As several of you know, I'm in the market for a new firewire recording interface.
Two Options I'm Considering:
On this board and others, members whose inputs I value continue to recommend the TC Electronic Konnekt 24D. I'd like to hear anecdotal opinions of this unit: the sound of the hardware, latency/reliability, usefulness of the built-in effects, etc.
I'm also impressed with the sound of the Mackie Onyx preamps, and I'm therefore looking at the Mackie Onyx 400F. Four (arguably) useable preamps make a strong selling point. If you've used one of these, please don't withhold.
A Potential Problem:
The majority of my work is with rock/pop/metal/indie bands, and I almost always track instruments individually. But this still leaves the need for (again, arguably) a number of inputs for drums; comfortably, I'd like to have 7 channels at my disposal if the situation so demands. I have two channels of decent outboard preamplification, so I'd need 5 more to a mic a complete kit.
While the Konnekt24D lacks the hardware for this, it DOES allow for ADAT Ins, so I could incorporate the pres on a friend's FireStudio 2626, though perhaps at the sake of quality. The Onyx 400f, on the other hand, does have enough preamps that I could perhaps get by, but it looks like the unit has no way to add preamps if I'd ever need it (other than via the Line Ins, which wouldn't be exceptionally useful in conjunction with the FireStudio).
If I'm overlooking something, please let me know. I just need help. I'm so close to having a setup I'm confident in. Particularly useful would be direct comparisons between these two units. Some people have talked about the AKM converters in the Onyx as being comparable (or is it identical?) to those in RME's products, but as someone who lacks experience, this is all jargon to me.
Last edited by patrick_like_static on Sat May 10, 2008 11:21 pm; edited 1 time in total
patrick_like_static Recording Org Pro Audio Group
Joined: Sep 26, 2004
Posts: 417
Location: Springfield, Missouri, USA
it looks as though I can use the Firestudio 2626 as a standalone unit (i.e. without a computer) to route its preamps to its respective analog outs, and then run these into the Onyx 400F via the Inserts or Line Ins. If any of you can confirm that is actually will work (you never know with Presonus...), I'll be grateful.
I read extensive reviews of both units last night, so if the above is true, I suppose it's a matter of each unit's sound and reliability. Any input is still quite welcomed.
IIRs Recording Org Pro Audio Group
Joined: Oct 10, 2005
Posts: 449
Location: Sheffield, UK
I can't compare with the Konnekt24D, but I've been using an Onyx Satellite with my laptop and I'm very happy with it. I'm probably going to add the firewire card to my Onyx mixer so I can multi-track on location more easily..
Cucco Moderator
Joined: Mar 8, 2004
Posts: 4201
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
The Onyx Pres are good - there's no doubt about that.
The TC pres are quite nice also. Both would be on the neutral side of things. I'd give the cleanliness and wide-open, noiseless gain points to the TC. I'd give the "character" points to the Onyx.
The conversion in both boxes is good as well.
I will say that I've owned the following:
Onyx 800R
Onyx Satellite (got a broken one out of the box so I didn't get to use it much - but I did get to use it.)
TC Konnekt 24D
Out of the above, the 24D is the most flexible. (Obviously the 800R is not an interface...) The built-in plugs (mainly the reverb) are beyond reproach and at least as good as some of the very expensive outboard units I've used.
The latency is acceptable (better than PreSonus/MOTU, not as good as my RME Fireface).
Here's my setup - just to give you an idea. This is only for my in-studio work - my on-location work is all done through the Fireface.
TC Konnekt 24 handling mic pres 1/2, Aphex 107 (modified) handling mic channels 3/4, Focusrite ISA428 with ADAT option handling channels 5-8 and any other pre - Grace/Millennia,etc... handling channels 9-12. This is a very versatile setup and will record just about anything I want.
For the money - $2500 - I couldn't imagine a better setup than the Konnekt 24D and the ISA 428 with the ADAT option - it leaves you with so many choices.
In the mean time, use the 2626 and when you can, later, upgrade a bit...
For the money - $2500 - I couldn't imagine a better setup than the Konnekt 24D and the ISA 428 with the ADAT option - it leaves you with so many choices.
double check the ADAT compatability on the SMUX/SMUX2 stuff
also double check the BNC wordclock compatability with the ADAT
I'm not up to date with SMUX/SMUX2 stuff
and
I have Slow Net and can't quickly look the details up right now
(I am on the TC and FF sites now)
can't see the BNC on the Konnekt
(SMUX/SMUX2) would keep you at 96k ... yes / no ?
both units have good options
you can stack the Konnekts to a larger system
and
" A to D Delay 0.68 ms / 0.63 ms @ 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz "
I usually think in sample but I think this is OK
the ISA has
( ... 25-pin D-Type connector, integrates seamlessly with ProTools HD as well as other popular hard disk recorders and mixing desks.
Digital formats include an eight-channel single/dual wire AES/EBU and S/PDIF output, as well as an eight-channel ADAT lightpipe (SMUX/SMUX2) output. Word clock i/o is provided via dedicated BNC connectors )
on paper that all looks good
actually , for a mobile system it could almost get my away from Alsihad
stackable and expandable and has genuine options
that's pretty cool
then do as Cucco suggests " Grace/Millennia,etc "
that could get very snobby
the smug smile could follow
_________________ Kev
DIY Factory
bent Moderator
Joined: Oct 26, 2007
Posts: 1651
Location: Cocoa Beach, Fl
No, not both boxes. But I have heard products from both manufacturer's (and have used both for far too many years), and on that basis I'm giving you my opinion...
TC's better than Mackie.
I opine...
_________________ -BeN(t)
*Proper gain structure makes the world go 'round!
All your base drumsticks are belong to us! - BobRogers
patrick_like_static Recording Org Pro Audio Group
Joined: Sep 26, 2004
Posts: 417
Location: Springfield, Missouri, USA
I'm giving you my opinion...TC's better than Mackie.
I appreciate this: a man so firm in his opinions that he's willing to put his reputation and finances on the line regarding liability over my purchase.
...right? Ben/t?
bent Moderator
Joined: Oct 26, 2007
Posts: 1651
Location: Cocoa Beach, Fl
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