Maudio Projectmix I/0 vs Protools rack

[jbroad572]

Actually, I'm more interested in using Sonar or Cubase than Pro Tools. I understand the hype around Protools, but playing around with the 002 control surface made me realize I would love to have something like this for my studio instead of my 1010lt and Dmp3. I have some extra money and wanted to invest in a control unit to run through Cakewalk. Not to mention I could use this unit out in a live environment when my band performs, I suppose. How are the preamps in the Maudio unit? I have searched, but can't find much information on it. It seems like the answer to everything I need/want though (M-audio). The protools would be cool, but that's an extra thousand dollars, unless I buy used on Ebay. I'd rather stick with the software I have though, that'd be money lost.

Opinions, suggestions, feedback?

Quick question, would I need a Midi hookup to the computer or would that be able to be transferred through the firewire as well? How would I be able to hook up my synthesizer to Cakewalk to be able to sequence?

[reshp1]

The project mix is brand spanking new, so I doubt you'll find a whole lot of reviews. The M-Audio stuff is usually pretty good considering the price, probably no worse than a Digi002. You know you can use the project mix with Protools M-Powered right?

[Brad_C]

Bad idea the project mix is junk.

[reshp1]

Originally Posted by Brad_C

Bad idea the project mix is junk.

Care to elaborate?

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by reshp1

Care to elaborate?

Please do, because I'm ready to sell my 1010lt and DMP3 as we type... !
But really, if that was a serious reply, please explain.

[Brad_C]

Ok the interface its sell is great ie the control surface, works like a charm sometimes the faders toscrew up a bit but we can forgive the automation, hers the problem is the preamps, because we have such a cheap piece of gear they sacrificed the preamps. Causing not so great recording quality.

[jbroad572]

With this design, you are stuck with the preamps, correct? You can't use other pres at a later time? I was going to look at the firepod, but figure for the extra money, why not go for this unit instead.

[Brad_C]

I don't like that unit for what it is try it out if you have a laptop and if it don't seem good go with the firepod.

[reshp1]

You're stuck with the preamps on 8 of the channels (although I can't believe they'd get in the way that much if you go Line In), then you've got another 8 channels of ADAT in and 2 channels of SPDIF in, both of which you choose your own preamps and converters.

[sixways]

Yeah, I didn't gather a whole hell of a lot from all those run on sentences and poor communication on what exactly is bad about the Project Mix. Everything I have seen on the unit is awesome spec wise and all reviews I have read have been top notch. I will tell you from everyone I have talked with personally who have used both the Presonus products and the M-Audio products say the difference in pre's in basically undetectable...for the good or the bad.

To me, the Project Mix couple with an ADAT lightpipe out from another 8 input unit looks like the way to go.

6

[dmc777]

I have the FW410 and the pre's in it are pretty smooth. I don't know if they're the same ones though.

[charger]

Mic Inputs (A/D)
Input Impedance 3.4k Ω
Maximum Input Level at Minimum Gain -3dBu, balanced
Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk < -110dB @ 1kHz
SNR -104dB, A-weighted
Dynamic Range 104dB, A-weighted
THD+N 0.00188 % (-94.6dB) @ -1 dBFS, 1kHz
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB
Preamp Gain 55dB
Phantom Power 48 Volts DC @ 16mA

The specs look good, if that's important to you--I know you can't "hear" specs but I'd say unless some part of the hardware is atrociously bad, the thing will sound great. Personally, I like Presonus preamps a little bit more, but I'm half-convinced that I just like the stylishness of their boxes. I'm definitely NOT convinced that I can hear the difference.

The Project Mix I/O is the thing I want most in the world (considering my budget) for my next interface.

[Warhead]

The Projectmix IO is indeed a decent unit, and the preamps won't exactly stop you from making a decent recording if you have skill.

There are also line inputs on every channel, so yes you can bring your own if you wish OR add on later via the ADAT / SPDIF inputs.

War

[jbroad572]

Placed my order today. $999 from guitar center (price matched to BHphoto) and it includes Ableton Live. Might sell that and make some money off of it since I'm using Sonar 5 and AA.