Options for getting two more channels in on M-Audio FW 410

[SixChurchStreet]

Does anyone know of any little two-channel (or more) mixer with a spdif out? I'm trying to figure out the easiest and most cost effective way of using those 2 spdif ins that are on the M-Audio Firewire 410.

I have a Johnson J-Station with a stereo spdif out. It has a quarter inch input on it, if I can get that to passively pass the signal thru, I can use it for one channel. Not sure what kind of quality I'm gonna get from that though.

Ideally, if there was a little interface/preamp/mixer with a stereo spidf out it would be awesome. anyone know of anything?

[JrummerJ]

That is a great question. In another thread, I apparently gave incorrect info when I said that you could not record more than 2 channels at a time, even with SPDIF. The question I still have, that may be the deal breaker, is what clock source you would use if you are recording 2 analog ins and 2 SPDIF ins at the same time? My understanding is that if using the analog ins the clock source needs to be set to internal, whereas using an external SPDIF source you would have to set it to external. Obviously this would prevent using both at the same time and may be why you never hear of anybody doing this. Also, the fact that there aren't very many affordable preamps with SPDIF out.

Anybody have an answer as to the clock question and maybe a suggestion of an affordable preamp w/SPDIF out?

J

[TechKnowledgy]

You need to clock to the SPIDF input to record digitally, but you could still continue to use the analog inputs.

[SixChurchStreet]

Instead of torturing myself over this question any longer, I decided to get an 1814 and sell my 410. Opens me back up to the I/O options I had when I had my Digi001. For the $100 difference (actually it was less), makes a lot more sense then dropping money on random gear to get that 410 to give a little more I/O.

[JrummerJ]

I've thought about doing the exact same thing......for the additional inputs and ADAT in....and just forget about SPDIF.

J

[SixChurchStreet]

If you look on Ebay you can get brand new sealed M-Audio 1814 units from sellers with online stores, and great feedback, for about $329, sometimes with free shipping. I got my 410 on Ebay for about $255. I shoulda just considered the 1814 to begin with and I could have seen that for 65-75 bucks more I could have just gotten the more versatile solution. If anyone wants a mint-condition 2 week old 410 in the box with all accessories I'll be selling it next week.

[JrummerJ]

If you look on Ebay you can get brand new sealed M-Audio 1814 units from sellers with online stores, and great feedback, for about $329, sometimes with free shipping. I got my 410 on Ebay for about $255. I shoulda just considered the 1814 to begin with and I could have seen that for 65-75 bucks more I could have just gotten the more versatile solution. If anyone wants a mint-condition 2 week old 410 in the box with all accessories I'll be selling it next week.

Thanks for the advice! I got my 410 new for $260 from American Musical Supply with a price match. I'll have to see what I can find 1814s going for and see what used 410s are going for these days.

J

[SixChurchStreet]

You might not get any more than 200 for the 410 (I've been looking), but if you can score an 1814 for $330 or so, the total you spent still comes out under $400, while the 1814 is selling on musiciansfriend and ams for about $499. Works for me.

A note to anyone doing a search for the 410 or 1814 or comparisons...

Ask yourself before you get the 410, are you REALLY going to only EVER want 2 inputs? (cause forget about finding any low budget way to utilize that spdif input for microphone inputs/preamps).

You'll easily spend the difference on random gear trying to jimmy rigg the most usage out of the 410. I/O is everyone's friend. If you use Pro Tools, you're going to want more than 2 ins. Unless you REALLY know you won't, give the 1814 a nice long consideration.

[SixChurchStreet]

http://cgi.ebay.com/M-Audio-Firewire...QQcmdZViewItem

1814: $319 + free shipping

best price i've seen.

[JrummerJ]

Thanks for the link! Unfortunately, I have to throw my tax return plus a little extra at paying off the Macbook Pro and the wife's car. Mine is old and it is time for Daddy to get a new ride!

I will upgrade in the future, but I might just jump to the 2626.....eventually.

J