A
AlfredB
New member
its shipping now, and I am wondering if anybody got his hands on one yet ...
how were the older models doing?
thx!
alfred
how were the older models doing?
thx!
alfred
S
Sklathill
Soundcard Junkie
The older models were very good. They generally had very good drivers. About the only thing they didn't have going for them was the fact that they were VERY bad with VIA chipsets where most of the other guys were merely poor.
Maybe you can get it from a place with a good return policy? I know places like AmericanMusical will allow returns of opened soundcards. I personally got my E-mu practically on launch day from SamAsh expressly on their return policy (after confirming with the manager there that I could return it if I found serious incompatibility within a week...)
Maybe you can get it from a place with a good return policy? I know places like AmericanMusical will allow returns of opened soundcards. I personally got my E-mu practically on launch day from SamAsh expressly on their return policy (after confirming with the manager there that I could return it if I found serious incompatibility within a week...)
A
AlfredB
New member
damn ... thats a bummer .... :-/
guess what chipset I have... VIA ... arghhh...
could the problem be isolated to *some* VIA chipsets, or was it a general VIA problem?
my problem is that i live in S-America, so even w/ a liberal return policy, returning any device would be both expensive and a hassle (shipping, customs, etc..)
thx for that piece of information - i will contact echo and post any information i can get
alfred
guess what chipset I have... VIA ... arghhh...
could the problem be isolated to *some* VIA chipsets, or was it a general VIA problem?
my problem is that i live in S-America, so even w/ a liberal return policy, returning any device would be both expensive and a hassle (shipping, customs, etc..)
thx for that piece of information - i will contact echo and post any information i can get
alfred
warble
New member
Sklathill said:
Sorry Sklathill, I gotta disagree with you. Actually, Echo Audio did extensive testing with VIA chipsets, and recommended using their products with VIA chipsets. Their drivers work very well too - haven't really ever seen complaints about them.
Their Web site states and recommends VIA chipsets:
http://www.echoaudio.com/Support/PC/Quick_Tips.php#3
I'm using an Echo Gina 24 and have had ZERO problems with it and my MB. I'm using an Asus A7V8X-X which has a VIA KT-400 chipset.
So, Alfred....you should be just fine. I'm actually considering upgrading to the new Layla model. Looks kinda nice. But my Gina is still performing like a champ. Nice converters and great sound too. I believe they have included better converters in the new products, so that should provide for even better sound.
R
rvdsm
New member
I never buy any converters that offer "built-in pre-amps". I like to think that a compenent that is dedicated to performing one task will perform that task much more accurately than a component that tries to offer an "all in one box" sollution.
Actually, I'm getting to the point where I really don't want to buy any product that isn't going to stand the test of time. People who purchase pro-quality gear get a good return on their investment if they ever decide to sell it because that stuff was built to last. I bought 2 Layla 24 units in 2000 for $800 a piece. Now they go for around $500. I'm sure now that the G3 is out, the older Layla 24 will vastly diminish in value. I'm glad I sold them while I had the chance to get a decent amount out of them.
It sucks paying mulitple thousands of dollars for a piece of gear just to watch the value of the unit remarkably drop over very few years. These of course are just opinions. For the home recordist I guess it's a remarkable value. I either have to reserve myself to making sub-par records or mortgage my home for the kind of equipment that is going to be worth it to me.
Oh, this cruel audio world!
Actually, I'm getting to the point where I really don't want to buy any product that isn't going to stand the test of time. People who purchase pro-quality gear get a good return on their investment if they ever decide to sell it because that stuff was built to last. I bought 2 Layla 24 units in 2000 for $800 a piece. Now they go for around $500. I'm sure now that the G3 is out, the older Layla 24 will vastly diminish in value. I'm glad I sold them while I had the chance to get a decent amount out of them.
It sucks paying mulitple thousands of dollars for a piece of gear just to watch the value of the unit remarkably drop over very few years. These of course are just opinions. For the home recordist I guess it's a remarkable value. I either have to reserve myself to making sub-par records or mortgage my home for the kind of equipment that is going to be worth it to me.
Oh, this cruel audio world!
A
AlfredB
New member
thx warble for the heads-up and the link ... let me see if I can get a "somewhat" official answer from them for the L.G3.
cheers, alfred
cheers, alfred
S
Sklathill
Soundcard Junkie
Hrm...I might be confusing Echo with Aardvark. Or...Argh. I remember there was this one fairly popular manufacturer where VIA chipset wreaked more havok than normal (i'm talking back in the EARLY days anyways. Like the Apollo Pro early days.)
Sorry for the misinformation.
Honestly, I think if it did come down to making a blind decision, I'd say the Echo 3G stuff would be one of the better purchases you can make.
rvd makes a good point about the older generation getting cheaper second hand. Considering the 3G doesn't offer that much more besides better specs, preamps, ( it doesn't support 192, for example...) maybe it would be worth your while to check out the old Layla. Maybe if you need preamps, you could check out the Mona, which has 4 of them...
Sorry for the misinformation.
Honestly, I think if it did come down to making a blind decision, I'd say the Echo 3G stuff would be one of the better purchases you can make.
rvd makes a good point about the older generation getting cheaper second hand. Considering the 3G doesn't offer that much more besides better specs, preamps, ( it doesn't support 192, for example...) maybe it would be worth your while to check out the old Layla. Maybe if you need preamps, you could check out the Mona, which has 4 of them...
warble
New member
I had trouble with m-audio stuff on my VIA chipset (maybe that's manufacturer you were thinking of Sklathill?). I tried using the Audiophile 24/96 and simply couldn't get it to work right on the VIA chipset.
I'd agree about the pre-amps comment too. While the new Echo products offer pre-amps, I don't know that they will offer the quality you could get out of other pre-amps - haven't use the new Gina or Layla though. The old Layla get a lot of good press, and a LOT of favorable comments on these boards too.
Alfred, I'd be interested in hearing what information Echo offers you. Feel free to post here when you get some more details on the new stuff!
I'd agree about the pre-amps comment too. While the new Echo products offer pre-amps, I don't know that they will offer the quality you could get out of other pre-amps - haven't use the new Gina or Layla though. The old Layla get a lot of good press, and a LOT of favorable comments on these boards too.
Alfred, I'd be interested in hearing what information Echo offers you. Feel free to post here when you get some more details on the new stuff!
A
AlfredB
New member
warble said:
here you go ... they were pretty fast in answering my Q:
snip
> Hi there,
>
> I know that the OLD Layla was highly regarded for its good audio
> performance and excellent drivers, but it is general knowledge that
> \"she\" did not perform well on VIA chipsets (all? or just some?).
>
> Would this be true for the NEW Layla3G as well? ... if there are known
> issues, can they be limited to some VIA chipsets or are the problems with
> all VIA chipsets?
>
> thx for responding - i REALLY appreciate any information that you can
> provide
>
> peace
> Alfred
>
The Layla24 and 3g work on kt266+ chipsets using AMD CPU's.
--
Pxxxxx Sxxxxx
Echo Audio Tech Support
Our webpage is www.echoaudio.com
/snip
(name edited by me
cheers !
alfred
warble
New member
Alfred,
How is it "general knowledge" that Echo stuff doesn't work well with VIA chipsets? I gave a link to their site stating that VIA chipsets work well with their products. When you stated "old Layla" where you talking 20 bit stuff?
Not trying to be funny here, but seems like your email could've been constructed differently to get more vital and pertinent info.
How is it "general knowledge" that Echo stuff doesn't work well with VIA chipsets? I gave a link to their site stating that VIA chipsets work well with their products. When you stated "old Layla" where you talking 20 bit stuff?
Not trying to be funny here, but seems like your email could've been constructed differently to get more vital and pertinent info.
P
Paco
pH meter
well, they said kt266+ chipset, which probably means kt133 is trouble (that's what i'm still running - 800mhz amd)...
trogdor
New member
I am selling my MOTU 2408 and looking at the Layla3G...has anybody used it?? I can't decide between that or spending less money on an E-mu 1212m and a DMP3 for a better preamp and possibly better converters...the e-mu is supposed to have the same ones as the protools HD system.
I have a behringer ada8000 so I would still have plenty of inputs with the E-mu, but would like two higher quality channels since i mostly track individually. Any opinions or advice?
I have a behringer ada8000 so I would still have plenty of inputs with the E-mu, but would like two higher quality channels since i mostly track individually. Any opinions or advice?
S
Sonic Idiot
New member
Got one of the first Layla 3g's off the slow boat from China. Echo Audio is ten miles away from my house, so I'm not sure why they had to ship them ALL the way to China first, but alas...
I blindly went with the Layla on account of my very positive experience with the Mia, which ran wonderfully on a 733 PIII for three years. I was ready to pull the trigger and upgrade. So I built an AMD powered computer, Athlon 3200, Asus mother board, Nvidia chipset. (Strongly recommend building your own, BTW. It was my first time. Much easier than those who get paid to do that sort thing will admit. There is so much info on the web if you run into problems. I built a SMOKIN machine for around $700.) Anyways, the Layla3G has perfomred flawlessly for a several weeks. It sounds great. The converters are better to my ear. Everything is a tad cleaner, which you would expect from an upgrade of this calibur. I monitor on KRK V4s. I spent a good deal of time with them and the MIA. I knew the subtleties very well, and I could tell a signifigant difference with the LaylaG3. More detailed, bigger, smoother--I'm a happy dude.
Now, everyone probably wants to know about the two built in preamps. I haven't used them extensively, but have done both direct recording of a hollow body guitar and some vocal stuff with a SM57 and an Oktava 319. These are not mind boggling pres, but they are very clean and noise FREE. Very quiet. Very convenient to have right in front of you and on and ready to go. I think of them as my scratch pad pres, but I will use them in finished recordings. They are just fine. Again, very clean.
As for little stuff: The casing is brushed aluminum and sexy. It's a very handsome unit.
Two complaints: The headphone output is hardwired to only monitor whatever is being sent to the main outs, 1 -2. That's a drag if you're using 3-4 to, say, send to a tape machine because 1-2 go to your monitors. But, alas, this is easily worked around. Also, the GUI for the unit's mixer has not changed. Not a big deal and purely cosmetic. The mixer is easy to use and intuitive. It's just a little 1997 looking.
I would recommend it fully. For $500, it's a deal. Two plain jane clean pres is a bonus.
I blindly went with the Layla on account of my very positive experience with the Mia, which ran wonderfully on a 733 PIII for three years. I was ready to pull the trigger and upgrade. So I built an AMD powered computer, Athlon 3200, Asus mother board, Nvidia chipset. (Strongly recommend building your own, BTW. It was my first time. Much easier than those who get paid to do that sort thing will admit. There is so much info on the web if you run into problems. I built a SMOKIN machine for around $700.) Anyways, the Layla3G has perfomred flawlessly for a several weeks. It sounds great. The converters are better to my ear. Everything is a tad cleaner, which you would expect from an upgrade of this calibur. I monitor on KRK V4s. I spent a good deal of time with them and the MIA. I knew the subtleties very well, and I could tell a signifigant difference with the LaylaG3. More detailed, bigger, smoother--I'm a happy dude.
Now, everyone probably wants to know about the two built in preamps. I haven't used them extensively, but have done both direct recording of a hollow body guitar and some vocal stuff with a SM57 and an Oktava 319. These are not mind boggling pres, but they are very clean and noise FREE. Very quiet. Very convenient to have right in front of you and on and ready to go. I think of them as my scratch pad pres, but I will use them in finished recordings. They are just fine. Again, very clean.
As for little stuff: The casing is brushed aluminum and sexy. It's a very handsome unit.
Two complaints: The headphone output is hardwired to only monitor whatever is being sent to the main outs, 1 -2. That's a drag if you're using 3-4 to, say, send to a tape machine because 1-2 go to your monitors. But, alas, this is easily worked around. Also, the GUI for the unit's mixer has not changed. Not a big deal and purely cosmetic. The mixer is easy to use and intuitive. It's just a little 1997 looking.
I would recommend it fully. For $500, it's a deal. Two plain jane clean pres is a bonus.
minofifa
New member
Sweet, thanks for the review,
i think i'm gonna pull the triggen on the little sister, GINA.... wait.... that didn't sound right....
Anywho, the GINA should perform as well as LAYLA just without as many I/O. it still has ADAT which gives a total of 10 ins, which is more than enough for this guy.
i think i'm gonna pull the triggen on the little sister, GINA.... wait.... that didn't sound right....
Anywho, the GINA should perform as well as LAYLA just without as many I/O. it still has ADAT which gives a total of 10 ins, which is more than enough for this guy.
S
Sonic Idiot
New member
Yeah, I think you'll be very happy with the GINA..and stay away from my sister.
I should also use this as an excuse to take a pot shot at pro tools. The ECHO stuff comes with Tracktion, which I think is great. For the home enthusiast, it's excellent and much better thought out than PT, which seems to be resting on its laurels. I was an n-tracks user, but have outgrown it. I have used PT LE fairly extensively and don't care for it. Tracktion is a step in the right direction. To each his own, but it works for me and since ECHO bundles it with its hardware, you know they're confident it's a stable combo--which it has been so far for me. The Mackie mastering plugin that comes with Tracktion is an added bonus. (Can't recall its name at the moment.) All in all, the ECHO package is a winner.
I should also use this as an excuse to take a pot shot at pro tools. The ECHO stuff comes with Tracktion, which I think is great. For the home enthusiast, it's excellent and much better thought out than PT, which seems to be resting on its laurels. I was an n-tracks user, but have outgrown it. I have used PT LE fairly extensively and don't care for it. Tracktion is a step in the right direction. To each his own, but it works for me and since ECHO bundles it with its hardware, you know they're confident it's a stable combo--which it has been so far for me. The Mackie mastering plugin that comes with Tracktion is an added bonus. (Can't recall its name at the moment.) All in all, the ECHO package is a winner.
trogdor
New member
Great to hear!
Thanks for the reply on this...since having problems with my MOTU 2408 and my new Athlon 64 system not playing friendly together I stuck the MOTU on ebay and snagged a new Layla3G on ebay for $419 with free shipping...it's not here yet but I'm excited! Hopefully it will not have a problem with my new pc setup...
Thanks for the reply on this...since having problems with my MOTU 2408 and my new Athlon 64 system not playing friendly together I stuck the MOTU on ebay and snagged a new Layla3G on ebay for $419 with free shipping...it's not here yet but I'm excited! Hopefully it will not have a problem with my new pc setup...
S
Scoob
New member
trog any updates
trogdor
New member
Scoob said:
Yea I got Layla3G a few weeks ago and it's runnin smooth as butter. It's a great unit! I was worried it might not be compatible with the NForce3 chipset because I called ECHO and they said they had not tested it yet, but it works fine. The sound is just as good if not better than my old MOTU 2408 and the preamps are very clean as well. It also gets power from the interface cable that connects to the PCI card so that's kind of nice. It's pretty cool lookin too...