Aardvark's DSP compressor

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joemix

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Anybody experienced decent results using the Aardvark DSP compressor? Is it any better than software plugins? I'm looking at using a couple of Direct Pro 24/96's or the DP Q10 when ever that ships to record 8 channels of drums.
The problem is that I would like to have compression on all 8 channels, going in, and the Q10 only has 4 inserts w/no DSP compression. I'm starting to think that a hardware mixer(like a mackie VLZ 1642), hardware stereo comp, and a Delta 1010 might be a more flexible solution? Please share your ideas.. Thanks.
 
I have the Driect Pro

And I don't use the compressor anymore. It is not a replacement for a hardware unit. What it does, it does sevicably, but there are not as many adjustments as on a hardware unit, and that make it less useful.

In fact, the Driect Pro ended up being a more expensive solution for me as now I am running a mixer for extra inputs, and since there's no insert, I am running separate pres as well.

It's not fair to compare the pres and compressors on the Direct Pro to what I am running now, but for me, I am happier with the different components.

Good luck, but I would say your mixer solution has more legs.
 
Thanks.

I'll keep that in mind when I choose a card/mixer sometime this month..
 
Hey you can't limit on the inserts with the ark can you.

If my head is screwed on straight, it should be impossible, since that would be post digital conversion.

But you never know.....

Thnx.

Jett
 
There are no inserts on the Direct Pro...

I think that some of the practical experience in the shortcomings of this card is why you see inserts in the new product (Q10).

I effectively created a pre-A/D insert by adding an external mic pre.
 
Is anybody else having trouble with the Aardvark homepage? I am able to pull up just the interface and nothing else.
 
I own the direct pro

I use the compressors a little -- But it is true that thay are not very fancy.

I don't understand how the comprssors can be based on a DSP chip yet are pre-digital stage?
 
I nevere thought of that...

I'll have to drop them a line about that.
 
Does anyone know how the inserts on the Q10 will work? Are you supposed to record with external effects gear or can you acrually use it on a "dry" track during mixdown?
 
24/96 VS. Q10

Well, I am now seriously considering a pair of 24/96's vs the mixer, or Q10 because of the ability to compress each channel individually with the 24/96. The mixer w/8 channel hardware comp would be a little too expensive for me right now.

Now, I do have a RNC compressor that I could use with the Q10 if I went that route, but that would only serve what, 2 channels at once max? Like I said, I like the idea of compressing the snare a little different than the bass drum etc. However my main concern with the 24/96 is that I will be forced to record a weak signal when using the compressor.

Please keep the opinions coming. Thanks.
 
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Compressing with a fast atack is the DirectPro's weakness. Its fastest attack is 10ms (I think) and it let's a lot of peaks through.

Basically you can set a low threshold and a low ratio, but then there's a little more color (from the compressor) than I like in some cases. Otherwise (higher threshold and ratio), I find that too many peaks get through.

Considering that you get 4 pre's and comps in the Direct pro, its a pretty good value, but I found that the compromises in flexibility have severely limited their usefulness.

I currently running a stereo "gold channel" into 1 and two (bypassing the pre's, and compressing before the Aark), and a behringer mixer for line sources into 3 and 4. That's until I can get a digital mixer setup.

If you need compressors (however limited) on every channel, the direct pro would seem like a good bet. But I find that having the pre's on the card isn't as a good an idea as I first thought. If I were doing something like this today, I would probably be looking at a 4bus mixer and a 4 in card.

The Aark is good, but the delta would be fine in this application as well.
 
Thanks for the details on the compressor, schwa. I do like the fact that M-Audio is showing progress on their Windows 2k drivers. I just haven't had much luck with 98, though I'll use it if necessary (dual boot, dual drives)..
 
WDM coming from Aark...

I have been in contact with Aark, and they have tolf me that they are working on WDM, but its still "months" away. Having recently upgraded to SONAR (Cake 10), I sure would like to have access to those drivers. I don't think I'll change cards, but if I were buying today, I would definietely go with the delta, primarily fo rthe dirvers.

That said, I think Aark drivers are very good, I just hate having to wait the the WDM.
 
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