how's the 882/20 for synth inputs ????

[dw]

i need to get more i/o's to plug my synths so it's either another Digi interface or a digital board. I hate the idea of getting a board and pay for lots of stuff you don't need.
I can get a used 882/20 for a decent price so has anyone use these for synth inputs ??? Personnally i don't think the 1622 sound very good so i hope the 882/20 is a step up. But what about getting enough levels with the 882/20 ??? Thanks

[Ang1970]

I don't think the 882 was intended to be a line amp. And if you don't like the sound of the 1622, I doubt you'll like the 882 either.

How many channels do you need at one time? There are a few nice mic pre's that also have instrument inputs. 737, manley, etc.
Why not kill 2 birds with one stone. (or 4 birds with two stones in dual mono)

[sidereal]

Yeah, I'd imagine the 882 and 1622 have the same converters. I have the 1622 and love it. No qualms about the sound at all. I'm *sort of* using it to replace my console, although it's tough with only one set of outputs (i.e. monitoring with speakers AND headphones). So I'm hanging on to my Mackie for now, when I need to use phones.

[Marc Edwards]

Did you want loads of I/Os so you can have everything plugged into PT at once?!? I'm not sure this would be the best option, because (as you mentioned) you really need to run the signal through some kind of pre to get a good level. This would be really expensive if you were to get 16 channels of this. Is this what you are doing?!?!?
Eh? Please explain!!

[Digi9000000]

The 1622 and the 882 have converters that sound (to me) exactly the same. I believe they're both 20-bit in. Neither device requires a preamp IF and only IF you're using line-level devices. The main design reason for the 1622, according to Digi, is for folks who have samplers, synths, drum machines, etc, to get the audio from their MIDI gear into Tools. The inputs are line-level, so they are useless for mics unless you have preamps. But otherwise they're fine, and gain is adjustable in software between +4 and -10, I think, maybe a little wider...

Get the 882 if you need auxes or you plan to mix in more than stereo when 5.1 comes out. If you don't like the converters, go check out a MOTU 2408. nothing will make you run back to the 882/1622 faster...

[Marc Edwards]

I've found that the outputs of synths and samplers varies by a huge amount--especially when you consider that the sound being played can change the output strength as well. Try recording a loud Nord Lead sound and you'll blow your PT up, try recording a JP8000 and you need about 10 billion db of gain.

If i'm recording any of these, they'll always go through a pre, and maybe an EQ and/or comp. I'd rather get everything sounding good and hit PT with a fat signal than have to correct this later.

[meshtheflesh]

We just got a couple of the for a midi room. They do unlike any other digi interface have a gain control in the hardware which allows you to boost the level in steps for something like - 20 to +4 . I have found you can go straight into them without a problem. It is a gain stage, why have more.

cheers

Ramesh

[dw]

ramesh,

are you talking about the 882/20 or 1622 ??

[Marc Edwards]

Hey Ramesh!!! Is that analogue or digital gain?!?!?

marc