multi channel firewire interface

[nedjinski]

opinion / recommendation needed -

I have a mackie onyx firewire 1220 mixer. I also have an 8 channel mic /pre unit that I run through the 1220.

I rarely use the 1220 to it's full capacity as a mixer and am thinking about replacing the 1220 with a firewire interface to run my mic / pres through.

my mic / pre unit is quite good and I wouild like to keep it but I need a firewire only interface without all the extra bells and whistles and mic pres that the typical interface unit comes bundled with.

is there such a beast that won't color my mic pres and still interface well with my DAW?

 

[jg49]

You are looking for something like this. You don't list your preamp so not certain if it will feed lightpipe, or adat or what.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FireStuLP/
I am sure there are other manufacturers making similiar products, A/D/A converters.

 

[nedjinski]

well the idea there is good but I need to plug the TRS outputs of my pres into the unit - not sure how the lightpipe idea works.

 

[jg49]

Wel that was why I was asking what preamp unit is it?
What unit is it?

 

[Boswell]

If this anonymous preamp really is that good, you will need a FireWire 8-channel A-D interface with line-level inputs that are not attenuated and put through its own pre-amps.

The RME FireFace 800 will do exactly what you want. Other possible interfaces at markedly different points in the price-quality curve are the MOTU 828 and Lynx Aurora 8/FW.

 

[nedjinski]

hmmmm . . . .

well it certainly looks to be cheaper just to keep the 1220 and use it as an A/D/Firewire converter.

 

[Boswell]

The Onynx pre-amps are among the best in their class, but have you considered carrying out the standard modification to the Oynx series that moves the recording/FireWire take-off point to after the insert (and EQ etc)?

[="http://www.graymattersound.com/onyx1640"]This[/] is the 1640 mod description, but it's similar for a 1220. [="http://www.frontendaudio.com/Mackie_Onyx_1220_EQ_Modification_p/7278.htm"]Front-end Audio[/] offer to carry out the mod on the 1220.

With the modification in place, you would take an unbalanced output from your too-wonderful-to-mention-the-name-of pre-amp to the insert return on the 1220, thus by-passing the Onynx pres.

 

[jg49]

Boz wrote "too-wonderful-to-mention-the-name-of pre-amp"
Too early to have coffee coming from my nose, laughing so hard. Should be a brand of its own.