Makzimia, post: 420814, member: 48344 wrote: I can't fit it in the studio alongside the 32 inch screen the Mac Pro currently has.

You can use a a kvm switch. I tried the ASS for the ST, its very cool but dated for HD video cards.

Makzimia, post: 420814, member: 48344 wrote: If I was to go the route of Mac Pro - 2 channel to PC, which then could at least share the monitor and go under the desk, I would be using (what I think) is a degrade in quality of preamp.

The beauty of the Monitor ST is you can use any 3 sets of speaker for any path A, B, C. In other words, you can still monitor the second DAW from Orion32 or vs versa. Once your get your head around the ST, you will see there is nothing quite like it. Knowing what I know now, I would never start a pro studio without this now.

Being said, the Moto will work fine for now. The benefit just from mixing off a second DAW is enough to convince me. But, be advised, I am also using Samplitude so there is one DAW of a difference. I'd try their 30 day demo and get a simple PC that will work with your interface. You are only running 2 channels for the master and need only a limiter plugin!.
But, plan to invest in very best 2 channel ADDA. You are heading into mixing into the master world! That is truly where hybrid shines.

You can also use one screen for both DAW's but I personally choose two for ease and make room. You are going to discover how less important other things are and how important the capture side really is. I use a 42" for mixing and a 17" for mastering.
Did any of this help?

You understand that you connect the MOTU DA into one of the ST monitor too? Same for the Orions32. Think of the ST like its an SSL XPatch. But, it routes DA to the speakers.

Some advanced things I do that will surly confuse the hell out of you now, but later may become useful... I also connect a third DA for comparing and working with two versions of capture audio. This could be soundcloud streaming off the web or a CD. I can track live to DAW2 from the web at the same time I can capture audio from DAW1. I do this a lot. I share these tracks between two DAW's.

NOTE: DAW2 become the location where you capture mixed or finished audio. You can connect those two daws to share these files between each PC now. As I mentioned yesterday in the thread about connecting two PC's together using a router.

Do you see where this is all going now?

It all sounds good, Tony. Remember that the 2-track capture ADC is the most critical component in the whole of a two-box system. Your MOTU interface will give you a good flavour of how the system can perform, but put the capture ADC near the top of the list to upgrade when the time comes.

audiokid, post: 420818, member: 1 wrote: You can use a a kvm switch. I tried the ASS for the ST, its very cool but dated for HD video cards.

Chris, you missed it was an iMac trying to be fit along side the 32inch, iMac is a 27inch.. I simply don't have the desk real estate :(. I am struggling to get the Event Opals and the Mackie HR824s near/on the desk too. Desk is 7 feet long and has a rack/monitor riser all along it.

Ok, so, the MOTU being a come down is confirmed. There is an article on Antelopes website by a young successful producer who uses the Orion 32 as a patch bay, as well, out and back in for outboard gear. I am really leaning towards this along with having the SSL X Patch to keep the level of quality at a constant. I am not lacking CPU grunt or RAM in my Mac Pro and Logic Pro X is definitely no slug.

audiokid, post: 420819, member: 1 wrote: You understand that you connect the MOTU DA into one of the ST monitor too? Same for the Orions32. Think of the ST like its an SSL XPatch. But, it routes DA to the speakers

Yep I do thanks mate :).

Boswell, post: 420821, member: 29034 wrote: Remember that the 2-track capture ADC is the most critical component in the whole of a two-box system

Exactly why I am hesitant to do the PC with MOTU idea... even if it gives me a lesson in the flow of it. I hate PCs compared to my Mac, and I have been building and tweaking PC since the early 90s. Turn Mac on, use it :D.

Thanks chaps.

Tony

Makzimia, post: 420825, member: 48344 wrote: Chris, you missed it was an iMac trying to be fit along side the 32inch, iMac is a 27inch.. I simply don't have the desk real estate

Yup, I realize that. Use a universal KVM switch. done. :)

Makzimia, post: 420825, member: 48344 wrote: Exactly why I am hesitant to do the PC with MOTU idea... even if it gives me a lesson in the flow of it. I hate PCs compared to my Mac, and I have been building and tweaking PC since the early 90s. Turn Mac on, use it :D.

I use custom built PC so I can't speak for other builds. PC is so smooth on my system.. Have you looked at my rig? Its all PC. Apple is totally unnecessary on all counts and imho, actually a step backwards . But being said, the OS is irreverent! :) Choose the OS for the DAW and any DAW will work. Sounds like you aren't ready for this now anyway. And it may be that you will be happy enough with the convince of the Round Trip and less.

audiokid, post: 420829, member: 1 wrote: Yup, I realize that. Use a universal KVM switch. done.

Ok, maybe I am being dim here. If I am, I'm sorry...unless I sit the iMac somewhere on the floor, not happening, why would a KVM be involved?. There is no input on a iMac for external input, only a output to use an extra monitor, from memory. The Mac Pro runs the 32 inch. Anyway, I know what I need, and it's not in the budget for some time to come :D.

Sorry love my dual 6 core Xenons beast :p.

Right, I forgot what the iMac is and now see your entire picture. I'm not sure why you are even considering this now? Forget all I said and keep it simple.

Looks like this one is a wrap :)

audiokid, post: 420832, member: 1 wrote: Looks like this one is a wrap :)

Tis for now yes, thank you (y)