|
Used RME FF400 vs new Steinberg MR816x
|
View this Thread in Original format
| Getafix |
Hi guys,
So i've got the opportunity to buy either a brand new Steinberg MR816x or a used RME Fireface 400 for the same price. I've already used a FF400 in the past so i know it's a solid device, however the preamps are less than stellar and the D/A conversion is also nothing to write home about.
Which one would be a better buy? I've read good reviews of the preamps and D/A conversion on the MR816x. However, i've also read that the drivers are not so reliable, especially with Windows 7.
Feature wise, they're pretty similar except for the MR816x having 8 mic preamps vs the two on the FF400. However, i won't really be needing 8 preamps for the moment, two are enough for me. Another plus point for the MR816x is the easy integration with cubase.
Are there some users here who have experience with both units? Are the preamps and D/A conversion on the MR816x really that much better than the FF400? If they are, is it worth sacrificing the stability the FF400 offers?
Thanks for the help. |
|
|
| Kenny Rogers |
| id you dont need the 8 mic preamps it doesnt seem logical to put money into that. other than that i cant help you. what do you have to pay for them? |
|
|
| Getafix |
| They're both in the $700-$750 range. |
|
|
| tehlord |
| I've never had any driver issues on my MR816 but that's under XP. I'll be creating a dual boot XP/W7 machine over Christmas so i'll be able to test it then. The sound quality is excellent. |
|
|
| Richard Butler |
I had the Steinberg and recently switched to RME FF400.
Overall I think I preferred the Steinberg especially on mic duties. I was a bit dumb operation wise when setting up for monitoring in cubase mixer but otherwise fine. I changed it as I kept having crashes and though it may be down to it, but in the end no one is sure if it was a catalyist for the crashes or not. |
|
|
| Getafix |
^^
Did you notice any difference in the D/A conversion quality when you moved to the FF400? |
|
|
| Richard Butler |
| quote: | Originally posted by Getafix
^^
Did you notice any difference in the D/A conversion quality when you moved to the FF400? |
No I can't say I did. |
|
|
| DJ RANN |
Don't get we wrong, both are totally usable for those functions but each has pro and cons;
Personally, I'd say the FF400 has the edge for AD conversion, MR816 for the pre's.
However, try to go for the FF800 ( I have seen them go second hand for around that price if you're lucky) which is a nice step up in terms of quality (uses different DAC chips than the FF400).
But, having said this:
I know you've got Barefoots at your studio, and TBH, you shouldn't be considering interfaces such as the MR816 or FF400 with them - you're not going to realise their full potential and they are one of the best monitors available on the market period.
You really should be looking at Lavry, Mytek, Lynx, Appogee or RME (FF800 or higher) to pair with those monitors. |
|
|
| Kenny Rogers |
| ah ur the barefoot guy. yeah spend some more to be in line with those. |
|
|
| Getafix |
| Thanks for the help guys. I am definitely going to get a DAC later on but for now i just needed something reliable with decent built-in preamps. Later on i can bypass the D/A conversion on the interface and use something like a Lavry/Benchmark/Mytek for that job. |
|
|
| kitphillips |
Have a look on GS mate, I seem to remember that the FF800 and 400 had different strengths and weaknesses. Like the 400 had better pres, but the 800 had better AD conversion, but the 400 had better DA conversion or something. It was complicated.
I don't know about the steinberg I assume its got better converters but is a worse interface overall? Is that the consensus? I've never heard anything to suggest that its better than the FF800, but I'll assume it is for arguments sake.
I know sasha uses a FF800, and I know its a rock solid, low latency bit of kit. At least if you decide later to upgrade to a lavry/mytek or something, you'll have a really good interface to plug your converters into. Whereas with the steinberg thing, you'll have better converters in the beginning (which we're assuming for arguments sake) but you'll always have a slightly ty interface even if you upgrade. Better to get a good interface and then upgrade converters, you'll have a better chain in the long run. |
|
|
| Getafix |
| Agreed 100% mate! I'm getting the FF400, thanks everyone for the help. |
|
|
|
|
