Least expensive HD+Interface solution?

[Chris Watkins]

Least expensive way to just get PCI HD PT 9/10 to start w/interface...?
digi192 stripped or what?

Least expensive way to add channels after that given current market?
ADAT or 888's? or blue+what?

.... discussion ...

So, I know this kind of thread isn't new, I could spend hours re-researching it
as I have done before as things change, but I'm sure many of you are and
re-asking makes it easier for a bunch of us that are so Here is the question:

What is the cheapest used way to pickup a operating PCI HD + Interface system that runs 10x?

So, for instance I have a pile of white avid 888's, I know they won't work, my mix system is just fine and I bought it about exactly the same phaseout time as HD is now and there is a very good reason I do it.. so with HD I guess I
would finally get delay comp & rtas buss inserts rather than tdm, etc..
So, then add interfaces as I can say ADAT bridge and etc. I have a bunch of ADAT interfaces, but they are on the "native testing" m-audio bridge pt 9 system and although I could swing them over, I still am not happy with tracking, running out of cpu, buffer changing, etc, that HD just get me.
But I would eventually need at least 48 channels and I know the price will drop and is like a hot rock.

But there has been some EXTREMELY clever ideas on how to get it to run that I didn't even thing of like a digi192 without any cards, will that work with just a PCI HD core card? and then say attach adat pieces?
Would that then be the LEAST expensive way?
I would then say the next question is what is LEAST expensive way at
16, 32 and 48 channels...
I got a bunch of 888's, but they aren't 24 bit..

I don't think I have to worry for this question about 888/24's VS BLUE, because DIGI cutoff all the BLUE interfaces anyway and although IM SURE
they will linger until the next major interface release, the guarantee is the
same.
Also, I can't image what 11 brings besides true 64 bit memory model and
I don't even want to address the whole fact that they basically jumped on the intel/32/64 bit based dsp assisted bandwagon with time guaranteed versions, etc. cause then this would be way longer thread and I've already made it
way longer than it has to be so..

[Chris Watkins]

Really? Bump?
Anybody?
How about the answer about whether PT will start with just
the empty Digi 192 chassis?
Can a single original core HD pciX card and a empty digi 192
chassis start PT 9 or 10?
will that allow 8 channels of adat on the optical or just spdif? 2 channel?
Can one attach a 888/24 or a ADAT bridge from there without any other
cards in the DIGIT192?
Or is there a card required for the "clock" or something, I think I saw in a thread? if so what is the minimal interface card for the interface?
Is it the same for the blank or empty 96 I/Os?

I don't really see any threads with that all in a simple place if any...

[propower]

There are so many amazing deals on PCIe cord cards and 192's that you should have your pick. You can easily put together a system with software for $2k...... get out your bargaining hat and make offers...... maybe even do better! Total buyers market right now........ For my money....... just ditch the old 888's etc......

[nst7]

You might consider going for HD Native, because you can use the equipment you have for the trade-up deals.

You trade in your Mix Core card for the HD Native card, which gives you a free upgrade to the HD10 software - price is $1595.

Then, you take your old 888's and trade them in for any of the new HD interfaces, and get $1000 off each one that you trade up for.

You can see how that works for you. If down the road, you decide you don't like HD Native, at that time you can trade it up to an HDX system, and you'll already have the HD interfaces.

[Chris Watkins]

Well, Unfortunately - ADC and bus RTAS, many places still think
mix has stability and usability for hybrid situations with good clock
and converters that still keep up with anything.
So.. I keep that it's bulletproof. a SSD drive and a fast dualcore and
a snapshot in time.

Anyway, I unless there is some rule about non-official digi options,
there can't be anymore cause it does 3rd party interfaces...

I was thinking more along the lines of answers of, can one get the
HD core card and a empty 192, will that work? and then will a ADAT bridge
attach? I already got 3 ada8k's (which were like 99$.) so that's 24 channels.
that should work on one card right?
or are we stuck at 16? I thought lynx/etc did 32 out of 1 core card so I thought
maybe that would work for 24.. but I can't seem to get any hard core
confirmation..
As far as I can tell, barring having the y-cable and two 888/24's already, that's the cheapest way to 24 HD channels at the moment?
anybody confirm?

[nst7]

I'm pretty sure the 192 is limited to 16 out, 8 in, or vice versa, regardless of digital or analog. So if you're looking for 24 in, or 24 out, I don't think that will work with just one 192.

[albee1952]

As said, all the HD interfaces are limited to 16 IO for each piece. I would consider HD/Native with a used 96IO. Use the lightpipe input for your important channels and you are up and running on a budget(under $3K). When funds permit, grab a new HD IO and tag the 96 off of that for a possible 32 inputs(HD/Native can handle 64 total).

[propower]

After looking at this again........

HD2 PCIx don't pay more than $750
Build an i7 PC to put it in....... less than $1K
Buy 192 frames ...... don't pay more than $350
Buy second Digital input card $250
PT10 HD ~$1K
16 in 8 out (with your 888s or similar)
~$3.25K

Add second interface and I/O card just like above $600
32 in 16 out
~$4K

For an extra $1K you could just get a pair of 16 analog in 8 out blue 192's and trash all the 888 stuff knowing that sound quality is WAY better and all the delay comps etc will just work.............
~$5K

Compare that to..........
$1K computer
Trade core for HD Native+PT10 $1.7K
Used Lynx 16X16 Aurora ~2.5K
~$5.2K
Take a guess which I would rather have!

[Chris Watkins]

A native system that hiccups with better converters?
.. would not be my choice.
Besides, after a 4 year fiasco with Lynx's interfaces never working
with Cubase/Nuendo with more than one card and being
sample accurate, I cringe at what little issues arise with aurora.
(I know everybody seems to like them, some complain, but if anybody
would fine a problem, it's my OCD spending 7x24 straight making sure
everything works in hybrid mode..)

[Craig F]

the other thing to consider is that the current cards are being replaced bu the HDX cards and PT11 will not run on the out going cards leaving HDX and Native
So do you want to pay a a little more now or pay twice once now and again later? or will you be happy being stuck on 10?