The 2408 has onboard interfaces for both ADAT optical and TASCAM TDIF wired Digital I/O. This unit has 8 analog inputs and outputs along with 24 digital inputs and outputs and of course requires their proprietary PCI card to be installed.

The 896 has a FireWire interface. It allows you to connect to numerous different computers without the need to install anything inside the machine. It also offers higher definition recording than the 2408. It offers 96kHz sampling rate while the 2408 only allows 44.1 and 48kHz sampling. Both have 24-bit converters. While the 896 also cannot handle a full 24 track input source.

I own a 2408 and regularly interface 24 tracks of TASCAM DA88/38/78 tracks and dump into the computer for mixing ITB. If you're not trying to record 24 tracks simultaneously then the 896 may just be the ticket?

Wired and Fired up
Ms. Remy Ann David

Thanks very much for the response. I'm going to layer on a lot of tracks to my projects and the final number of tracks will most definitely excede 24 in most cases but I can't see myself ever actually recording 24 tracks simultaneously.. although, you never know.. it could happen at a live show or something.

wait.. isn't the 2408 mk III capable of 96kHz sample rates?

Yes it does record up to 96k and sounds very good. I have one and have not had any issues. Very clean...

I also own the 2408 mk3 and it’s nice. The only problem I have with it is the a/d/a conversion. While definitely above average, it still lacks. But overall I love it!

Sorry I was referring to the mark II, not the mark III, which doesn't do 96kHz. I have a mark II.

Left her mark again
Ms. Remy Ann David

nihility0000, I agree. It's not the top rung in the A/D/A department, but it is clean. I second the above average. Plus the all the sync capabilities are a plus.

I'm preparing to add the HD192 (12)I/O which puts the system in the upper echelon in conversion. I guess what I'm saying is that it's a good way to get in at a competitive level and grow.

But as with anything else in this game, it's only as good as what you feed it. Take your time throughout the entire signal chain, gain, cables, source, etc. and you will be pleased with the results.

Hesser I like you do more layering of tracks than multitracking at this time, but that's changing as we speak. So I guess erroring on the side of excess, if funds allow, in this case is better than coming up short. Being prepared for the unexpected is key to survival in this crazy game...

Respect
LRG