pohaku
New member
Kind of depends how many pres and what variety you think you will eventually want. If you were only looking for a pair of pres, it may be more cost efficient to simply by a 2 channel pre rather than a 500 series rack or box and 2 cards. It's cheaper to buy the Pacifica than to buy a lunchbox and 2 P-1 cards. In fact Peter at A-Designs recommends that. If you are going to want more pres (and who doesn't 
), and a variety of them, then a lunchbox or rack may make more sense. Run the numbers though. Most 500 series cards list at $700-$900 new (OSA are a bit cheaper). The only ones that show up with any frequency used right now are the API and OSA cards. Most of the others are too new to be widely available.
Vendors are also coming out with EQs and compressors to fit 500 series racks and lunch boxes. They are not inexpensive however. You also need to make sure the power supply with the lunchbox or rack will meet the demands of the pres and other gear you might use. Some pres and outboard draw alot more juice than others. The power supplies in the older API lunchboxes may not have enough juice for supporet some gear.
), and a variety of them, then a lunchbox or rack may make more sense. Run the numbers though. Most 500 series cards list at $700-$900 new (OSA are a bit cheaper). The only ones that show up with any frequency used right now are the API and OSA cards. Most of the others are too new to be widely available.Vendors are also coming out with EQs and compressors to fit 500 series racks and lunch boxes. They are not inexpensive however. You also need to make sure the power supply with the lunchbox or rack will meet the demands of the pres and other gear you might use. Some pres and outboard draw alot more juice than others. The power supplies in the older API lunchboxes may not have enough juice for supporet some gear.
