Setting up an M-Audio FireWire Solo with Ubuntu/Linux…

***IMPORTANT UPDATE: one of our readers has advised that recent versions of the firmware for the FireWire Solo are responsible for issues relating to an inability to get sound output from the unit in Linux. If you encounter this issue, and have already tried the suggestions in the Comments section, please consider changing your firmware version to FW_WDM_5.10.0.5036.exe (the last known good version – many thanks, laban!)

You can find it here (opens in new window):

Please also note that you shouldn’t have to update or install any firmware – it ought to work out of the box.***

***UPDATE: we’ve received some feedback from the good people at M-Audio, who have advised against leaving the unit plugged in: “…we advise against using the AC power adapter when bus power is available; this often causes problems and can possibly damage the device.” Our previous instructions to leave the unit plugged in have therefore been deleted.***

I’ve responded to a number of questions as to how to get the M-Audio Firewire Solo recording interface up and running with Ubuntu/Linux. The Firewire Solo is a device which allows one to connect a microphone or guitar/instrument to a firewire input on your computer and allows for excellent transfer rates and low latency.

I’ve promised to put together complete instructions, so, at long last, here they are. If you have any questions/ issues/ suggestions/ comments or selected curse words, please feel free to comment below.