More Simultaneous Channels

[SteveSize]

Hi all

Im just after a little advise on the following.

I have been using digi002 with 8 extra mic channels using a preamp through adat, and i need to upgrade to:

- 24 simultaneous recording channels with....
- 18 or more balanced mic inputs with level control
- some jack inputs with level control
- as many outs as possible for direct monitor sends/headphone mixes

It would be nice to keep the db8000s (mic preamp) that i already have using adat but the digi002 can go obviously

Im really stuck with how/where to even start looking and some advice for a newbe on some starting out gear would be priceless.

Im using mac G5 with Logic Pro 8

Thanks all

Steve

 

[KineticSound]

Im using mac G5 with Logic Pro 8

Steve,

Do you have a budget in mind?

Connecting multiple interfaces should be fairly straightforward... Just add an additional 8-channel interface to what you've got now (Digi002 + db8000 = first 16; just add another interface). If you're comfortable with the Digi002, just add another of those (like a Digi002-Rack). Since the Digi's are FireWire based, it doesn't drag on the system much (like USB would).

If price is no object, maybe an Apogee Ensemble.

 

[SteveSize]

Steve,

Do you have a budget in mind?

Connecting multiple interfaces should be fairly straightforward... Just add an additional 8-channel interface to what you've got now (Digi002 + db8000 = first 16; just add another interface). If you're comfortable with the Digi002, just add another of those (like a Digi002-Rack). Since the Digi's are FireWire based, it doesn't drag on the system much (like USB would).

If price is no object, maybe an Apogee Ensemble.

Well i guess i do have a budget of a couple of thousand dollars.

Can you really have 2 audio interfaces running at the same time? Hmm interesting to know

Thanks

 

[KineticSound]

Can you really have 2 audio interfaces running at the same time? Hmm interesting to know

The number of interfaces is limited only by your software and system. Logic supports the use of multiple interfaces (I'm also on Logic 8 and have one audio and two MIDI interfaces running simultaneously).

Be careful about the load an additional interface can put on the computer. That's why I suggested only FireWire-based interfaces. In theory, you could expand with a simple 8-Channel USB interface. However, USB puts a lot more load on your computer system than FireWire. If you're recording 24 simultaneous input tracks, you'll probably want that computing horsepower available to handle all the incoming audio data... not tied up in your interface.

Now I'm jealous, as I wish my wife would let me drop the bucks on an Apogee unit! If you're using Logic, the Ensemble is the Rolls-Royce of multi-channel preamp interfaces. All of its input controls are integrated directly into Logic. You gotta be ready to shell out the 2 grand, though!

 

[stevieb]

An HD24 and a mixer should be doable for under two grand...