Hi recording enthusiasts,
this is something for Focusrite Scarlett/Clarett (and a bit RME hdsp 9632) experts
Short version:
Which combination of this gear is the best combination regarding audio quality?
- RME hdsp 9632 + Scarlett OctoPre via ADAT
- RME hdsp 9632 + Clarett OctoPre via ADAT
- RME hdsp 9632 + Input PCI-expansion board + Scarlett OctoPre analog outputs
- RME hdsp 9632 + Input PCI-expansion board + Clarett OctoPre analog outputs
Long version:
I own a RME hdsp 9632 audiocard which only has two analog mono input channels (without additional gear). Due to my need of more input channels:
1. I need to gear up my input channels either via ADAT or via an input extension PCI card
2. I need preamps for every input channel.
So both the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre m.thomann.de/de/focusrite_scarlett_octopre.htm (358€)
and the Clarett OctoPre m.thomann.de/de/focusrite_clarett_octopre.htm (635€)
feature 8 input+output channels and a AD converter with ADAT interface, which is exactly what I need.
But now I need your help:
For the input channels I have either the choice of using the AD conversion behind the Focusrites‘ preamps if I use ADAT or of using the (at least people say) “excellent” AD conversion of my hdsp 9632 audiocard if I use the analog outputs of the Focusrites. Like mentioned above, in the latter case I’d need to extend the inputs via PCI expansion board which would cost additional 199€.
My first question is which way can you recommend, are there major quality differences between the hdsp’s and Scarlett’s/Clarett’s AD converters?
My second question is then how much better are Clarett’s preamps in comparison to Scarlett’s, especially regarding the price difference of nearly +100%?
And what exactly of the Clarett is better then, is it the preamp quality itself or the AD converter quality or both?
Because if it’s only f.e. the AD converters then I could go for a cheaper Scarlett and then use my hdsp’s AD converters.
My focus here is the converter and preamp quality, all the other minor differences between Scarlett and Clarett e.g. peripheral assets like additional inserts in the Clarett etc. are not scope of the question.
So basically it’s interesting to know which combination of gear would the sound quality benefit most from?
this is something for Focusrite Scarlett/Clarett (and a bit RME hdsp 9632) experts
Short version:
Which combination of this gear is the best combination regarding audio quality?
- RME hdsp 9632 + Scarlett OctoPre via ADAT
- RME hdsp 9632 + Clarett OctoPre via ADAT
- RME hdsp 9632 + Input PCI-expansion board + Scarlett OctoPre analog outputs
- RME hdsp 9632 + Input PCI-expansion board + Clarett OctoPre analog outputs
Long version:
I own a RME hdsp 9632 audiocard which only has two analog mono input channels (without additional gear). Due to my need of more input channels:
1. I need to gear up my input channels either via ADAT or via an input extension PCI card
2. I need preamps for every input channel.
So both the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre m.thomann.de/de/focusrite_scarlett_octopre.htm (358€)
and the Clarett OctoPre m.thomann.de/de/focusrite_clarett_octopre.htm (635€)
feature 8 input+output channels and a AD converter with ADAT interface, which is exactly what I need.
But now I need your help:
For the input channels I have either the choice of using the AD conversion behind the Focusrites‘ preamps if I use ADAT or of using the (at least people say) “excellent” AD conversion of my hdsp 9632 audiocard if I use the analog outputs of the Focusrites. Like mentioned above, in the latter case I’d need to extend the inputs via PCI expansion board which would cost additional 199€.
My first question is which way can you recommend, are there major quality differences between the hdsp’s and Scarlett’s/Clarett’s AD converters?
My second question is then how much better are Clarett’s preamps in comparison to Scarlett’s, especially regarding the price difference of nearly +100%?
And what exactly of the Clarett is better then, is it the preamp quality itself or the AD converter quality or both?
Because if it’s only f.e. the AD converters then I could go for a cheaper Scarlett and then use my hdsp’s AD converters.
My focus here is the converter and preamp quality, all the other minor differences between Scarlett and Clarett e.g. peripheral assets like additional inserts in the Clarett etc. are not scope of the question.
So basically it’s interesting to know which combination of gear would the sound quality benefit most from?
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