digi001 a good preamp?

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MartyMcFly

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Hey! Anyone in here use The "digi -001 factory?" I was wondering if the little rack mount thingy is a good preamp. Say if you had to buy it for just being a preamp, not to use for pro tools. Would it be considered a good sounding preamp? And how much would you think it was worth? Hypotheticly?
 
I read on the DUC (Digi User Conference) that you would probably have to spend $600 to get a better pair of preamps where you could actually hear the difference.

The converters in the 001 are really pretty good. The pre sounds good also, but does not have a lot of gain, just adequate.

I just recently did a test where I routed one mic thru the Digi (channel 1 pre and converter) and routed a second mic to a Mackie 1642 VLX-Pro pre to Delta1010 then out lightpipe and into the Digi lightpipe (channel 9). I recorded both mics simultaneously with guitar and vocal and listened for differences on a pair of NS10. I felt they were very close in quality, almost identical. So, I personally have an upgraded opinion of the Digi pre/converter on channnel 1-2.
 
Well the thing is...I have a prosonus blue tube preamp for $150.00 which I run through a Roland VS 1680. I think its a drastic improvement over no preamp at all.
So I guess I want to know how my setup would compare to that of a Digi-001 setup. Which would you prefer? Does the preamp on the digi blow away the blue tube?
 
Well, I don't have a Roland VS1680 or a Presonus Blue Tube preamp, but I don't think you would want to buy a Digi 001 just to use the pres. The Digi 001 is not known for working well with other applications, and I don't believe you could use the 001 as a separate rackmount in this fashion. The pres are directly wired to the converters and there is no direct out routing between the pre and converter. Plus, you would have to connect it to a computer to use it and open a ProTools session. This would all needlessly complicate your setup and give you more headaches that it is worth. You probably need to look at a stand-alone pre. So, how much money do you have to spend? Your choices can easily range from $150 to $5000 for two channels of preamp.

On the other hand, if you bought the Digi 001 to make and record music and would like to use the Pro Tools software, you can be confindent that you will get ay least two pretty good channels of pres to record music.

Since you have made a substantial investment in the VS 1680, you are probably going to stay with that equipment. Joe Meeks does the TwinQ, which will give you two channels of very high quality pres for aroung $700. This will blow away the Presonus Blue Tube. Good luck!
 
See here's what I mean. I have the Roland now...but I want to sell it and buy the digi-001 factory.
Im trying to compare each and every aspect of the two systems. From the amount of headphone jacks, to the amount of ins and outs they will have.
I am really afraid that I will lose sometype of functionality from switching.
Thats why I was trying to compare the pre's on the digi to what I have for a setup now. So anyways. Does anyone know anything major that I will lose or gain from switching?
 
Well, if you are planning to get rid of the VS 1680, you would be able to use the Presonus Blue Tube pres with the Digi, also. Then you can make your own comparisons.

The VS1680 has 20-bit AD/DA converters, while the Digi has 24-bit. So, if I were to hazard a guess, I would say that you would get somewhat better quality with the Digi 001, than with the Blue Tube/VS1680 combo. But, what you really get with the Digi 001 is the Pro Tools software. This software is very simple to use, and very powerful with the 001. You get 8 analog ins and out, plus 2 SPDIF, which is about equivalent to the Delta 1010, except that you also get 2 good quality pre with channels 1-2. The pro Tools software lets you route these in and outs and edit the sound in very powerful ways.

But wait!! There's more!! You also get 8 more Adat channels in and out. And these can also be routed like the analog channels. But to use these, you will need an optical interface, ADAT recorder, or whatever. But at least it is there and make the unit very expandable and able to operate with the highest quality recording hardware available. So with the Digi, you get the capability of 18 simultaneously ins and outs. I guess it would be kinda like a Delta 1818 with two added preamps and a free copy of Sonar.
 
So how much do you think a used VS-1680 with one effects processor is worth?
 
MartyMcFly said:
So how much do you think a used VS-1680 with one effects processor is worth?
Click to expand...

Can't help you there. I initally looked at the VS-1680, but I didn't like the idea of editing on a small LCD. I had a previous bad experience with an Alesis sequencer on one of these small screens, and it just drove me nuts. Ended up with the Digi 001.

If you are already thinking about the 001, there is XP support coming in less than two weeks. This will be very sweet. PTLE will also support video on the PC for the first time. Plus they finally will get Direct Connect, which is similar to DXi in Sonar. Plus there will be a "surprize" new feature. So, stay tuned.
 
i haven't used a digi 001 , but what does it have to offer the PC user when there are a lot of other options that sound as good or better and cost less? for example, what is wrong with the aardvark q10 and Sonar, or a Delta and Cubase?

the digi 001 isn't a pro tools system. it's just another pci interface with mediocre electronics, which you can use , but for a Windows platform i don't get the attraction....i don't even think i'd use it if i had a mac...i'd probably go with motu .
 
J,

Humor me and show me the math on the 001 being more expensive than a q10 and Sonar.

And q10 is about $599, right? An Sonar is...what? $300

that looks like $899 to me...001 is $749-799, PTle included.

Wasn't a math major, but...
 
tell me there are Windows drivers for the M-Box and I'll change my opinion about Digidesign for Windows. ;)
 
right, right, right...

When the Windows drivers come out, I will make SURE it works on all my Pc's as well as my Mac's.
 
J,

For what I do, personally, they are more than fine. But I have the 001 too, and those were good enough for me 85% of the time...

Let's face it, I am not that concerned about the pres because I use my Joe Meek alot.

Take care,
C
 
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