New PT 12 System Build for use with QU-24

[Yohan]

I have been using PT LE with my 001 for years, but I can't take it anymore. So finally biting the bullet and going with a complete new system. I recently sold my Presonus 24.4.2 Gen1 and picked up the QU24 from A&H. Great board, love it, and have been using StudioOne v.2 for my mixing needs but the newer features in PT12 have convinced me that it's time.

So I going to build a new dedicated PT12 rig and want to get a new interface that will stay in my personal studio all the time. I don't want to repatch and connect the QU24 every time I have a gig, so I am looking for something like a minimum 8 channel interface so I can lay Drum tracks in house.

Any recommendations as to what interfaces I should be looking at? Avid or 3rd party, and is there a system spec thread like there use to be (like the DaveC spec thread from #$% years ago) Open to recommendations, and looking forward to getting back into the forums again.


Thanks

Jon

[albee1952]

This really depends on your budget. One possible combo to consider is one of the smaller Audient boxes that includes a lightpipe input. Then add an 8 channel lightpipe preamp(for a total of 10-12 inputs). As much as I like the Behringer ADA8200(the red one), which is a bargain, I am currently tracking most of my drums(except for overheads) thru a Midas XL48. It sounds really good(and better than some much more expensive preamps I have) Many will toss the Focusrite name at you, and I think their stuff sounds fine. BUT!!! Lately, I have read lots regarding buggy drivers and software, so YMMV. RME has a reputation for rock-solid drivers, so that's likely my 2nd choice recommendation

[Yohan]

Thanks for all your input, and I am looking at those interfaces, and I had forgotten that Presonus had released the AudioBox 1818VSL. I could route that to either PT or Studio One for best of both worlds and get 8 preamps and ADAT in for 12 preamps at high sample rates or 16 at 44.1. At that price point it is hard to beat currently $399, that leaves plenty of budget for a good 8 channel pre with ADAT out and a lot of flexibility. Any thoughts on the Presonus? It's basically one of the Studio live AI mixers in a usb interface. Had one of the Pre AI 24.4.2s but it used different preamps that I didn't really like. Anyone used one of these and if so what are your thoughts on the Preamps?

[Yohan]

Forgot to mention that I will be doing a custom PC build Windows 7 ultimate.