Echo layla 3G vs tascam fw-1804

[pandamonk]

I've had my mind set on the echo for a while now, and have just found the tascam for cheaper. Which would you suggest? I need 16inputs. Both offer this, with adat. I've heard good things about the echo converters etc. Will the tascams match this?

 

[pandamonk]

Btw, I'll be these preamps:
FOCUSRITE OCTOPRE LE (with adat)
SPL GOLDMIKE
CPEQ-Box

Does this sound ok? Or should i get the echo, and add the dmp3 or RME QUADMIC?

 

[Booda]

I was looking at buying the 1804 when they 1st came out... but read quite a bit that the sound was a bit sterile/harsh. I ended up getting the Layla24 and like it very much. I had a Aardvark and the converters sound much better on the Layla (to me). The 3G is supposed to have even a little bit better sound than the 24. I did quite a bit of research a few years ago and found that the Layla was pretty much the same sound quality as the RME Multiface. For Mid level converters I think the Layla does a great job. I run Sytek pres and a 8 ch. Octane through the ADAT and it's worked great for 4 years.

It's been a while since I've researched Converters so I'm sure there's more options but I think I'd go for the 3G and a control interface (if that's what you want). Come to think of it I think Mackie put out a all in one unit a couple years ago that's supposed to be pretty good.

B.

 

[dickiefunk]

I've got the Layla 3G and love it. I've used a Behringer BCA2000, Alesis I/O2, EMU 0404USB and M-Audio Delta 1010. The Lalya 3G definately has the best audio quality and the drivers are rock solid on my P4 PC. The clock jitter speed is lower than that found on the RME fireface800 and I've heard loads of people prefer it to RME.

 

[pandamonk]

Are there any control surface/interfaces like the m-audio project mix, that has 8mic pres, and 8 line-is? They all seem to have ADAT...

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I have the FW1082 and the A/D-D/A (which I assume is the same as the 1804?) is on a par with other interfaces/soundcards I've used in the same sort of price bracket. If you record hot, as with most converters, you can make it sound a bit harsh. If you use the thing properly it sounds just fine.

I haven't used the Layla though so I can't compare the two.

Are there any control surface/interfaces like the m-audio project mix, that has 8mic pres, and 8 line-is? They all seem to have ADAT...

Tascam FW1884?

 

[pandamonk]

I have the FW1082 and the A/D-D/A (which I assume is the same as the 1804?) is on a par with other interfaces/soundcards I've used in the same sort of price bracket. If you record hot, as with most converters, you can make it sound a bit harsh. If you use the thing properly it sounds just fine.

I haven't used the Layla though so I can't compare the two.

Tascam FW1884?

Thanks for your input. The FW1884 has ADAT, but i've thought fuck it. I'm gonna get a behri ada8000!!! Lol. Was gonna get the focusrite, but it's £300, then another £100+ for the ADAT option. So I'd rather just get the behri at £154. It has really good reviews anyway...

I was gonna get the echo, focusrite with ADAT, and a behri control surface. That would come to around £800.

Should i go tascam fw1804(£200), behri (£160), and behri control(£140)? How are the pres on the Tascam FWs?

Fuck my minds goin a mile a min, lol...

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

How are the pres on the Tascam FWs?

I don't use them regularly, I have quite a few channels of fairly nice outboard pres.

When I checked them out I thought they sounded OK, but then you compare with some nicer pres and you realise they're not great. Not awful either mind you but not great. I guess they pretty much sound how you'd imagine the pres built into a prosumer level interface to sound.

 

[pandamonk]

I don't use them regularly, I have quite a few channels of fairly nice outboard pres.

When I checked them out I thought they sounded OK, but then you compare with some nicer pres and you realise they're not great. Not awful either mind you but not great. I guess they pretty much sound how you'd imagine the pres built into a prosumer level interface to sound.

Thanks. Well i'll have those, the behris, SPL GOLDMIKE, and CPEQ-Box. So i'll have 4 decent pres, then the rest of the prosumer grade pres for drums and full band recording. How does that sound(pun )?

Also, should i get a pair of behri B2031a £200, or b-stock alesis mkII £175?