Digi 002r monitoring to free up lynx channels...yes or no?

[TheBaron]

Hey guys,
I thought I'd see what your experienced opinions are on this:
I have a lynx aurora 8 going through my digi 002r. I use a hybrid set up but lately I've been leaning more towards out of the box/through hardware when mixing. I try to keep my tracking and mixing through the lynx converters only, however, I've already maxed out the ins and outs.

I've been considering using two channels of the 002r for my monitors so I can keep all 8 free of the lynx for outboard gear. I'm torn because part of me realizes those two monitor channels are the most used and critical during mixing but the other part of me thinks that those two channels aren't being printed. Because of that, am I better off monitoring with me "less pro" converters so all the lynx channels are free for conversions that will be permanent in the mix.

What do you think is more critical?

[albee1952]

Can't comment on which is more crucial. I never have had a serious issue working totally ITB and monitoring from the 002 or 003 outputs. The critical thing I want to make you aware of is; to be careful about mixing outside the box with audio that comes from both devices(the 002 AND the Lynx). The reason is that different converters can have different latency so you could have minor timing issues if you try to, say, mix 12 paths(4 from the 002 and 8 from the Lynx). This is not a fault, its just a fact of life when mixing converters. I see no problem mixing 8 channels out of the Lynx, so your ultimate solution might be to add a SPDIF D>A converter for your monitor path(like Lavry, Apogee or Mytek).

[TheBaron]

Thanks. I thought about a d/a but once I start considering 1200 bucks for a d/a then I get into the possibility of a lynx 16 and selling the 8 and 002. I think, ultimately, that's my path...aurora 16>lynx card with pt9 and win7. That would also avert any latency differences from mixing converters.

For now though I'm holding with pt8 and xp. I plan to update those first, trouble shoot, then bump up to 16 which will be plenty for me.
That's a long answer for saying that I'm trying to work out a cheap alternative for the meantime until I do a major upgrade.