TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- Production Studio
-- lets talk audio interfaces
Pages (2): [1] 2 »

lets talk audio interfaces

Ok, so basically ill get right to the point. I just aquired a moog voyager rack, to go along with my prophet 08 rack. Unfortunatly my EMU 1212m card only has 1 pair of 1/4 inch inputs. So im going to need something with atleast 2 or more pairs of inputs so I can use them both at the same time. EMU sells a breakout box upgrade for $350.00 which would get me an extra pair of inputs + 2 pairs of out's + some mic preamps. My question is should I purchase the breakout box to get the extra inputs, or should I drop some serious coin(around $1000) and get something with better converters. Mind you I've read the EMU converters are amazing for its price.

Make sure it does mono, because something like 77.3 clubs are mono only.








*steps back from thread and snickers*

EDIT: And to relate to your question, couldn't you just get a small mixer? like...

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MG102c

or

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PV6

you'll probably be happier in the long run if you just get a new interface, I think everyone here will tell you RME. If you've got a damn moog and prophet 08 there's no reason not to splurge on a top interface, it'll sound amazing.

quote:

Originally posted by meriter you'll probably be happier in the long run if you just get a new interface, I think everyone here will tell you RME. If you've got a damn moog and prophet 08 there's no reason not to splurge on a top interface, it'll sound amazing.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by meriter you'll probably be happier in the long run if you just get a new interface, I think everyone here will tell you RME. If you've got a damn moog and prophet 08 there's no reason not to splurge on a top interface, it'll sound amazing.

+2

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker Make sure it does mono, because something like 77.3 clubs are mono only.

I think my head just exploded

Drop the Emu. I used to tech support for them and one actually caught fire while we were trouble shooting it. Highly unlikely to happen to you but they also sound like shit so with that sort of analogue synthage, I would upgrade in a heartbeat.

Don't want to piss on your card, but it was pretty average 10 years ago and things have just left it behind now in terms of quality and value.

It all depends actually on what you need in terms of I/O (how many, what type, room for future expansion), whether you need other connectivity (Midi, SPDIF, ADAT, etc ), and what type of base connection you want (PCIe, FW, USB etc).

Let me know and I'll post up suitable options

To add to DJ RANN's post, your signal chain is as good as your weakest link, so your budget comes into play here as well. Is $350 your budget?

I've played a Voyager before, which sounded great, but you could negatively color the sound with a cheap mixer/interface. I can't comment on RME myself.

You have the option of using a line mixer, which in my experience hasn't been a bad choice, so potentially you could run through that into the RME (at a much lesser cost than a new interface).

Taking into account what you already own though, it sounds like your budget is open, so you may want to consider something entirely new like RANN suggested, but to give good advice, knowing all of your requirements will help narrow down what you should actually get.

And, always keep in mind--don't send a Voyager through something low-quality, otherwise you've wasted the money on something that could be accomplished through a cheaper alternative. It's a pretty specialized piece of gear, and you don't want to degrade the signal chain in any way.

Edit: DJ Rann: meant to say EMU--somehow got RME in my head when writing. Can't comment on your line mixer response as they theoretically shouldn't change the sound but only the volume unless there are very crummy components involved. That's just my personal experience, however. I only mentioned a line mixer because synths are already at line level, but a line mixer increases the number of inputs you can use with a limited-input interface (it's a budget-oriented option I was intending on providing. For tracking, unless for effect, you would never run everything at once, but provides convenience when writing the song if you do). I myself use individual inputs per sound source directly into the interface, as I like my chain to have as few intermediaries as possible.

forgot to mention--if you use shitty plug-ins in your DAW, that won't help matters either. A perfect signal run through a shit EQ or compressor in your DAW won't return the best results.

quote:

Originally posted by Lith To add to DJ RANN's post, your signal chain is as good as your weakest link, so your budget comes into play here as well. Is $350 your budget? I've played a Voyager before, which sounded great, but you could negatively color the sound with a cheap mixer/interface. I can't comment on RME myself. You have the option of using a line mixer, which in my experience hasn't been a bad choice, so potentially you could run through that into the RME (at a much lesser cost than a new interface). Taking into account what you already own though, it sounds like your budget is open, so you may want to consider something entirely new like RANN suggested, but to give good advice, knowing all of your requirements will help narrow down what you should actually get. And, always keep in mind--don't send a Voyager through something low-quality, otherwise you've wasted the money on something that could be accomplished through a cheaper alternative. It's a pretty specialized piece of gear, and you don't want to degrade the signal chain in any way.

Dude, this post is seriously confusing.

I think you keep using the letters RME instead of EMU. If he had an RME , this thread would be a non-starter.

Also, I don't get what your logic is for using a line mixer:

the output of a moog is line level - it's not a mic level signal that need attenuation to become a line level signal.

Also, unless you're going to use some very nice mixer, like a pro summing mixer or vintage valve mixer, then I'd really want to go as direct as possible, straight from Moog to interface. Budget mixers/devices in the signal chain will not do anything other than distort or color.

Wait. So you bought a Moog and a Prophet, and you're using an EMU sound card Either you have more money than sense, or you just like doing things backward. Oh well, at least you're correcting the problem now I guess.

I'd grab an RME with that setup. Lynx are also good if you have a bit more cash. DON'T stick with EMU, MOTU, M-Audio if you have that kind of gear IMO.

Its not that I do things backwards, I purchased the EMU 1212 along with a midi controller, when I first started but I wasn't sure how into production I was going to get and I didnt want to drop $1000+ on an interface for nothing. When I looked into the 1212 I read that the converters on it were excellent and it was the best deal within its price range.

Anyways I dont plan on adding anymore hardware synths to my set up anytime soon, just maybe some external effects processors. I looked into the RME 400 and 800 they look like decent interfaces, I would like to go with something external this time so not PCI. Also how can I tell if the converters are good? Will I notice an instant upgrade from my 1212 right away?

quote:

Originally posted by DJ TL Anyways I dont plan on adding anymore hardware synths to my set up anytime soon, just maybe some external effects processors. I looked into the RME 400 and 800 they look like decent interfaces, I would like to go with something external this time so not PCI. Also how can I tell if the converters are good? Will I notice an instant upgrade from my 1212 right away?

The simple answer is yes, as the RME is huge leap in terms of conversion quality....

......but that's only if you have a decent set of monitors to take advantage of that superior conversion.

If you're going for an RME, go the whole hog and get the 800 - the 400 is still very good but it's quite close in terms of sonic quality to the Echo Audiofire range which cost quite a bit less, so therefore you're paying a lot of more to get only very slightly better conversion.

The 800 uses different chips and the clock is so solid it adds to the quality of conversion, and is only about $300 more than the 400, or nothing if you buy second hand 800.

I have HS 80 monitors...

Im really conflicted right now, the 800 is $1699 which is a little high for me. From what ive read I don't think the 400 would be a massive step up, from a 1212m, and I dont think I could justify spending $1299 on a small upgrade.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ TL I have HS 80 monitors...

That should be good.

RANN, what do you think of RME Multiface II?

quote:

Originally posted by DJ TL Its not that I do things backwards, I purchased the EMU 1212 along with a midi controller, when I first started but I wasn't sure how into production I was going to get and I didnt want to drop $1000+ on an interface for nothing. When I looked into the 1212 I read that the converters on it were excellent and it was the best deal within its price range. Anyways I dont plan on adding anymore hardware synths to my set up anytime soon, just maybe some external effects processors. I looked into the RME 400 and 800 they look like decent interfaces, I would like to go with something external this time so not PCI. Also how can I tell if the converters are good? Will I notice an instant upgrade from my 1212 right away?

Still pretty backwards to get two good analogue synths instead of a decent interface. Really compromises your setup.

You may notice a difference, it depends how many tracks of audio you're working with and how your monitors are. HS80s are OK, so I'd say go the 800, maybe second hand. The price you quoted was relatively high, I think you should be able to keep an eye out for it cheaper than that.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ TL I have HS 80 monitors... Im really conflicted right now, the 800 is $1699 which is a little high for me. From what ive read I don't think the 400 would be a massive step up, from a 1212m, and I dont think I could justify spending $1299 on a small upgrade.

Then just buy an Echo audiofire 4, 8 or 12 depending on how much I/o you need. It will be a very decent step up in terms of quality but only cost you a fraction of what the RME would,

The HS80's great, so no worries there.

@eddie - the multiface is wicked. i work with a couple of composers that use them (with the madi/digiface option) alongside fully maxed out PTHD4 rigs and they are flawless. Rock solid, great sound quality and a ton of I/o for the money.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN Then just buy an Echo audiofire 4, 8 or 12 depending on how much I/o you need. It will be a very decent step up in terms of quality but only cost you a fraction of what the RME would, The HS80's great, so no worries there. @eddie - the multiface is wicked. i work with a couple of composers that use them (with the madi/digiface option) alongside fully maxed out PTHD4 rigs and they are flawless. Rock solid, great sound quality and a ton of I/o for the money.

Yeah, thats more in my price range, then I can sell my 1212 and get a bill or so back. So the audio fires are better then EMU cards I take it?

In audio fidelity I wouldn't be so surprised if the Audiofire and the emu 1212 would be very similar - I don't know how they compare in this area really. However in stability and being futureproof the Audiofire wins hands down

quote:

Originally posted by DJ TL Yeah, thats more in my price range, then I can sell my 1212 and get a bill or so back. So the audio fires are better then EMU cards I take it?

Yes they are a bit better. not a huge difference, but enough so that you'll hear it.

suprised nobody mentioned the mbox yet.

quote:

Originally posted by LoveHate suprised nobody mentioned the mbox yet.

I'm not. They're pretty shit in the grand scheme of things (value vs quality & function etc).

The Steinberg MR816x (non DSP version) is ridiculously cheap for it's features and input quality.

It's also got the digital expansion should you need it.

Drivers are rock solid too. 5ms is easy without taxing my old Q9450 although I tend to pull back to about 9ms for mixing.

Anybody have any experience with the Focusrite Saffire series interfaces?

The RedNet-series looks pretty astounding, but probably waaayyy beyond most of our budgets. Well, mine at least - I've seen estimates of the RedNet 4 (bottom unit in the photo below) at around $5K.

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord The Steinberg MR816x (non DSP version) is ridiculously cheap for it's features and input quality. It's also got the digital expansion should you need it. Drivers are rock solid too. 5ms is easy without taxing my old Q9450 although I tend to pull back to about 9ms for mixing.

Absolutely right. Steinberg used to make some horrendous interfaces but they got it right with this one. Good mic pres, very good conversion and a shitload of I/O.

The only downside is that is costs $700, and unless you need all that I/O, that's $450 more than the echo audiofire 4 or $200 more than Audiofire 8 both of which are comparable in quality and have pretty good mic pres as well.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Anybody have any experience with the Focusrite Saffire series interfaces? The RedNet-series looks pretty astounding, but probably waaayyy beyond most of our budgets. Well, mine at least - I've seen estimates of the RedNet 4 (bottom unit in the photo below) at around $5K.

It seems extremely interesting - I don't actually know anyone that has used it, but to me it seems to be clearly aimed at two groups:

1, Pro/Project studios that can now use Protools native at a fraction of the cost, rather than having to buy expensive and over priced DIGI interfaces.

2, Large scale Live sound companies, where the huge advantage is just having to run tour grade CAT5 multicores , which again is a fraction of the cost and far more robust than tour grade multicore audio looms. For instance, a 100foot 48ch tour grade balanced loom can easily cost $3000, where as an 8 core tour grade cat5 probably won't set you back more than $500, and will be way easier to maintain that the audio multicore.

They actually quote my former clients (Brit Row) as now using it which doesn't surprise me based o how much they used to spend on multicore audio looms.

The only thing I don't like about it is the reliance on gigbit switches for audio data protocols, which in my experience can be an utter fucking headache, and can often go wrong, even with professional grade equipment.

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.