Mini-Me, Digimax FS, DMP3

[omtayslick]

Here's the situation: I have a Layla 24. I have a DMP3. I recently aquired a Digimax FS. I am still within the return policy time for the Digimax, and I am trying to determine whether to keep it.

The Presonus pres are clear, and give a good (if somewhat unexciting) representation of what goes into them. The DMP3, by comparison, has more low end, is not as defined and sharp sounding, but is richer and more "musical" sounding. (that's code for warmer) So I consider these two pres an apples to oranges comparison, but equal in quality of sound.

The Digimax was one of those GC impulse buys. I don't need 8 pres. I've never used more than 4 channels simultaneously. But they're nice to have, and it does a good job at what it's designed to do. But I think conectivity, rather than stellar mic pres are it's claim to fame. Two DMP3s could have done the trick for me as well, but the Presonus does give an additional pre-amp sonic signature to my set up.

So here is my question: Would I gain a superior set-up by returning the Digimax, getting an Apogee Mini-me, and clocking the Layla to the mini-me?
Would the pres on the mini-me blow the doors off the Presonus pres? As in NOT A SUBTLE difference? Experienced users please respond. Thanks.

 

[tdukex]

I have a DMP3 and chose to balance it with something a little more colored. I chose a Sebatron VMP. Glad I did. For around $750 - $1,000 you may want to consider a single channel highend pre, depending on what you are recording.

 

[mrface2112]

i haven't used the digimax. i have used a firebox and i own a minime. do the digimax and firebox have pres in common? i don't know.

the minime's preamps are a definite step (or two?) above the firebox's pres. they are big and clear and clean, they're solid but they're nothing really to write home about. they're not apis or neves or anything like that--i'd probably put them in the same ballpark as grace pres more than anything. i found the firebox's pres to be dark, wooly and grainy in comparison.

IMO, one of the best things about the minime is the SLC (soft-limit compressor). it's got a fantastic sound to it. i could write a 500 essay on it, but i'll spare you. hearing (and playing) is believing. suffice it to say, it makes DI'd strat tracks come to life (among many, many other things).

lastly, clocking my delta 1010 off the minime made a significant difference in the sound of the 1010 (for the better). the high end got softer/less harsh, the mids got more pronounced and the lows tightened up considerably. i can't tell you if you'll see similar results with your Layla or not.....but i'd expect the clock to help somewhat.

oh, and the minime's converters are definitely better than the 1010's. so anything "importantish" goes through the minime.

so i'm not telling you to take the digimax back........but i AM saying that i found numerous significant upgrades when i added the minime to my studio.........and there's no doubt it blows the doors off the firebox. plus, you get to add the words "apogee conversion" to your vocabulary and prospective clients really dig that.


cheers,
wade

 

[omtayslick]

I decided to keep the Digimax. For several reasons. Future expansion for one. And I've also decided after living with them for a while that the pres are pretty decent. They seem to mix well. Also, Presonus makes a big deal about the Jet PL anti-jitter clocking in the FS. And it seems to me that the Digimax's clocking is tightening up the sound of the Layla 24. Subtle, but the difference is there. If you're in the market for an 8 pre ADAT box, this seems to be a good one.