I just wanted to get some input from some others out there about what my next step should be in my setup.
I'm using a ProjectMix Interface with a Mackie 24.8 Console as a front-end. I'm using the Behringer ADA8000 for 8 additional channels connected to 8 direct outs on the Mackie.
I've been thinking about replacing the Behringer ADA8000 for an RME ADI-8DS and finally get some great sound converters into my chain. I was just wondering if the ADI-8 would be a substantial improvement over middle of the road converters like the Digimax FS or the Octopre.
The other option i've been thinking of is getting Focusrite's Liquidmix, the Digimax FS and one AKG C414 B-XLS.
I don't care for the sound of the Digi EQs/Comp sound in Pro Tools much, and was thinking the Liquidmix would be a good solution to add many varying eqs/comps to my setup. The only LDC I have is the AT4040 and while I love the mic I can't use it on all sources for vocals so I was considering getting the C414. One mic i've gotten great results on vocals with is the Kel Audio HM1. Love that thing for female vocals.
Let me know what you think would have the biggest impact for sound improvement in my setup. Thanks ahead of time for any advice anyone could give.
-Alex
Comments
I get good results with my set up now, but I was wanting to make
I get good results with my set up now, but I was wanting to make a step up from the Behringer converters if I could. I did a comparison between the Projectmix conversion and the ADA8000 and the Projectmix sounded much fuller for what I was recording (Kick, Snare and Overheads). I realize
Mackie pres aren't the best out there but I am a big fan of the sound they do provide and will still use them even after I get some Sebatron, Grace, and UA pres.
The U87 is a little out of my budget at this point and will probably get the AKG C414. I do understand what you mean about getting a good mic/pre combination. That's what i'll probably do after I get my nice converters :).
Ok, you obviously need to capture 8+ inputs during sessions. (m
Ok, you obviously need to capture 8+ inputs during sessions. (me too)
I was going to flippantly suggest a "have your cake and eat it too" solution to get you hooked: a smaller high-quality converter like the Apogee Mini-Me (which I believe you can squirt into yr ProjectMix via SPDIF, $795...cheap like dirt!), a gently used u87 from e-bay (if you can find one near you for less than $1.5k - getting it cleaned up/repaired isn't that expensive), and go new for the pre-amp...but that's still a bit out of the price range, right?
I'm not familiar with the Sebatron Preamps...and don't get me wrong, I like the 414 very much...do your homework/research before buying one.
The RME is a big step up from the Digimax and Octopre, IMO. You
The RME is a big step up from the Digimax and Octopre, IMO.
You're wondering if better converters will make things sound "better". My answer is YES, BUT...they can only make things sound as good as the mics, pres, proceessing and experience of the person using those tools in front of the converters allow.
If you want to, and can afford to (the GC employee discount will help bigtime here, I think), go invest in a classic multipattern LD condensor mic (like a Neumann U87) and a top-of-the-line mic pre, like a Millennia Media. Record everything you do with that chain for a month...vocals, guitars, mono drum kit, whatever...all within the same song, if possible, and then mix it in ProTools with their plug-ins. The result might make you re-evaluate and re-focus your thoughts as well as answer some of your questions.
Good Luck, have fun, and keep us posted!