Digital direct freeway

[tojoe]

Ive got a 16tr stand alone with optical in, seems the board feels for clean recording, for example a dbx 386w\coax would do the trick say with a midiman co2 to convert, would the the new dbx376 which has comp/desser be a better choice considering digital is clean going in. also are these 2 that much of an improvement over analog pre eg. joe meek..need to record at4033 & vg88 just wondering how deep to dig for clean tracks. digital or analog pre's ..

 

[snapper]

The 376 preamp is still analog it just gives the option for a digital out via its own convertor. You can still use it's analog out too. Or the joe meek vc1q will have a digital output card available soon, but it is a single channel.

 

[The Axis]

All signals eventually have to go:
Mike=>preamp=>A/D converter=>hard disk
or
Mike=>preamp=>Comp/de-ess/etc.=>A/D converter=>hard disk

So the real struggle is just to make each component as high quality as possible. Concentrate on the Front end of the chain (mike), because it can't get any better than what you start with, but it can get a lot worse.

Generally speaking, the preamps and A/D converters of stand-alone recorders, such as the VS1680 (what I have) are not all that good, so it is an advantage to use outboard PREs and A/D. But it all depends on the specific equip. I can't comment on ther DBX stuff.

Compressors and De-Essers are optional and not necessary, but many people find them helpful. Remember that unless you really need something, fewer items in the input chain leads to lower noise and a generally cleaner sound.
Rick

 

[tojoe]

the chain

I agree less in the chain direct digital is that seam to the disc, I am a newbie I assume the a/d converters you mentioneed is the last in my chain is the same when going through my d-16 pres, what I'm getting at is sound-mic-pre-d16pre-disc or guitar-processor-pre ?-d16 pre. I would think with digital in I would also be bound to a digital out preamp before the disc even for guitar with say a processor. The one thing I've thought of is getting a dg stomp which has digital outcoax and using it for direct along with using it as transit for other direct recording options eg. guitar-processor-dg-disc or mic-phantom or pre-dg-disc, I guess i'm an idiot, I just wonder if i could disarm dg's effects,amp sims&preamps maybe use some compression that it might serve more than one use since I've got other guitar toys .. is this a nightmare

 

[tojoe]

the chain

I agree less in the chain direct digital is that seam to the disc, I am a newbie I assume the a/d converters you mentioneed is the last in my chain is the same when going through my d-16 pres, what I'm getting at is sound-mic-pre-d16pre-disc or guitar-processor-pre ?-d16 pre. I would think with digital in I would also be bound to a digital out preamp before the disc even for guitar with say a processor. The one thing I've thought of is getting a dg stomp which has digital outcoax and using it for direct along with using it as transit for other direct recording options eg. guitar-processor-dg-disc or mic-phantom or pre-dg-disc, I guess i'm an idiot, I just wonder if i could disarm dg's effects,amp sims&preamps maybe use some compression that it might serve more than one use since I've got other guitar toys .. is this a nightmare, thanks for the info you've passed on..

 

[The Axis]

I am also interested in the DG-Stomp, because I think the Yamaha "tube simulation" is much better than the POD or J-Station, but I really haven't heard one yet (I did hear the DG-80 Amp). Also, although the stomp is probably OK as an A/D converter for guitar, I don't think I would trust it as a general A/D converter (just a hunch).
Even "cheap" A/D converters are usually about $200 by themselves( Midiman Flying Calf). More repytable ones are a LOT more.

Peace,
Rick