Best use of Apogee 200 Analog Outputs with an HD2/192

[Mt.Everest]

Hello all,

Been trying to decide the best use of the analog I/O on my Apogee Rosetta with my new setup. Right now, obviously, Im using the input converters for my analog source inputs. Then, Im feeding the Rosetta outputs to my SPL monitoring station, with the thinking that I want the best DAC's (compared to the 192) feeding my monitor path.

However, I also have a permanent 2-mix insert across my analog stereo compressor. Right now, Im using a pair of I/Os on the 192 for that. And it is active in my chain 80% of the time. Hence, going DAD via the 192 converters as my inserts.

So Im looking for opinions first, as I havent tried both options yet. Just being lazy about doing a test right now.

Who votes for keeping my monitoring fed via the Rosetta DA's OR switching that to the 192s, and having the Apogee be my DAD insert for my outboard 2-mix compressor?

I know that the insert is doing 2 stages of conversion obvs, so maybe it would be better to go with the apogee for that. But then again, I really like knowing Im getting higher quality DA conversion using the Apogee to feed my Monitors.

Any opinions?
Thanks in advance

[gonzolagonda]

I have a similar setup, and I'd stick with what you're doing. I don't always use inserts on my main buss, but I find the 192 is fine for doing that and a bit more 'natural' or normal than the Rosetta, which I find sweetens the sound slightly, and I've just got used to how that sounds on my monitor outputs. I guess it's also a case of experience - knowing what to expect with whatever you get used to hearing...!

[BradLyons]

The Rosetta200 is a great converter----but don't discount the 192I/O, it too is a great converter. Before PTHD the Digi converters in their Mix system really were nothing to take serious IMHO. They weren't bad, but they weren't great. In my home studio I have a 192I/O w/AD Card for 16x8. In my live rig I use a VENUE console which is essentially the converter of the 192I/O---I have NEVER been disappointed with the results, and I have VERY high standards for audio quality. With that said, I am an Apogee guy and love their converters---but in your setup, it's just fine.

[Delta Music Belgium]

For DA monitoring I have an 192 and a Rosetta 200 connected to my GraceDesign m906 5.1 monitor controller + an AES/EBU feed to the m906 so I can also use the DA's inside the m906 + I have Genelecs 8130A's that automatically switch between an analog or an AES/EBU feed on the same cable, so they also have DA's included (I have a custom build 5.1 analog/digital switcher to switch the feed to the 8130A's, it switches between analog from the m906 or AES/EBU from a 192D)

This gives me a choice between 4 different types of DA's for monitoring, they all share the same Big Ben Master clock and all go up to 192 kHz if requested. All 4 DA's sound different, but not 'worse' or 'better' then any other though. It also depends on the genre of music, for pop and rock I prefer the DA's from the 192 or the Apogee, for classical music I tend to prefer the m906 DA's.

So my clients can also choose the DA's they like, some have an 192 in their own setup, so they choose the 192 DA's, others prefer the 'sound' of the Rosetta 200 or the m906, some clients have Genelecs 8130A's connected digitally, so they prefer the AES/EBU feed to the 8130A's. I find it important to give my clients this type of choice, some clients even request it. I also like to switch between the 4 DA's from time to time, because it gives me a fresh perspective on things. Maybe this is something to consider for you and/or your clients...

For DAD inserts I will always use 192 pairs, because the DAD latency will automatically be compensated for. With a Rosetta 200 this is not the case, but of course if you use it as a DAD insert on the master channel/main buss this does not matter.

[Mt.Everest]

Thanks for the input guys!

Brad- I don't dislike the 192 converters by any means. And actually Delta Music brought up a good point concerning the delay compensation. Im not using a patchbay at the moment and it def seems to make more sense having some normalled inserts using the 192.

I don't think I want to be changing my monitoring conversion on a client to client basis, or even my own, cuz Im more interested in consistency.

So me thinks Ill be sticking with the setup as is. Rosetta outputs for monitoring, the inputs for my vocal chain or whatever mono or stereo sources Im recording. And just setup several 192 inserts that i can pull up when needed. Less unplugging and less mess until the patchbay is completed.

Thanks again for the input everyone. Much appreciated!

[ellmanl]

Have you guys had this problem?

I cant seem to get analog output from the rosetta at 88k. Its connected to the expansion port of my 192 via the X-HD card. I can get input. WC Sync seems correct, and it works fine at 44 or 48. From all accounts this should not be a problem. Any ideas? I'm using the DA of the Rosetta to monitor the mix post summing mixer and conversion. Or in this case, trying to.

PTHD8.0.1cs1 OSX 10.5.8
192 with DA expansion card, Rosetta 200(192) with XHD card.