that as M-Audio's site says my system is just fine!). So (foolishly assuming it would help) I also updated the drivers. Then, having re-re-installed the software, I ran the Firewire enabler again, which asked me to hot plug it AGAIN. So I did and SURPRISE! it caused my computer to perform a Crash Dump! And now, since I can't re-install this item I now own a $199 paperweight.

The Firewire Solo is great for just what is mentioned in its name, solo artists. I have been using this device for two years on my mac and it works great. I just downloaded the driver online, followed the directions and BAM! you're ready to record. If you're not a solo artist though, and/or want to record more tracks simultaneously, this isn't for you. I'd suggest spending a bit more money for a firepod for that purpose.

Another reviewer said this unit wouldn't work properly with his Mac. I've had my firewire solo for a couple years now and have had no problems whatsoever. All I've used it with are Macs. When I got a new computer with a higher OS, I had to wait a while before M-Audio came out with an updated driver, but now we're up and running.

I use the firewire solo to record two-track audio directly into Garageband, and it's been everything I wanted. It allows me to record vocals and guitar (or anything else that can be hooked up with a 1/4 in cable) simultaneously and independently edit the two on my computer after recording. I don't utilize all of the unit's capabilities - I've never really looked at the rear panel - but it's excellent for my purposes, and works wonderfully with my Mac. Also pretty decently priced. I got a factory refurb with a couple scratches on the top and paid under 200.

Note: some multi-effects units may do the same thing (two-channel computer input), so if you're looking at effects too, check into that. I think the Line 6 POD x3 does that, but I don't have one so I can't say for sure.

I've been using my Firewire solo since april of 2007 and I have yet to experience any sort of reliability or compatibility issues with it. I typically use it with my macbook pro and garageband to either to studio demos for local artists (by tracking each musician) or to record live shows that I'm doing the sound for (by using the headphone send on the larger mixer into the FW solo).

When doing tracking work, I have no complaints, other than sometimes it gets a little laggy, but saving the project and restarting garageband fixes that. However, when doing live work, it is very hard to get the levels to a volume where it's loud enough to be comparable to other music. Thats not enough of an issue for me to not replace it if it were ever to die though. However, if it were to die, I'd take a close look at the Mackie U.420d before replacing it. I think the extra bit of $$$ would be well worth it to have a 3 band EQ, an extra mic input and an extra 1/4 inch input.

If you own a Mac, for some reason, this audio interface is lousy. I've had Tiger, and Leopard on two different computers using it with this thing, and I have the same problem. What happens is that I will connect it, everything will work perfectly for about 30 minutes or so, and then all of a sudden, the driver will just drop out and No sound. I will then have to unplug it, replug it, go to system preferences, and choose my soundcard output once again. This is SO ANNOYING. Why it does it, I have no idea. I cannot rely on this thing. It's sad, because I love M-Audio's stuff, usually there stuff is always great. Perhaps this thing is defective.