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I have a PreSonus DIGIMAX that I would like to run all 8-ADAT inputs into an interface that will accept them at 96k (if at all possible). I also want the interface to have a few of it's own inputs and even a second ADAT input. I have a Sony Vaio PC with Windows XP Media Center and I use Cubase SX3, so it will have to be compatable with all of those.

If you could name specific models and prices it would be greatly appreciated.

At the local store I saw a MOTU that had 4 XLR inputs on the front and 2 ADAT inputs on the rear, but it sold before I could get the model number. Does anyone know which model this is and if it matches what I described?

Thank you for your visit!

Comments

Boswell Wed, 07/25/2007 - 02:28

The Alesis ADAT lightpipe is an 8-channel, 48KHz interface. There are versions of it that multiplex 4 channels at 96KHz and even 2 channels at 192KHz, but to achieve more than 4 channels at 96KHz it is necessary to use multiple lightpipes. For example, the Yamaha 01V96 mixer can output 12 channels at 96KHz using its 3 lightpipes. Similarly the MotU 2408Mk3.

My reading of the (rather poor) Presonus web site documentation on the Digimax 96K is that it has only one lightpipe connector and that no multiplexing is implemented, so the lightpipe is limited to 48KHz, the same as on the original Digimax. So it looks as though you won't achieve your aim of 96KHz recording, at least through the ADAT lightpipe. The documentation hints that 96KHz may be possible using the AES/EBU or S/PDIF interfaces, but that implies a very different specification of computer interface card. Maybe the printed documentation you have with your Digimax is clearer on this point.

Beware XP Media Center! The support for proper audio interfaces is very patchy.

Cucco Wed, 07/25/2007 - 09:45

Just another thought -

Have you seen the new TC firewire interface? I don't recall what it's called, but it brings up to:
- 8 channels AES/EBU
- 8 Channels of Lightpipe
- 8 Channels of SPDIF
into the computer (and handles some sample rate conversion and patching)

As well as the mirror image of outputs plus a balanced pair of analog outputs and feeds into the Firewire bus.

It may not be exactly what you're looking for, but I can say for dang sure, it is EXACTLY what I've been waiting for since the first day of firewire interfaces!!!

JesterMasque Wed, 07/25/2007 - 11:33

Well actually my DIGIMAX FS has a button you push to go from 44.1-48-88.2-96. It has an ADAT I/O at 48k and actually TWO multiplex I/O's (one doubles as an ADAT) at 96k.

I did some research on that SMUX (multiplex) I/O and now I think I understand what I can do. Can I find an interface with two ADAT inputs and connect each SMUX output from the FS to it? If so, what are some your suggestions that will fulfill my needs?

Casper, that MOTU 8-Pre looks great! But I have recently heard absolutely horrible things about MOTU's long term quality and especially the support team. It really makes me scared to buy something of theirs.

However, if I bought that unit, would I have sixteen channels of 24/96 when I daisy chain my FS into that via two lightpipes and use it as a Firewire interface? Or would my FS become the master eight digital inputs and the MOTU would bypass it's eight, but still giving me 24/96 resolution?

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