MOTU 2408 VS MOTU 1224 (I need help)

[Loco311Guy]

I just recently recieved my copy of Cubase VST 24 in the mail, I am in the process of upgrading my studio. I have narrowed it down to the 2 following choices:

MOTU 1224 With Mackie 1604 VLZ Mixer(this gives me 8 in/out)

OR

MOTU 2408 with Tascam TMD1000 Digital Mixer with added 8 channels of TDIF IO (that gives me 16 digital ins and outs)

What would your reccomendation be? Both choices will end up costing me the same amount of money. I am running a PII 400 with UDMA 7200 PRM 13.5 gig HD for audio and 128 MB PC100 Ram (may go to 256 soon). Running Cubase VST/24 3.65 under win 98 with a dual boot system (one boot mode for audio, one fot internet / games done under partition magic) Please let me know, id appreciate it.

 

[Fishmed]

I switch from a Layla/Gina setup to the MOTU for several reasons. One is that I can expand the MOTU without adding more PCI card to my computer. Another reason is that the MOTU has led meters to monitor your recording levels, the others do not. If you get the Mackie, I would go with the MOTU 1224 for now. Again, you can always add a 2408 later.

Have you thought of a Korg 168RC mixer with the MOTU 2408? You can bring in 16 digital channels to the mixer via the ADAT lightpipes. Plus the 168RC has two stereo FX processors, and it has MIDI.Another neat thing is that it has a digital out for your streo mix; you can go straight into a dat, MINI disk, CDRW, etc. The only bad thing about the 168RC is that it only has two XLR mic pres, but they do have phantom power.

Good Luck.

 

[Damon]

xcuse me, are you trying to make some "live" recording.....??
If not, I think that 2 in/outs would be enough; (plus a mixer...says 1402)

My input is finding a pro quality card in affordable price that gives you digital/analog I/O with good professional specs.
Lets look at LynxOne card.....(by the way I'm using it) it has analog/digital inputs & outputs with build in good quality converter with 2 midi ports; also good for video purposes.
which can be use together simultaneously up to 4 tracks......thus, add another...you got 8 tracks......plus a mixer.......Figure it out!!!
anyway, its just a suggest.
Choose whatever suites you best with your purpose!!

 

[Loco311Guy]

Basically what I was wondering if there was any sound quality difference between the 2408 and 1224... like headroom for example. See, I will be recording a lot of tracks at once... i record live drums... etc. Thanks

 

[Fishmed]

I think the sound quality of the MOTU 1224 would better for two reasons:

1. The I/O of the 1224 is balanced (1/4" TRS), whereas the 2408 is unbalanced (RCA jacks).

2. The led meters in the 1224 has more percision which would allow you manage hotter signals.

Other than these two differences, they should sound about the same.

[This message has been edited by Fishmed (edited 11-05-1999).]