Digi 002 converters + clock VS. Apogee Rosetta?

[MixerGuy]

Has anyone actually used an Apogee Rosetta 200 with a 002R and compared its A/D and D/A, and it’s clock... to using the Digi 002 without it?

Here is how I would mostly use it:

1) as a clock source via ADAT optical into Digi-002R to make the control room D/A sound better on my Digi 002R. (I use the S/PDIF for a hardware reverb)

2) to route the stereo monitor (mix) out the ADAT optical to the Rosetta D/A converters (to my SPL 2489 control room volume knob) to make the control room sound better.

3) the odd time that I record anything at my home, I could use the Rosetta A/D converters (+ soft clip) to go into the Digi-002R.

Thanks for any actual experience info with using the Rosetta 200 as compared to the 002.

[A2D D2A]

The Rosetta200 is a major improvemnt ove the 002r, then again even the RosettaAD is a big improvement.
Want to hear the difference listen to some HiHats, Room Ambience or some Reverb tails, the difference should clearly standout.

[Ken K]

Is there a noticable difference between the Mini Me's AD function and the Rosetta 200? I am recording electric guitars only on my system and was wondering if spending the money for a Rosetta 200 and a good pre-amp and compressor makes a noticable difference over just getting the Mini Me. Any thoughts?

[A2D D2A]

Is there a noticable difference between the Mini Me's AD function and the Rosetta 200? I am recording electric guitars only on my system and was wondering if spending the money for a Rosetta 200 and a good pre-amp and compressor makes a noticable difference over just getting the Mini Me. Any thoughts?

Yes, not because the Mini is bad but because the 200 sounds better.
You really notice it on mixdown as you start to layer the tracks since they don't collapse as quickly and the improved monitoring of the 200.

[Ken K]

Much thanks for both of your responses. Money is a limit for me. I have an SM57... my thought was to spend some money on a good microphone (royer 121) and then compromise a bit on the AD/preamp/compressor by getting a mini me. However, i'll also look into renting the better equipment if I can.

How do I find a Neve clone? Are there brands of Neve clones? Any better or worse than the others?

Thanks.

[HornedHorse]

Dear Mixer Guy,

Just a word of friendly advice: It's your cash - but if (as you say) your using SM57's as your best mic - my advice would be

"Hey, put the brakes on!!"

...and use your cash for much better mics (and maybe some preamps and compressors) you will absolutely realize a much greater audio fidelity improvement on a number of fronts than you would by simply getting outboarded A/D's and D/A's.

The 002 converters are of pro quality, best to wait on better converters untill you have the fidelity at the front end to warrant them.

Regards,

HH

PS: No slam against SM57's (I have tons of them) I love 57's tonal qualities for guitars and snares and such, but if best fidelity is what your looking for, keep looking.

[HornedHorse]

Sorry - make that last post to Ken K, not Mixer Guy...

HH

[Ken K]

HornedHorse-

Thanks for the advice. I am using an SM57 but am testing out a Royer 121 soon. I will probably end up using a blend of the SM57 and a different mike... probably the Royer.

YOu have an excellent point... and my goal is to get reasonably good equipment at each level... mike... converter... preamp... clock.... and of course guitar, amp and cables. But... within my budget.

The SM57 and Royer (properly placed, etc), along with a Mini Me might be a good compromise. I was, however, trying to get a sense of the difference between the "upscale" set (Rosetta and great preamp) versus the Mini-Me, as I may be able to rent some equipment instead.

Thanks again!

Ken K.