I know, it's boring and I'm new, but even a yes or no would be great.

I just found this forum (in fact, the first I've ever joined), and I can already tell I'm going to be addicted.

Thank you!

Looks good. Someone from ADK mentioned there might some issues with the firewire chip on the MacPros. I would browse the Mac forums regarding that. The Motu ultralite is a huge upgrade from the 2496 IMHO. I would definitely look into a reasonable 8 channel preamp though. Don't bother using the Behr.... for it's preamps.

Check out the Presonus Digimax. Not the best preamp in the world but pretty good bang for the buck.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxD8/

Otherwise you might consider the MOTU 8 Pre instead. Still a firewire interface but with 8 built in preamps and the option of an additional 8 via ADAT I/O.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/8pre/

Thanks for the help!

The 8pre seems pretty decent...would I connect it to the 2nd firewire port on the Ultralite and it would go to the computer from there?

And I can't wait to put the Behringer on the shelf. I think I'll keep it around just in case (maybe for a headphone amp or something), but it's seen it's days.

Thanks again,

Well, I suppose you could connect the 8 Pre to the Ultralite but it's kind of overkill and I don't think you can pair the two. What would make more sense is buy the 8 Pre and if you absolutely need to buy another 8 channel pre like the Digimax or other that has ADAT output. Not trying to convince you out of getting the Ultralite. It's just that if you do get the ultralite, you will need an external preamp if you want to make use of the other 6 line inputs.

Edit: to clarify. The 8Pre is an 8 channel audio interface with 8 preamps and switchable phantom power on each channel. Hence you would not "need" the Ultralite.

Now you got me thinking! I agree that pairing the two would be overkill, esp. for me with the small home studio (although MOTU's site says you can connect them).

However, comparing the two I see that the Ultralite has 8 TRS outs, and SPDIF, which the 8pre does not. What would be the advantage of those extra outs?

But the 8pre has an extra 6 preamps and ADAT, so I'm wondering which would I use more, the extra preamps and ADAT, or the extra outs and SPDIF?

The two are close to the same price...any thoughts?

Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions....I'm just trying to make the best use out of the little money the government gave me back this year. :)

The outputs are handy for headphone mixes or if you decide you want to work on a surround sound project. It's entirely up to you. Just remember that if you need to use more than two mics you will need to invest in a preamp or two. That is, if you decide on the ultralite. Of course you could also take your time and invest in some nicer preamps but the more pres you buy the less mobile your rig will be. Not really but you'll definitely be carrying more.

Thanks for the input...I'll definitely have to think about this a bit more. The thing is, if I was to invest in nicer preamps, I'd probably want to invest in better converters as well, right?

Then again, I could go with the Traveler, leave room for preamp expansion later, and have the extra outs now. For $300 more, that might be an option too. I think 4 preamps would be enough for anything I will be doing in the near future.

Talk about a change of plans...better now than later though! Unfortunatly I'm very far away from any decent music store, or else I would try them out for a bit before buying. But I have to get this shipped in.....so I really do appreciate all the advise!

I don't think you would need to upgrade the converters necessarily. The A/D converters in the motu aren't bad. I'd go as far as to say that they're pretty darn good. But, it's all in your hands now. Happy shopping.