Advice Needed! - Pre amp/interface/ADAT use

[jimbojimbo]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for an interface to run with my DIGI 002 Rack, via the ADAT input.

Currently, I'm looking at the MOTU 828 mk2, or the MOTU 8PRE...
Could anyone offer some advice please?

Firstly, whats the main difference between the two, and then if anyone has another option to recommend?

I don't want to spend too much, so may get one second hand, but between £250 and £350 is the ballpark

[The Dougfather]

From what i can see because the MK2 is now obsolete, it only has 2 preamps whereas the 8pre has like the name 8. The 8pre would be far better as an expansion unit as it will give you 8 additional mic preamps straight out of the box.

I can't comment on MOTU but i have friends who use them and they are very happy and i've heard the results and they were good. You may also want to look at the Focusrite octopre LE in your price range.

Cheers

[albee1952]

I would also skip the motu boxes in favor of-
Behringer ADA8000(cheapest but works)
M-Audio Octane
Focusrite OctoPre with digital card
Presonus Digimax or firestudio (likely the best of these choices)

All these are well under $1K. For a better(more expensive) choice you might consider the Focusrite ISA-828 or 428 with digital card. The 428 is cool as it has 4 nice mic pre's and 4 line inputs where you can patch any brand of mic pre so its a nice way to have a variety by adding some UA610's, Avalon, API or Neve clones.

[Mr. Anderson]

I'd avoid the MOTU units for the simple reason that you don't need an interface. What you need is either a converter, or a mic preamp with a built in converter. You'll never use the interface portion of the MOTU. Why buy something you don't need?

[BradLyons]

Before I could make a good suggestion---What instruments are you recording currently? What microphones are you using right now? What kind of sound are you interested in? These are important, because you need to match-up the mic and pres together. Likewise if you want clean-gain, then something with warmth and punch won't work---and vice versa.

[jimbojimbo]

Thanks for all the advice guys...
Some replies:


As mentioned, no I guess I don't need the interface so it's probably not worth spending the money on that portion of things and you're right, only 2 channels seem to have preamps.

It's mainly the inputs I'm after, but if they had preamps on them too, that would be better - which is why I quite liked the look of the MOTU 8PRE. But I could probably get away with the Behringer one - a few of my mates have that too.

The main need for this expansion, is so I can record drums - not only miking up the huge kit (it's massive) but so I can get a number of ambient mics up too.

[BradLyons]

Don't buy Behringer, no matter how affordable it is.....

However if you want something that is affordable but also reputable--check out this new product from Presonus. It's $399 US, so I'm not sure what that would be in your currency---but it is actually quite nice!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxD8

[stoneinapond]

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DigiMaxD8

From the DUC Terms and Conditions:

Please note that spam, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are inappropriate on this BB.

I think you are crossing the line into solicitation. It is one thing to point a person to a manufacturer's website, but a completely different situation where you provide a link for your own enrichment.

And while I understand your distaste for Behringer, I also don't think it is your place, (especially since you identify yourself so plainly) or Sweetwater for that matter, to provide people with moral advice.

[dougied]

Hey Brad I totally DISAGREE with you on the Behringer piece.


I have the ADA8000 8 channel ADAT mic pre and I have had ZERO problems with it. It's worth it's weight in gold in my opinion.

It's the best $249.00 I have ever spent. I have been able to make great sounding records from that unit here in my basement.



So don't be a dick on here dude.

[jimbojimbo]

I've heard nothing but good things about it too...