8 Channel ADAT Converters

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peritus

peritus

The not fountain head
Hello...

We're looking to add to our ProjectMix input count. We have a Mackie analog board with some mic pres we like and we really just need to get them into ADAT. So, I guess we're looking for 8 balanced line inputs (switchable hi/low impedance, perhaps)....

I'm not asking for "what's the best" (haha). I just wanna know if you've had any experience with these. If so, which model and how do you like it, (regardless of how much it costed)?

Thanks
 
Oh yes.. One other thing...

We normally record to 24-bit 48KHz....
 
I'm assuming that the mic pres are analog and you're asking about A/D convertors that support ADAT.


If so, then look for a used Lucid ADA 8824. I use one, and like it. It's not a Mytek or Lavry, but it sounds really good, and supports 24/bit 48khz.
 
Yup.. Thanks bro...

Hmmm....
Mytek 8X192 with ADAT card looks cool... Wonder how much these go for used....
 
peritus said:
Yup.. Thanks bro...

Hmmm....
Mytek 8X192 with ADAT card looks cool... Wonder how much these go for used....
Click to expand...
Well, given that that package would be about $3800 new, I would guess you *might* be able to get it for $3250 or so. You should be able to get the Lucid now for about $1200-1400 used.
 
fraserhutch said:
Well, given that that package would be about $3800 new, I would guess you *might* be able to get it for $3250 or so. You should be able to get the Lucid now for about $1200-1400 used.
Click to expand...

AH.... I see.. lol... Thanks for your help....
 
I have an RME ADI-8 DS, which is great, it was $1600 new. I think there is also a 48kHz only version if you don't need 96kHz.

I used to have Alesis AI3s, which are 48kHz, and available used pretty cheap these days, like $300 or less. Not as nice as the RME, but serviceable and reliable for me.
 
I'm not sure I understand the question. Isn't ADAT essentially an AD/DA converter in the box with digital tape as its storage? Or was this only something that was available in later versions, like the ADAT XT?

If the ADAT doesn't convert inside the unit, then disregard the following:

If you are looking to record analog into the ADAT you would simply hook up the preamps directly to the direct ins on the back of the unit. If you are going from computer to ADAT and want to maintain a perfect digital copy, you could go the lightpipe route.

I do both. I record from the preamp to the ADAT XT, using the ADAT as a digital converter through a lightpipe into my RME Digi9636, and if I need to transfer from the pc to the ADAT (which I do when I track vocals away from the computer), I use the lightpipe going the other direction, each direction at 48k.

The lite version of the RME can be had for $400, and you can get the 8-out expansion boards for $150 each.
 
ADAT is a digital (optical) protocol, like SPDIF or AES/EBU. It is usually refered to as lightpipe.

I has NOTHING to do with conversion or storage. Now, your adat machine may have convertors, but ADAT itself is just the transmission protocol.


Cyrokk said:
I'm not sure I understand the question. Isn't ADAT essentially an AD/DA converter in the box with digital tape as its storage? Or was this only something that was available in later versions, like the ADAT XT?

If the ADAT doesn't convert inside the unit, then disregard the following:

If you are looking to record analog into the ADAT you would simply hook up the preamps directly to the direct ins on the back of the unit. If you are going from computer to ADAT and want to maintain a perfect digital copy, you could go the lightpipe route.

I do both. I record from the preamp to the ADAT XT, using the ADAT as a digital converter through a lightpipe into my RME Digi9636, and if I need to transfer from the pc to the ADAT (which I do when I track vocals away from the computer), I use the lightpipe going the other direction, each direction at 48k.

The lite version of the RME can be had for $400, and you can get the 8-out expansion boards for $150 each.
Click to expand...
 
If you want something for cheap, pick up a Behringer ADA8000. It has 8 XLR Mic/TRS Line Inputs which route to ADAT Output. (It also has ADAT In which routes to 8 XLR Line Out). That would easily solve your problem for less than $200, if you don't have anything against berhinger. (I will admit to owning behringer gear, because it is so cheap, but they're definetly a shady company)
 
I can understand how this could be confusing. If I remember right, ADAT is a specific machine made by Alesis and ADAT optical is the digital signal comprising 8 lines in an optical cable. ADAT optical was basically coined from the ADAT machines and is now what people refer to as an 8 channel lightpipe signal. Users should be aware that not all toslink optical jacks are ADAT optical and they are not compatible between 2 channel and 8 channel modes unless the hardware specifically allows switching.

As far as converters go.... I have actually seen used Myteks for under $2000 in 8 channel versions, but these were probably not the newer 192khz boxes. I would avoid the Behringer if at all possible purely because there are other options in similar price ranges that sound much better in my opinion. In no way do I intend this to be an anti Behringer post. On the cheap, look for a MOTU 2408 rackmount. You can buy one new without the PCI card and save some money, or you can find an older version for $350 and even less with the PCI card. If you get an older one, try and avoid the Mk1 (it is unbalanced if I remember right) and look for the mk2 version. The nice thing about the Motu is that it works in standalone mode without needing a computer.
 
MOTU is definetly great so I always support them as an option. I have a 828mkII with the behringer ADA8000 (again because it was $150, not spending money was all I cared about).

If you can find a used Alesis ADAT machine though, you can use it purely as I/O. Even if you get one with a busted tape head, if the Ins and Outs work, it will do the job (although it won't look very modern or pretty, and obviously takes up more room than some of the other single rack space options).

ADAT was developed specifically by Alesis. It stands for Alesis Digital Audio Tape. The ADAT Lightpipe was first used here, but now it is obviously a universal protocol, not tied down to the Alesis machines. Xstatic was right on about the TosLink issue (I've also seen it called Optical S/PDIF)

Since you just want line ins to ADAT, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on Mic Pres, which is why I suggested the behringer. Also, on an editorial note, good musicians are more important than a fancy mic pre.

Hope this is continuing to be helpful
 
Agreed, as he's not looking to spend any money on pres (he has the pres in a Mackie board), and all he wants is A/D conversion for that board, I would look specifically for a box that does A/D conversion AND nothing else.

I personally would NEVER buy another MOTU product, as their support sucks
big time. If anyone want to buy an orphaned 2408mkII, mint, really cheap, contact me.



RAK said:
MOTU is definetly great so I always support them as an option. I have a 828mkII with the behringer ADA8000 (again because it was $150, not spending money was all I cared about).

If you can find a used Alesis ADAT machine though, you can use it purely as I/O. Even if you get one with a busted tape head, if the Ins and Outs work, it will do the job (although it won't look very modern or pretty, and obviously takes up more room than some of the other single rack space options).

ADAT was developed specifically by Alesis. It stands for Alesis Digital Audio Tape. The ADAT Lightpipe was first used here, but now it is obviously a universal protocol, not tied down to the Alesis machines. Xstatic was right on about the TosLink issue (I've also seen it called Optical S/PDIF)

Since you just want line ins to ADAT, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on Mic Pres, which is why I suggested the behringer. Also, on an editorial note, good musicians are more important than a fancy mic pre.

Hope this is continuing to be helpful
Click to expand...
 
I suppose each person's experience is going to be different, but I've never had a problem with MOTU support. They've been pretty helpful when I've need them, (including quickly sending out a replacement code for AudioDesk when I threw out the guide thinking I would never use it, but then wanted to check it out). And more importantly, I haven't needed to use Support very much, which is very nice.

Sorry to turn this thread away from topic. Back to A/D converters.
 
I agree with Fraserhutch 1000% about MOTU's support. They actually wanted me to pay to ship my whole tower to them both ways and said they would need 6 to 8 weeks to assess my issues (with the PCI324 card, not the 424 card). I find this to be EXTREMELY unacceptable and was taken aback that they even suggested such a thing. It turns out it was a blessing in disguise because it prompted me to make the switch to RME and I have never looked back. In having my issue I also sought help elsewhere and run into a lot of people that also had major issues with MOTU's tech support.

That being said, it seems like almost all problems with MOTU stuff seems to be related to the PCI 324 card and PC's. The hardware always seemed to work wonderfully which is why I suggested the MOTU 2408. 8 analog ins and outs, 24 channels of both ADAT optical and Tascam digital I/O. Thats I pretty darned functional box for the $300 or so that you can find them for. I myself have been considering picking up another one (I sold mine) to keep around as an extra headphone monitoring converter and in the event that I need to use the Tascam digital format (you just never know!).

The other advantage is that should you feel like it down the road, you could pick up just the PCI card, or even the PCI card and another rackmount and have another Interface system.
 
Want to buy my 2408? Mint? Cheap? :D


xstatic said:
I agree with Fraserhutch 1000% about MOTU's support. They actually wanted me to pay to ship my whole tower to them both ways and said they would need 6 to 8 weeks to assess my issues (with the PCI324 card, not the 424 card). I find this to be EXTREMELY unacceptable and was taken aback that they even suggested such a thing. It turns out it was a blessing in disguise because it prompted me to make the switch to RME and I have never looked back. In having my issue I also sought help elsewhere and run into a lot of people that also had major issues with MOTU's tech support.

That being said, it seems like almost all problems with MOTU stuff seems to be related to the PCI 324 card and PC's. The hardware always seemed to work wonderfully which is why I suggested the MOTU 2408. 8 analog ins and outs, 24 channels of both ADAT optical and Tascam digital I/O. Thats I pretty darned functional box for the $300 or so that you can find them for. I myself have been considering picking up another one (I sold mine) to keep around as an extra headphone monitoring converter and in the event that I need to use the Tascam digital format (you just never know!).

The other advantage is that should you feel like it down the road, you could pick up just the PCI card, or even the PCI card and another rackmount and have another Interface system.
Click to expand...
 
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