8 More Channels on my Digi 003

[Major Matt]

I'm looking to add 8 more channels to my Mac based digi 003 Rack running through the lightpipe connector. I want to be able to record 16 simultaneous tracks at 24bit /88.2 sample rate. I 'd love to hear people's opinions on the best and most affordable converters out there for this job. Also the best place to get purchase them online perhaps? Thanks

[necjamc]

With PT you can only do 16 channels at 24/48k. Pro tools does not do smuxing, and adat can only pass 8 channels at 24/48 and 4 at 24/96. At 24/88.2 I am not sure. I am assuming only 4 as well. The most affordable option is this. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...RWXGB&ZYXSEM=0

[Major Matt]

Okay how about same question at 24 bit /48K? Thanks

[necjamc]

I still say that the ada8000 is the best bang for the buck. But what are you recording. With the behringer for live bands I liked it. I only used it once but I will buy one next time around. As for pre amps with quality
This one's nice. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxD8/
Or it's older brother. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxFS/

Edit: The FS offers 96K but you need 2 ADAT channels for it, and software that can SMUX.

[kdubyou]

+1 for the D8. I use it for the drum kit.

Kevin

[sunburst79]

Originally Posted by necjamc

I still say that the ada8000 is the best bang for the buck. But what are you recording. With the behringer for live bands I liked it. I only used it once but I will buy one next time around. As for pre amps with quality
This one's nice. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxD8/
Or it's older brother. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxFS/

Edit: The FS offers 96K but you need 2 ADAT channels for it, and software that can SMUX.

Not really any point in running anything over 48K since all the PTLE interfaces will only support 8 channels via ADAT lightpipe.

I've had the ADA 8000 and it wins the band for the buck award. They run 99-129.00 used.

I prefer the D8 (got 3 of them) and I've bought them new from Ebay resellers for between 329.00 and 349.00 usually with free shipping and 8 free XLR cables. Other folks like their Focusrite Octopres and Rosetta 800's but they are more money.

[Doug Ring]

The Octopre's good, although I've got the Mark 1 LE version; the Mark 2 is quite different. The Mark 1 has silly stuff like a Virtually Useless VU meter for level setting and line inputs on the front which make a mess of your rack, but the mic pres are really nice for the money. Maybe pick one of these up used for a good price, but make sure it has the ADAT board already fitted.

The Mark 2 looks like it would address most of the Mark 1 shortcomings, but I haven't used one.

[The Dougfather]

You could try picking up the old Mk1 Octopre LE with the adat board. I've seen some serious blowout prices here in the UK, around a half of what i spent a year ago.

You also have the analogue outs and more flexible clocking options because the new Octopre LE only has ADAT out.

Ggrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh

I had the ADA8000 prior to the Octopre, It's ok and does the job but nothing fantastic and overall i found the pre's lifeless. I would defo spend a little more, buy once buy right.

[1ace1]

Originally Posted by The Dougfather

You also have the analogue outs and more flexible clocking options because the new Octopre LE only has ADAT out.

Ggrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh

I had the ADA8000 prior to the Octopre, It's ok and does the job but nothing fantastic and overall i found the pre's lifeless. I would defo spend a little more, buy once buy right.

+1

It is V annoying that the LE has only ADAT out!!!!! It only allows monitoring at the input stage via a D-sub.

Go for the Mk1 (used, if money needs to be saved)

The ADA8000 was also my first ADAT mic bridge (I have two with broken power switches in a corner of my home studio). They are good (Bang for Buck factor 9) but sound a bit cold and crunchy. Spend the extra and go for the better pres, clock routing, etc

A:)