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Hi all
I about to replace my old Delta 66 with a more decent and professional device. As mentioned in the thread Steinberg MR816CSX, RME Fireface 800 and Focusrite Sapphire Pro 40 are on my list but I am having a hard time to decide which one would suit me better. Besides sound of course, integration into Cubase 6 is something to consider as well as latency. I alomost made a fundamental decision to go for firewire devices, as my PCIe slots are either used (UAD) or unavailable (hidden by a larger graphics card).
How would you guys decide, what questions would like to be answered for yourself before you make your descision, which card would you recommend?

Any help is highly appreciated

Thanks and greetings from a new member

Dirk

Comments

schellmann Wed, 12/28/2011 - 23:16

Since this is a project studio environment in an appartment building, I won't record live bands or such, so not more than 2 channels at a time. The projects themselves can go up to 32 channels.
Currently I am only using software based mixers (Cubase). But I like some "headroom" for potential future expansion, that's why I favour 19" rack devices.

audiokid Wed, 12/28/2011 - 23:38

I have the Lavry AD10 and will be upgrading to their new AD11. Its USB and has two killer preamps and AD converters. They are pricey, less than a FF800 but sound quite a bit better. FF800 preamps are not very good. It may be an option for you.

If you don't need more than 2 tracks at a time, and don't need to DA back, I'd look into those.

Cucco Fri, 12/30/2011 - 06:24

TheJackAttack, post: 381455 wrote: LOL. The FF800 preamps are usable until you know what the top end sound like! However, he would need a DA converter otherwise he wouldn't be able to mix. Gotta have the monitors going or even for headphones.

Very true. I use the Preamps in the FF800 as my channels 9 and 10 when I run more than 8 tracks. I typically only use them on spot mics - stuff that isn't critically important. They're very good and respectable pres, but they don't hold up to higher end pres.

As to the OP, I'd strongly recommend the RME, even the FF400. It's a great sounding unit, stable as hell and works with any DAW. I commonly record with VERY low latency for overdubs and similar with no issues. If you're mixing 20+ tracks, of course, bump the latency up.

Cheers-
J.

Montesa Audio Thu, 01/26/2012 - 05:31

I use a couple of the Steinberg units (MR816CSX) in my studio. I have had these as the main recording system for a couple of years now. I love them. The pre-amps sound great and working with Cubase I can work so fast. I will post you a link to my studio web-site all the band examples on the music page have been recorded with these units and with no other pre-amps used.
[[url=http://[/URL]="http://montesaaudio…"]Intro - Montesa Recording studio[/]="http://montesaaudio…"]Intro - Montesa Recording studio[/]

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