What's the deal with the Digi 003 direct inputs?

[Monaco]

I plugged a guitar to line 1 the other day and a producer told me to only use channels 5-8. He gave no other explanation except that channels 1-4 are "cursed".

I remember reading somewhere that the XLR inputs have crappy preamps and converters, but shouldn't have any effect on the TRS inputs, right?

[Top Jimmy]

If there is a mic preamp on the input, most interfaces run the line input through a pad and then through the same preamp as the mic input. Quick and easy test: if the gain knob affects the line in, then the signal is going through the preamp.

[Monaco]

Originally Posted by Top Jimmy

If there is a mic preamp on the input, most interfaces run the line input through a pad and then through the same preamp as the mic input. Quick and easy test: if the gain knob affects the line in, then the signal is going through the preamp.

Just checked and the gain knob affects the line in. That really sucks that I only have 4 quality channels.

[Top Jimmy]

Originally Posted by Monaco

Just checked and the gain knob affects the line in. That really sucks that I only have 4 quality channels.

I wouldn't necessarily say that. I've used the mic pres on the 002 and 003 and while they may not be up to par with a boutique class A pre, they are more than adequate for most production work.

[Craig F]

Originally Posted by Monaco

Just checked and the gain knob affects the line in. That really sucks that I only have 4 quality channels.

want to know a fact about most electronics?
99% of Line inputs use the same OpAmp as the Mic inputs, they just use a fixed resitor in the feedback insted of a variable resistor
and all the A/D chips are the same

[Monaco]

Originally Posted by Craig F

want to know a fact about most electronics?
99% of Line inputs use the same OpAmp as the Mic inputs, they just use a fixed resitor in the feedback insted of a variable resistor
and all the A/D chips are the same

So, are lines 5-8 on the 003 the same as 1-4 but all the way turned down?

[Craig F]

I can't say for sure but I'd put a fiver on it

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by Craig F

I can't say for sure but I'd put a fiver on it

As would I. Use what works, and by all means plug your guitar into 1 and record a bit, then plug it into 5 and record a bit. If you can match the levels, I doubt you will be able to hear any difference. If you want to improve your inputs with the 003, you have several options by using the lightpipe and SPDIF inputs(which I highly recommend). For really "first class", connect an API A2D($1800) to the SPDIF input to have a pair of great preamps. Or for a bit less money, a Midas XL48($875) into the lightpipe input for 8 EXCELLENT preamps. Still too pricey? How about a Behringer ADA8200($225ish) for 8 solid preamps(designed by Midas), plus 8 more outputs(very handy for more headphone mixes). Food for thought

[Monaco]

Originally Posted by albee1952

As would I. Use what works, and by all means plug your guitar into 1 and record a bit, then plug it into 5 and record a bit. If you can match the levels, I doubt you will be able to hear any difference. If you want to improve your inputs with the 003, you have several options by using the lightpipe and SPDIF inputs(which I highly recommend). For really "first class", connect an API A2D($1800) to the SPDIF input to have a pair of great preamps. Or for a bit less money, a Midas XL48($875) into the lightpipe input for 8 EXCELLENT preamps. Still too pricey? How about a Behringer ADA8200($225ish) for 8 solid preamps(designed by Midas), plus 8 more outputs(very handy for more headphone mixes). Food for thought

Thanks for the suggestions Albee!
I definitely need to expand/upgrade my channels but do you know of anything that has 4 EXCELLENT preamps for around $500? Most of the ones I've seen are either 2 channels or 8.

If I bought the XL48, could I run my Great River NV1 through it, bypassing the preamps and just use it for D/A or just keep it directly connected to the line-in on my Digi 003?

[SpinningDisk]

Hey albee1952. I'm a little confused here. So my SPDIF is higher quality. So plug in mic to 003 and use SPDIF out to PT?