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Behringer ADA8000 Ultragain Pro 8-Channel A/D D/A Converter

I have a Fostex FD-8 and I really need to be able to record on more than two tracks at a time. This looks like it could be a great Low-cost solution, what with the lightpipe in/out.

Comments

anonymous Sun, 06/01/2003 - 14:26

Ya know I've heard tons of people bust on Behringer stuff. I've never used anything by them so I can't comment on it. My main concern is that it is the only thing I know of that for under $200 will give me access to all 8 tracks of my Fostex FD-8. I realize the importance of a good pre-amp but at some point being able to capture a great performance, the interaction of musicians playing off of each other means more to me than the quality of the sound.

I appreciate your post and I don't want to sound like I'm slamming you 'cause my reply is not meant like that.

MisterBlue Sun, 06/01/2003 - 14:53

Some of their designs are OK, others are not.

They are generally looked down upon because they are said to have knocked off a number of successful competitor's units (e.g. the hugely successful Mackie 24x8x2 mixing console), thus saving a lot in design expenses, then manufacture in China (who doesn't) and sell for a lot less than the competition (and that is where people get interested ...).

I own one of those 24x8x2 knockoffs (Eurodesk 8000 - I didn't have much cash at the time) and I think it is quite a decent console for the money. It fit perfectly my purposes and I haven't had any issues with it. In fact, the input channels are even a little bit less noisy as they are higher current than the Mackies. They also remedied a couple of minor oversights by watching and learning from Mackie.

But to get to the point and answer your question:
If you want Apogee converter quality the Behringer will NOT CUT it. You will be seriously disappointed. If you want an "acceptable quality workhorse" unit at a really good price it might just be what you need. Remember, however, that you get what you pay for.

Just my opinion,

MisterBlue.

MisterBlue Sun, 06/01/2003 - 15:05

... I also took a quick look at the specification on the Behringer site. It only supports max 48kHz and has only a THD+N figure of -80dB. Crosstalk is also a measly -86dB, both pretty lousy figures. So that's where the savings went.

It is remarkable, though, that they didn't seem to have skimped on the overall features and the connectors.

MisterBlue.