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Apogee Duet with 3 stereo ins?
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| cristianokeller |
Well guys, I need your help!!!
I'm buying an Apogee Duet but I have 3 synths (Virus Snow, JP-8000 and Juno-G).
I don't want to plug and unplug the cables everytime I'll record something and also I don't want to use a ing cheap mixer because the Duet have high quality pre-amps.
So, what can I do?
A friend of mine told about to use a patchbay but I don't think it's a good idea...
Help my friends, need help!
ps.: I don't have money to buy an Ensemble, please do not insist... :stongue: |
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| Kenny Rogers |
| get a different soundcard? :conf: |
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| Eric J |
You can use a patchbay, but you'll still be plugging cables in and out, just at the patchbay instead of the audio interface.
The Duet has 2 in/2out, period, there is no alternative in the Apogee line. The next one up in the chain is the Ensemble.
So you can either get a patchbay or buy another interface that has the required amount of available inputs. That's pretty much it. There are several other manufacturers putting out equipment with quality comparable to Apogee. |
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| DJ RANN |
Is there any reason you're set on the Duet?
As eric said you're going to be patching and unfortunately small patchbays are rare and often crap in quality, meaning you'd be looking at something like 24 way PB, which is a waste.
I know I must sound like a broken records but I would look at the Echo interfaces, as for the same money as the duet you could getthe Audiofire 8, which is comparable in sound quality but would take care of all your I/O needs and is rock solid.
If you want to spend more you could get the new RME babyface but I think the connectivity would be overkill for your needs and it's $350 more at $750.
Honestly, look at the echo AF8, I think it would fit you far better than trying to make the Duet work. |
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| Kenny Rogers |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ RANN
echo AF8 |
+1
ive had AF2, 4 and 12 and they are all awesome.
Off Topic: there is one thing i wonder about these echos on a mac though, i dont seem to be able to control the output with the keyboard volume buttons which works on windows. is it a driver issue or have i sat it up wrong? i have the iNano so its not a big problem but i like to control everything from computer really. |
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| cristianokeller |
I still belive that there's never a period to my system routes :)
anyway...
Eric, can you suggest me an equal convertes/pre-amp quality alternative in the price range? |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by cristianokeller
I still belive that there's never a period to my system routes :)
anyway...
Eric, can you suggest me an equal convertes/pre-amp quality alternative in the price range? |
The Duet is pretty much the best quality interface at that price range. There is a reason why Apogee can offer a product in that price range: because it has limited numbers of in/out. Thats just the sacrifice you make for the quality. So you either have to get an interface with lower quality preamps but a greater number of in/out or pony up and spend a bit more to stay in the Apogee quality range. Its one or the other.
DJ RANN has suggested some great alternatives in the post above, I'd suggest you check those out. Keep in mind that the Echo interfaces are not a huge step down from Apogee in terms of quality. It's not like you are working with an M-Audio cheapo interface. They are decent enough quality for what they cost. There certainly not as good as Apogee, but they should meet your needs, especially if you have a dodgy monitor situation. I don't know what your monitoring situation is, but running a Duet through crap monitors isn't going to do a whole hell of a lot.
To be honest with you, in your situation, if I was dead-set on Apogee quality, I'd wait to purchase an interface until you can afford what you need. Many of us, including myself, have made the mistake of setting for less that what we want just because we could get it sooner, and you'll always regret the decision, trust me. |
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| aNYthing |
| quote: | Originally posted by Eric J
The Duet is pretty much the best quality interface at that price range. There is a reason why Apogee can offer a product in that price range: because it has limited numbers of in/out. Thats just the sacrifice you make for the quality. So you either have to get an interface with lower quality preamps but a greater number of in/out or pony up and spend a bit more to stay in the Apogee quality range. Its one or the other.
DJ RANN has suggested some great alternatives in the post above, I'd suggest you check those out. Keep in mind that the Echo interfaces are not a huge step down from Apogee in terms of quality. It's not like you are working with an M-Audio cheapo interface. They are decent enough quality for what they cost. There certainly not as good as Apogee, but they should meet your needs, especially if you have a dodgy monitor situation. I don't know what your monitoring situation is, but running a Duet through crap monitors isn't going to do a whole hell of a lot.
To be honest with you, in your situation, if I was dead-set on Apogee quality, I'd wait to purchase an interface until you can afford what you need. Many of us, including myself, have made the mistake of setting for less that what we want just because we could get it sooner, and you'll always regret the decision, trust me. |
True that, true that.... Look into RME Babyface - just came out, good price range and you get a lot of inputs at that price. Though it is USB, not FW.
you may want to also consider:
RME Fireface 800
RME Fireface 400
RME Multiface - uses cardbus or express card (depending which mac you have, you may not be able to use it). |
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| aNYthing |
since we're on the subject...
ENSEMBLE vs. Multiface or Fireface
discuss... ;) |
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| cristianokeller |
Eric, my monitors are Yamahas HS-80.
I still believe Duet is a good option, think, I'll do not record more than two channels simultaneously.
I can see that 7Skies has almost the same setup of mine but he don't reply the ing questions...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERrOdH0BZ28 |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by cristianokeller
Eric, my monitors are Yamahas HS-80.
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Good enough, you'll should get some benefit from an upgraded interface.
| quote: | Originally posted by cristianokeller
I still believe Duet is a good option, think, I'll do not record more than two channels simultaneously.
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Yeah, I mean its a good interface for the price, as long as you can live with the limitations. It's all about how it works for you.
I hope you aren't buying the Duet just because this dude has one. |
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