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Hello, everyone
I record classical music for a long time and already had a setup for recording. But recently, the radio station where I was working has stopped working and some equipment left with it.
I've been using this setup:

  • Digidesign Digi 003
  • Mackie Onyx 800R
  • Macbook pro with Pro Tools software
  • Genelec speakers 8020
  • Some more mic preamps... Sonosax SXPR (2), Schoeps VMS5U
  • 16 channel analog multicable.

So, with this setup I was recording 16 channel (24 b. 48 Khz)
Now, just this equipment left:
My own Digi002, Macbook pro, sonosax sxpr and schoeps preamps, pair of Genelec 1030A.
Do not have any more 8 channel mic preamp with ADAT link and multicable :(

I have a dilemma, I want to renew my setup but cannot make a choice. Well, the budget is not big. I just have 1700 usd. and I want to have 16 track recording. Of course, I can buy Focusrite octopre mkII and a multicable and continue recording as before. But I wonder if there are some more options. I want my setup to be based on Mac and Protools. My last choice was: Focusrite liquid saffire 56 plus Focusrite octopre mkII, plus Pro Tools (9,10 or 11) and multicalbe. But I am afraid my budget is too low for such setup.

May be someone could give me a better advise. Thanks a lot.

Comments

datiko Sun, 03/30/2014 - 01:50

audiokid, post: 413037, member: 1 wrote: I would buy used from a good seller. You can get most things half price this way.

I do not have problem with second hand equipment. But I still need to choose which setup can be good for me.
Shall I leave Digi 002 or buy something else?
I wish I could have 16 channels of recording with 24 bit an 96 Khz resolution.

audiokid Sun, 03/30/2014 - 02:08

I think so. I'm not sure how road worthy you need something. Are you wanting something light and quite portable or would a console like one of these work? You can get a hardshell case for them.

They are a great package. I know you will be thrilled with this. Its really all your need. BUT, its locked in at 44.4 or 48. so, that might not work for you?
fwiw, I record a lot of stuff at 44.1 and I'm very satisfied.

I'm not sure what else to suggest under $2000.

datiko Sun, 03/30/2014 - 02:13

audiokid, post: 413043, member: 1 wrote: I think so. I'm not sure how road worthy you need something. Are you wanting something light and quite portable or would a console like one of these work? You can get a hardshell case for them.

They are a great package. I know you will be thrilled with this. Its really all your need. BUT, its locked in at 44.4 or 48. so, that might not work for you?
fwiw, I record a lot of stuff at 44.1 and I'm very satisfied.

I'm not sure what else to suggest under $2000.

Well, weight is important. Before I had one rack case 3U. Sometimes I work alone and big sizes wont be pleasant.
44.1 can be fine. I recorded lots of stuff with that resolution, but still if there is some chance to have higher resolution would be fine.
I don't think that console is suitable for me.
I prefer two rack items: Audio interface and preams with 8 channels.
Thanks for advises!

datiko Sun, 03/30/2014 - 02:23

audiokid, post: 413046, member: 1 wrote: HEY!!!!! Check out the new Antelope Zen Studio. Thats what you need!!!

The first studio-quality portable solution with 20 analog inputs, 12 mic preamps and DSP effects, featuring 38 simultaneous input and 32 output channels.

Seems really nice but it is expensive :(

http://bhphotovideo…

No second hand available as it is brand new interface.

audiokid Sun, 03/30/2014 - 02:44

datiko, post: 413050, member: 34963 wrote: With such price I would buy RME...

I don't know. I have a feeling this is going to be the best in its class for a year or more.
RME is very good, very stable.
I own or have owned RME, Lavry, Prism, Antelope, Dangerous ADDA
I sold ADI-8 QS after owning the Orion32. I'm very confident this Zen Studio will sound very close to this. I'm not so sure on the mic pre's. I don't like ADDA micpre combo as the pre's are never that good. Not enough power supply for them.
RME pre's are thin but maybe these are better. Every year things improve.

datiko Sun, 03/30/2014 - 04:41

audiokid, post: 413052, member: 1 wrote: I don't know. I have a feeling this is going to be the best in its class for a year or more.
RME is very good, very stable.
I own or have owned RME, Lavry, Prism, Antelope, Dangerous ADDA
I sold ADI-8 QS after owning the Orion32. I'm very confident this Zen Studio will sound very close to this. I'm not so sure on the mic pre's. I don't like ADDA micpre combo as the pre's are never that good. Not enough power supply for them.
RME pre's are thin but maybe these are better. Every year things improve.

I really liked Zen, but I don't think that I can afford it now.
I shall continue look for some second hand equipment.
But even with second hand there are some choices.
I really like Focusrite liquid 56 and it costs appr. 650-700 (Second hand) Plus octopre MKII which about 500 can be good combination. Plus audio snake and PT software. I think budget will be enough.

Anyway, some more advises will be useful.

Boswell Sun, 03/30/2014 - 05:28

Assuming your Macbook Pro has Firewire, I would look at a second-hand Allen & Heath Zed-R16 as a recording and mixing device. It has 16 channels of microphone pre-amps that are excellent quality for the money, very musical EQ, and a Firewire interface with digital direct outs and returns per channel and digital mix-bus out. It can in addition act as a control surface for DAWs such as PT. There are usually several Zed-R16s on Ebay (UK) at any one time, and second-hand ones go for around £1000 ($1700).

The Flightcase Warehouse makes a http://www.ebay.co… rugged case for the Zed-R16.

Ullanta Mon, 06/30/2014 - 15:26

For most classical purposes, the Sapphire 56 is probably overkill… would you really be using the liquid pre features for classical recording? I wouldn't. A cheaper Focusrite unit would probably suffice, such as the 18i20 - supposedly the basic press are the same as the liquid, but without all the modeling. That and an OctoPre will give you 16 channels for a lower price, in a smaller space. Or are there features of the liquid sapphire 56 that are compelling to you?

anonymous Tue, 07/01/2014 - 02:49

Bos and Chris beat me to it. Ditto to to either the Presonus StudioLive, or the A&H Zen. The thing is, with either model, you'll need a firewire interface on your Mac to get the individual channels from the desk to the corresponding tracks within Pro Tools. But....and correct me if I'm wrong here... don't most Macs made within the last ten years or so come with FW already built in?

At your budget, you are pretty limited in choices, and as choices go, for the best return on your dollar, your best bet is probably a Zen or a Presonus Studio Live 16.

I've had the opportunity to work with both, and both sound great.

IMHO of course.