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Hi,
I need 16 inputs to my DAW. Please post your opinions.

Option 1)
(2) MOTU 896HD out to my CR1604 for headphone monitoring

Option 2)
Mackie onyx 1640 with firewire card, replaces CR1604

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Scott :D

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Comments

RemyRAD Thu, 10/26/2006 - 21:04

Well even though I am a Mark Of The Unicorn 2408 owner and even though the MOTU 896HD is a beautiful unit, basically it is just a core unit. The Mackie 1640 provides the kind of hands-on enhancements of an actual console and so is more of a hybrid oriented system. I haven't heard anything bad about either unit but since they are extremely different in their operation, only you can decide what is most appealing to you.

Do you think you will ever use this for any kind of live sound application? If so I would choose the 1640, even though the marketing hype of the 896 indicates it too can be used in live applications. So where are all the knobs when you need them?

So basically your question is sort of like " what kind of underwear do recommend?" I could tell you slinky nylon with a cotton crotch.......but methinks you'de look a little embarrassed with those?

I really don't think you will hear much difference in the sound quality between those two units as they are both quite highly regarded?

If I were to personally choose, I would go for the 1640. Maybe it's because I'm a more old-fashioned kind of girl?

I feel more in control with my hands on the controls
Ms. Remy Ann David

RemyRAD Thu, 10/26/2006 - 21:06

Well even though I am a Mark Of The Unicorn 2408 owner and even though the MOTU 896HD is a beautiful unit, basically it is just a core unit. The Mackie 1640 provides the kind of hands-on enhancements of an actual console and so is more of a hybrid oriented system. I haven't heard anything bad about either unit but since they are extremely different in their operation, only you can decide what is most appealing to you.

Do you think you will ever use this for any kind of live sound application? If so I would choose the 1640, even though the marketing hype of the 896 indicates it too can be used in live applications. So where are all the knobs when you need them?

So basically your question is sort of like " what kind of underwear do recommend?" I could tell you slinky nylon with a cotton crotch.......but methinks you'de look a little embarrassed with those?

I really don't think you will hear much difference in the sound quality between those two units as they are both quite highly regarded?

If I were to personally choose, I would go for the 1640. Maybe it's because I'm a more old-fashioned kind of girl?

I feel more in control with my hands on the controls
Ms. Remy Ann David

anonymous Fri, 10/27/2006 - 04:48

The difference is that the 1640 only offers 2 outputs as LR returns from the DAW. I did think that could be an issue in the future and that is one of the factors in the decision. I had also heard that the A/D to D/A was a little better on the MOTU. Anyhow thanks again for the responses. I am having a hard time staying away from the 1640 with firewire option.