# What are the top-rated Firewire audio interfaces under £200? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the top-rated Firewire audio interfaces under £200?

## Products

### MOTU 828 Mk2
```yaml
product: motu-828-mk2
brand: MOTU
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
latency: ~2 ms (round-trip at 96 kHz, 32-sample buffer)
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 28 in / 32 out
sample_rate: 44.1 to 96 kHz
phantom_power: +48V (2 channels)
number_of_preamps: 2
```

- **Price:** £None [^1]
- **Summary:** The MOTU 828 Mk2 is a rack-mount USB audio interface offering 28 inputs and 32 outputs, loopback channels, ADAT optical and S/PDIF I/O, and onboard DSP mixing (CueMix) for near-zero latency monitoring. It features two front-panel mic/line/instrument preamps with phantom power, a full set of digital sync options, and ultra-low latency drivers suitable for studio recording and live streaming. The unit suits users needing extensive I/O and flexible routing in a compact rack format.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for top-rated Firewire interfaces under £200 because it provides 28 in/32 out I/O, 24-bit/96 kHz recording, ultra-low ~2 ms latency, and two mic preamps with +48V phantom power, offering professional features comparable to higher-priced Firewire units.

### Behringer FCA610 Firepower
```yaml
product: behringer-fca610-firepower
brand: Behringer
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 6 x 10
sample_rate: 96 kHz
phantom_power: true
number_of_preamps: 2
```

- **Price:** £None [^2]
- **Summary:** The FCA610 is a half-rack USB/FireWire audio/MIDI interface with MIDAS-designed XENYX mic preamps, 2 front combo mic/instrument inputs, 2 line inputs, 8 balanced line outputs, ADAT and S/PDIF I/O, and 24-bit/96 kHz converters. It supports direct monitoring with near-zero latency and can be bus-powered via FireWire or used with the included power supply, suited for portable and home-studio recording.
- **Ideal For:** Fits the query because it offers 24-bit/96 kHz converters, 2 MIDAS-designed preamps, and a 6 x 10 I/O layout at a budget price point suitable for under-£200 Firewire interfaces.

### MOTU 2408 Mk3 (used Firewire units)
```yaml
product: motu-2408-mk3-used-firewire-units
brand: MOTU
price_gbp: 133.78
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 24 x 24 (8 analog + 24 digital)
sample_rate: 96 kHz
number_of_preamps: 0
```

- **Price:** £133.78 [^3]
- **Summary:** The MOTU 2408 Mk3 is a rackmount FireWire/PCI-based interface offering 8 analog inputs/outputs plus extensive digital I/O (ADAT/TDIF/S/PDIF) and 24x24 simultaneous channels at up to 96 kHz/24-bit. It's designed for expanding studio I/O and format conversion, and requires the MOTU PCI-424/PCIe-424 card for Audiowire connection.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for the question because it delivers 24x24 I/O (8 analog + 24 digital) at 24-bit/96 kHz, offering high channel count FireWire connectivity under £200 when bought used.

### Avid Mbox 3 Pro
```yaml
product: avid-mbox-3-pro
brand: Avid
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 8 in / 8 out
sample_rate: 24-bit/192 kHz
phantom_power: 48V
number_of_preamps: 4
```

- **Price:** £None [^4]
- **Summary:** The Avid Mbox 3 Pro is a FireWire audio interface offering eight channels of simultaneous I/O, four mic preamps with soft-clip limiters, dual instrument DIs, multiple monitor outputs, and onboard DSP for low-latency cue mixing and effects. It supports high-resolution conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz and includes features like S/PDIF, MIDI, word clock I/O, and dual headphone outputs, suited to project studios and mobile recording setups.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for top-rated FireWire interfaces under £200 because it provides four mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, and 8x8 I/O in a bus-powered Pro-grade FireWire unit.

### Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56
```yaml
product: focusrite-liquid-saffire-56
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 746.63
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 28 inputs and 28 outputs
sample_rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
phantom_power: Individual phantom power on all 8 microphone inputs
number_of_preamps: 8
```

- **Price:** £746.63 [^5]
- **Summary:** The Avid Mbox 3 Pro is a FireWire audio interface offering eight channels of simultaneous I/O, four mic preamps with soft-clip limiters, dual instrument DIs, multiple monitor outputs, and onboard DSP for low-latency cue mixing and effects. It supports high-resolution conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz and includes features like S/PDIF, MIDI, word clock I/O, and dual headphone outputs, suited to project studios and mobile recording setups.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for top-rated FireWire interfaces under £200 because it provides four mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, and 8x8 I/O in a bus-powered Pro-grade FireWire unit.

### Focusrite Saffire Pro 24
```yaml
product: focusrite-saffire-pro-24
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 298.94
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
latency: 5.714 ms (measured round-trip at 44.1 kHz, buffer 14 samples)
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 16 inputs, 8 outputs
sample_rate: 96 kHz
phantom_power: true
number_of_preamps: 2
```

- **Price:** £298.94 [^6]
- **Summary:** The Saffire Pro 24 is a 16-in / 8-out FireWire audio interface with two high-quality Focusrite mic preamps, ADAT and S/PDIF expansion, and 24-bit/96 kHz conversion. It provides low measured round-trip latency and flexible routing via Saffire MixControl, suited for small studios needing multiple I/O and good instrument preamps.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for top-rated Firewire interfaces under £200 because it offers 16x8 I/O, two Focusrite preamps, and 24-bit/96 kHz conversion, giving expanded channel count and pro-grade audio quality within a budget.

### PreSonus FireStudio Mobile
```yaml
product: presonus-firestudio-mobile
brand: PreSonus
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 28 inputs and 28 outputs
sample_rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
phantom_power: Individual phantom power on all 8 microphone inputs
number_of_preamps: 8
```

- **Price:** £None [^7]
- **Summary:** The Liquid Saffire 56 is a 2U FireWire/Thunderbolt-compatible audio interface offering 28x28 I/O, eight mic preamps (two with Focusrite Liquid emulations), ADAT and S/PDIF, and 24-bit/192kHz conversion. It includes zero-latency Saffire MixControl routing, two headphone outputs, and extensive monitoring and word-clock sync, suited for multi-tracking and project studios needing many channels and flexible preamp coloration.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for buyers seeking top-rated FireWire interfaces under £200 because it offers 28x28 I/O, eight mic preamps (two Liquid), and 24-bit/192kHz conversion for multitrack recording and vintage preamp emulations.

### RME Fireface 400
```yaml
product: rme-fireface-400
brand: RME
price_gbp: 167.08
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 18 input / 18 output
sample_rate: 192 kHz
phantom_power: 48 V (individually switchable)
number_of_preamps: 2
```

- **Price:** £167.08 [^8]
- **Summary:** Half-rack FireWire interface with 8 analog I/O, ADAT and S/PDIF, two digitally controlled mic preamps, SteadyClock jitter suppression and TotalMix routing; supports up to 192 kHz and stand-alone operation, suited to pro-home studios needing flexible I/O and low-jitter conversion. Discontinued model but continues to be supported in RME archives.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for top-rated Firewire interfaces under £200 because it offers 8 analog I/O, 2 mic preamps and 24-bit/192 kHz converters - professional specs rare at that price point.

### Focusrite Saffire Pro 14
```yaml
product: focusrite-saffire-pro-14
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 148.73
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 8 in / 8 out
sample_rate: 24-bit/192 kHz
phantom_power: 48V
number_of_preamps: 4
```

- **Price:** £148.73 [^9]
- **Summary:** The Avid Mbox 3 Pro is a FireWire audio interface offering eight channels of simultaneous I/O, four mic preamps with soft-clip limiters, dual instrument DIs, multiple monitor outputs, and onboard DSP for low-latency cue mixing and effects. It supports high-resolution conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz and includes features like S/PDIF, MIDI, word clock I/O, and dual headphone outputs, suited to project studios and mobile recording setups.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for top-rated FireWire interfaces under £200 because it provides four mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, and 8x8 I/O in a bus-powered Pro-grade FireWire unit.

### Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
```yaml
product: focusrite-saffire-pro-40
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 260.84
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 20 in / 20 out
sample_rate: 96 kHz
phantom_power: true
number_of_preamps: 8
```

- **Price:** £260.84 [^10]
- **Summary:** The Saffire Pro 40 is a 20-in/20-out FireWire rackmount interface with eight Focusrite mic preamps, ADAT and S/PDIF digital I/O, two headphone outputs and a zero-latency DSP mixer. It supports 24-bit/96 kHz conversion and extensive routing, suited to project studios tracking multiple sources simultaneously.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for the list because it offers 20x20 I/O, eight built-in Focusrite preamps and 24-bit/96 kHz support while historically retailing under £200 on the used market.

### PreSonus FireStudio Project
```yaml
product: presonus-firestudio-project
brand: PreSonus
price_gbp: 259.19
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 28 inputs and 28 outputs
sample_rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
phantom_power: Individual phantom power on all 8 microphone inputs
number_of_preamps: 8
```

- **Price:** £259.19 [^11]
- **Summary:** The Avid Mbox 3 Pro is a FireWire audio interface offering eight channels of simultaneous I/O, four mic preamps with soft-clip limiters, dual instrument DIs, multiple monitor outputs, and onboard DSP for low-latency cue mixing and effects. It supports high-resolution conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz and includes features like S/PDIF, MIDI, word clock I/O, and dual headphone outputs, suited to project studios and mobile recording setups.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for top-rated FireWire interfaces under £200 because it provides four mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, and 8x8 I/O in a bus-powered Pro-grade FireWire unit.
- **Additional Sources:** [^12]

### Echo AudioFire 4
```yaml
product: echo-audiofire-4
brand: Echo
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
latency: near zero hardware monitoring
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 6 in / 6 out
sample_rate: 32kHz - 96kHz
phantom_power: 48V on XLR inputs
number_of_preamps: 2
```

- **Price:** £None [^13]
- **Summary:** Compact FireWire audio interface with 2 mic/line/instrument front inputs, 2 additional balanced TRS inputs, 4 balanced outputs, S/PDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, and 24-bit/96kHz converters; bus-powered with optional external 12V supply and low-latency hardware monitoring, suited to mobile and home studios. Built with a rugged aluminum case and includes a software console for routing and mixing.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for the question because it offers 24-bit/96kHz recording, 6-channel I/O, and two mic preamps with phantom power while typically retailing under £200.

### M-Audio Firewire Solo
```yaml
product: m-audio-firewire-solo
brand: M-Audio
price_gbp: 186.1
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 2 in, 2 out
sample_rate: 96 kHz
phantom_power: true
number_of_preamps: 1
```

- **Price:** £186.1 [^14]
- **Summary:** Compact FireWire audio interface with one mic preamp, one instrument input, balanced outputs and S/PDIF I/O; supports 24-bit/96 kHz recording and bus-powered operation. Suits solo musicians, singer-songwriters and podcasters who need low-latency monitoring and simple two-channel recording. 
- **Ideal For:** Fits the query because it offers 24-bit/96 kHz resolution and single-mic plus instrument I/O at a low street price, making it a top-rated FireWire interface under £200.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Equipboard, accessed 2026-06-11. https://equipboard.com/items/motu-828-mkii-usb-2-0-audio-interface
[^2]: B&H Photo Video, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/862516-REG/Behringer_FCA610_Firepower_FCA610_6.html
[^3]: Audio Perception, accessed 2026-06-11. https://audioperception.com/used-gear/motu-2408-mk3-audio-interface-detail
[^4]: Sweetwater, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Mbox3Pro
[^5]: JRR Shop, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.jrrshop.com/focusrite-liquid-saffire-56.html
[^6]: JRR Shop, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.jrrshop.com/focusrite-saffire-pro-24-dsp.html
[^7]: Vintage King, accessed 2026-06-11. https://vintageking.com/presonus-firestudio-mobile
[^8]: Reverb (product page), accessed 2026-06-11. https://reverb.com/p/rme-fireface-400-audio-interface
[^9]: zZounds (product page), accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.zzounds.com/item--FOCSAFFPRO14
[^10]: Sound On Sound (review page listing RRP), accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/focusrite-saffire-pro-40
[^11]: Pitbull Audio, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.pitbullaudio.com/presonus-firestudio-project-10x10-24-bit-96-khz-firewire-recording-interface-open-box.html
[^12]: Palen Music, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.palenmusic.com/products/presonus-firestudio-project
[^13]: Echo product pages / reviews, accessed 2026-06-11. https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/echo-audiofire-4
[^14]: Tape Op (product review page listing street price), accessed 2026-06-11. https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/53/firewire-solo-pro-tools-m-powered-71