AD/DA question: Motu 2408 mk2

[dougens]

I'm looking to expand my inputs / outputs on mobile rig.

Running:
Pro Tools 9
RME Fireface
Daking Mic Pre IV

I'm looking at buying second hand

Motu 2408 mk2
or
Motu 896 mk2

Is the 2408 mk2 purely AD/DA converter?
Is the 896 mk2 the same AD/DA converters with mic pre's?

I am looking for DA so can mix on my old Soundtracs desk at home after tracking and AD for more recording inputs. As the 2408 has no pre's these would need to be borrowed or bought.

Thanks for any replies and advice.

[dougens]

Bump!!!

[Holly73]

You didn't write what kind of computer you have for your mobile rig.

The 2408 and the 896 are two different kinds of interfaces. The 896 connects to your computer using Firewire, whereas the 2408 needs the corresponding PCI-424 card.

[dougens]

I have a Macbook Pro so looks like the Motu 896 is the option best suited.
Any views on it?
Thanks for replies

[Holly73]

To me it is still not clear what you want to do.

Do you want to use it standalone or connect it to your Fireface? The 896 seems to work only standalone. If you want 8 more ins and outs for your Fireface you could look at the Focusrite OctoPre (should be in the price range of a used 896) etc.

[dougens]

The 896HD (MK2) has ADAT in / out so I was hoping to add 8 I/O to my RME Fireface.

Is this not possible?

I'd be looking at:

Inputs
8 i/p (4 daking pre's/4 rme pre's) > RME > firewire > laptop
8 i/p (8 motu 896 pre's) adat out > RME adat in > firewire >laptop

Outputs
8 o/p > RME > desk inputs > mon out > speakers
8 o/p > adat out RME > adat in motu 896 > motu outputs > desk inputs

I can't work above sample rate 48 as then ADAT splits I think.

Will this work?
Thanks for help


P.s. I've tried the Octopre lots. It's pre's suck balls (even for guides) and the converters are rubbish. I see the Motu as a stop gap for usable pre's (for guides) until I can get some decent pre's and then just use the 896 as converters.