basic routing question

[charlie_m]

I'd like to use my 002's preamp along with an external comp/eq. What I would like to do is go:

mic--> 002 analog 1 in (to access the preamp on CH 1) --> 002 analog out ---> comp/EQ unit ---> 002 analog in --> to track on the hard drive

I've never tried this before so I'm unsure about a couple things:

1. Should I use a send / return for this or some other method?

2. Is there a way to do it such that my signal remains analog for the first pass through the 002 so that I don't suffer additional conversions?

Thanks.

Charlie

[EGS]

1. Set output of mic track to analog 2. patch to ext gear. Record back in input 5-8.
2. get an outboard mic pre: micpre--->EQ/comp---> Digi line in 5 (or 6,7,8)

[charlie_m]

Thanks for the info.

I've actually been doing #2, with a relatively low cost tube preamp. Wanted to try my 002s pre for variety and to see what sounds better for vox and certain instruments.

Regarding #1, if I do that will the signal remain analog the whole time or will it be converted to digital and back to analog on its first pass through the 002?

Charlie

[EGS]

...will the signal remain analog the whole time...

Every time you go from a digital device to an analog device, you're using a DA converter. Similarly, whenever you patch an analog signal into a digital device, it's a AD conversion stage. Extra AD/DA stages are to be avoided, in my opinion. Use excellent mics, good micpre's, good AD conversion, good system clock, and good plugs. Sell the analog EQ/comp and buy an excellent mic instead. Just my thoughts: others who use high-end hardware EQ/comp will disagree. Trust YOUR ears. Hope this helps!!!

[charlie_m]

Every time you go from a digital device to an analog device, you're using a DA converter.

Certainly that is true.

I guess the question I'm really getting at is where the d/a conversion occurs. It must occur somewhere AFTER the preamp, no?

I had been hoping the 002 was clever enough to bypass the additional a/d conversion when you route this way (thru the pre and out to a device before going to the track). I tried to find that in the reference guide but I couldn't find that question addressed there. Sounds like you're saying it is not set up that way and I'd suffer the additional conversion either way.

On a somewhat related note... I guess in your case it doesn't matter (with the BLA mod). DO you find the converters to be perceptibly better? In what situations do you notice it most? Thanks.

Charlie

[EGS]

...I had been hoping the 002 was clever...BLA mod...

If it's passing A to D or D to A, it will be converted. Regarding BLA mods - subtle, but worth the money. My ear's opinion.