24bit 96k vs 24bit 192k converters

[bigtree]

I'm buying a new converter and interface for my MixDream hybrid DAW system and a modest attempt in mastering that I call polishing at this point.
I need 16 IO and an interface. The Prism ADA-8RX or less expensive RME are in the running for me.
I mention mastering because I know you guys are the end result and could save me grief. You may have some for-warned advise that I should hear before I make the plunge.

I have Lavry Blacks with the Dangerous Master for my polishing rig but haven't even gotten there yet so its a ways away from turning on the power for that part of the studio.

Do you ever use 24bit/ 192 ? Is this a waste of money and is there better choices that I could make for the combo of both area's of my studio?
I could save a pile of money if I chose the 96k Prism ADA. I have considered Blues but they are way out of my price range. Lavry is of course 96k which is why I'm asking this question in the first place. I have no need to ever record that high. Do you see me needing this and/or who does? Dan Lavry is @ 96 so... What's all the fuss with 24/192 converters?

Any suggestions on converters, 96k vs 192k and/or anything the comes to mind would be appreciated.

[Link555]

Have you read Lavry's articles?
http://www.lavryengineering.com/docu...ing_Theory.pdf

http://www.lavryengineering.com/white_papers/dnf.pdf

[TrilliumSound]

Hi, you certainly meant 192k. I have never used 192k so I can't say much about this but Lavry's articles talks about this. Prism ADA8's are great converters but I doubt that they are cheaper than the Blues. I use Prism and love it (@96k max.). I liked the Blacks also but I need at least 8 channels for my workflow.

Hope this helps.

Richard

[bigtree]

Hi Richard, yes I meant 192, fixed thanks!

Richard, hey... can you explain the ADA's configuration better for me? 1 unit can be used 8 AD DA or 16 in or 16 out. So, am I correct that this would do it for me? The only time I am going to be using 16 outs would at the end of my sessions, thus, sending stems out to be summed in the MixDream. I would then either return back or continue on the two buss into the Dangerous Master, either way, 2 buss back to print via the AD10 Black to DAW #2.

Plus, I am able to use the same ADA for a remote AD via firewire. Am I getting its functionality correct?

Thanks Link555, I read that long ago but just wanted some conformation from the ME here.

[bigtree]

I'm really thinking out loud at this point and still so unsure of what to do. Whether to get less channels and better quality of more channels and less quality. Have you done comparisons with the ADA-8XR ?

[TrilliumSound]

Hi,

Yes, 16 channels could be done. Stock, it comes with 8 Analog in and 8 Analog out. There is also the AES I/O card that provide 8 Digital in and 8 Digital out. Firewire card also provide 8 I/O. I have both cards and the flexibility is just superb. Both path are also clock and sample rates independant. You can of course monitor any path and channels anytime.

I did some comparaison with Benchmark, Apogee (Rosetta) and Lavry Black. I personally prefered the Black over the Benchmark and Apogee but I needed multiple channels with flexibity.. so the Prism was a GO for me. Of course, it's all a matter of personal taste when it is about sound preference and I must say that the difference were pretty subtle between the Prism and the Lavry Black (transparency, stereo image and depth). Honestly, I had no desire and time to spend on testing many hours to compare, proper blind testings need to be done... I believe that when you go with Prism, Lavry, Benchmark... you can't go wrong in my opinion, it's a matter of personal taste (how different these could be) workflow and reliabilty with a solid clocking! About RME.. I never used one but I heard good words but not in a real AD/DA Mastering chain but more as a Audio Interface card. I am sure some people could comment about this with real situation and comparaison.

Again, it is only my opinion and personal experience. Good luck with your choice!

Richard

[TrilliumSound]

Forgot to mention that you can find a ADA-8 used for 4k (not the ADA-8XR). Specs are the same but the XR goes up to 192k instead of 96k.

Here's some info in case you did not see them: ADA-8XR Home Page and ADA-8XR technical Specifications or ADA-8XR Options and Configurations .

Hope this helps.

Richard

[bigtree]

Got it, I'm reading over the options. Either way its expensive. Damn...

[bigtree]

ADA-8 I was looking for them on the website. They must be discontinued yes? $4000, Do you see them used around your area?

[TrilliumSound]

Yes, it is discontinued and have been replaced by the XR. I don't see them a lot on the used market but I will keep an eye for you ;-). What about this: Orpheus Recording Interface Home Page , reviews are just great! Is this could work for you?

Richard