vs2480 vs. vs2400?

[rboyce_boston]

Hi.


I'm a current Fostex VF-16 owner, which is a great machine for the money, but I'm looking to upgrade to a more powerful DAW. Recording 16 tracks simultaneously is a requirement for me. I currently do this with my VF-16 and a Behringer ADA8000 8 channel preamp/ADAT converter.

I'm considering buying one of these 2 units (VS-2480 or the VS-2400), and I'm trying to figure out which is the better option:

1) Buying the much more expensive VS2480 (which has 16 analog inputs and allows 16 track simultaneously recording out of the box), or...
2) Buying the much cheaper VS2400 and then buying the Roland DIF-AT24 R-Buss/ADAT interface unit and use it with my Behringer ADA8000 (in order to record 16 tracks simultaneously).

Any opinions/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,

ray

[BentRabbit]

I still have my VF-16 and use it for portable tracking... And like you, I have the ADA8000 to go the full 16...

Saying that, when it was time for me to upgrade, I researched and found that the 2480 was the only way to go... Excellent deals can be had for a 2480... I found mine (2480CD) on Ebay with a DIF-AT24 (street value of around $250-$300) all for $1300... SCORE!

I upgraded it with a $78 DVD drive and stocked it up with 2 VSF8-3 and 2 VSF8-2 FX cards (I think you only have the option for one additional card in the 2400) and some of the 3rd party plug-in's and I'm happy as a clam

But... One thing I wasn't aware of until after I had mine for a few weeks...

The older model 2480HD/2480CD's shipped out of the factory with a slight bug in the preamps... Harmonic Distortion Bug

I really didn't notice too much audibly, but it was definitely there as evidenced when I performed the 1K tone test.
I opted to fix mine myself (took about 4 hours total) but Roland will fix units for free if you pay shipping, even if you're not the original owner.

Based on this and what you find shopping, a 2400 with the DIF-AT24 might be what you're after...

But the extra inputs as well as the capacity for extra plug-ins were the deciding factors for me

[rboyce_boston]

Dave-

Thanks for the reply...and the great information. You gave a very convincing argument to go with the VS2480CD. Especially since you are also a Fostex VF-16 owner/user.

And thanks for the heads up about the "preamp" bug. I'm checking with a seller right now as to how old his machine is.

Do you have any idea how long ago this problem was corrected by Roland on units they were shipping?

Thanks again,

Ray

[BentRabbit]

Originally Posted by rboyce_boston

Dave-

Thanks for the reply...and the great information. You gave a very convincing argument to go with the VS2480CD. Especially since you are also a Fostex VF-16 owner/user.

And thanks for the heads up about the "preamp" bug. I'm checking with a seller right now as to how old his machine is.

Do you have any idea how long ago this problem was corrected by Roland on units they were shipping?

Thanks again,

Ray

Hi Ray...

Reports from folks who bought machines in early 2003 are saying 'The Fix' was still needing to be applied... The only sure information is all 2480DVD's are fixed from the factory and just the 'later' 2480CD's are OK... Whatever that means... Late '03 maybe?

ALL of the 2480HD's need to be fixed.

Best thing is to run the 1K sine test and see if distortion occurs before the VU input registers 0db... If it starts at -12, -6 or -4db then it needs the fix.

Remember too: Once a channel has been overdriven (i.e. distorted) it will be fine after that for as long as the unit remains powered on (this was the workaround Roland was suggesting before they agreed to fix). So if you test a channel once and it distorts, don't get fooled the next time you test and it shows normal operation.

Hope this helps!

[rboyce_boston]

Yes, that helps a lot - thanks!

I actually just picked up my "new to me" vs2480CD. The seller still had the original receipt - it was bought/sold as "new" in Sep 2005. So I hope that means it does not have the preamp bug. But I'll run the test you suggested.

I think I got a pretty sweet deal - it's basically mint condition, very lightly used, and it came with VF8F-3 expansion board with both the Antares Autotune plug-in and the UAD Compressor bundle (1176LN & the LA2A). And a 15" Dell LCD monitor. And ALL the original packaging/materials. All for just $1600.

Do you think that's a good deal?

-ray

[BentRabbit]

Originally Posted by rboyce_boston

Yes, that helps a lot - thanks!

I actually just picked up my "new to me" vs2480CD. The seller still had the original receipt - it was bought/sold as "new" in Sep 2005. So I hope that means it does not have the preamp bug. But I'll run the test you suggested.

I think I got a pretty sweet deal - it's basically mint condition, very lightly used, and it came with VF8F-3 expansion board with both the Antares Autotune plug-in and the UAD Compressor bundle (1176LN & the LA2A). And a 15" Dell LCD monitor. And ALL the original packaging/materials. All for just $1600.

Do you think that's a good deal?

-ray

That was an AWESOME deal!!!!

I'm thinking 2005 might be a safe bet on the bug... But if not, it's a pretty simple fix if you're not afraid of a soldering iron... Heck, I think I still have some 1 meg resistors if you need em

If/when you get a chance, pick up this bad boy too DVD Manual

You might be able to pick one up used for cheaper... Mine came with my deck and it really untangles a lot of the learning involved... Since you're a VF16 user, you'll fall in love with a lot of the simpler methods the 2480 offers!

I have those same plugs also, as well as the T-Racks mastering plug ins...

Enjoy your new toy!