Just found out that the USB version of the dmx 6 fire from Terratec doesn't work under linux, or at least that i can see. Envy24control even tells me there is no device attached, even though i can see the card using lsusb. Just my luck i guess.
I can sell the card to a friend, so no biggie, but i now need a replacement that works well under linux. I'm even willing to spend a bit more. I was just reading that USB cards aren't that good for pro-audio use, and that firewire cards are a better choice for external sound devices. Alas, i'm going to plug the card on a laptop which has no firewire input, so unless i can also buy an external firewire to usb adapter this may not be an option for me.
All this assuming the Linux requirment isn't going to limit my choices too much. Ultimately i can run a windows partition and use any card i want but of course i'd rather not do that.
