Opinions of SeaSound Solo EX?

[bongolation]

I'm planning on setting up a digital-to-harddrive recording system and could use some advice from those who know more about it than I do.

I've been considering the SeaSound Solo EX unit as it appears to have a lot of devices integrated into a single rack unit, including putatively hi-quality preamps, as well as having other useful features. It is supposedly productive of good 24b/96k output and claims to simplify the setup and use of the home studio.

At $500 (current discount), this seems to be a relative bargain.

Has anyone any experience with this device? What are your objective opinions as to its suitability for a semipro-quality home music/voiceover studio unit?

Thanks for any help.

 

[schwa]

I bought a Aark Direct Pro...

But would probably buy a Seasound if I were buying today. Based on what I have learned while working on the Aark, there are many subtle differences in the Seasound that would have worked better for me.

Some of the important ones are:
Inserts on the pres
Expandibility (through another unti)
I like that transport foot pedal. (another expansion)

My main concern with the seasound is that it does not seem to be capturing much of the market. That usually means that it will have a short product life span.

That said, I feel both of these would be inferior to a mackie 1202 and a delta 44 (or 66). More exensive, but MUCh more flexible.

 

[bongolation]

Re: I bought a Aark Direct Pro...

My main concern with the seasound is that it does not seem to be capturing much of the market. That usually means that it will have a short product life span.

That said, I feel both of these would be inferior to a mackie 1202 and a delta 44 (or 66). More exensive, but MUCh more flexible.

I'm started to feel a little easier about the SeaSound at $500, but I have noticed that hardly anyone seems to have any experience with them, even on the r.a.p newsgroup.

I am unfamiliar with these other units; what are their long-discount prices? Much more expensive?

 

[schwa]

Some pricing...

The Aark Direct Pro can be had for around $500.

The Mackie 1202 is a mixer and goes for$350-400.

The delta 44 goes for around $300, the Delta 66 is around $400. They are made by M-Audio.

 

[KaBudokan]

A friend of mine has teh Seasound and a Delta 66 both installed in his computer. (He was trying to make it as a DAW dealer for a while.) When he first installed the Seasound, he said he was very happy with it and impressed with the clarity when using the direct in for recording bass.

He has since told me that he uses the Delta almost exclusively for recording and playback; its convertors just sound better to him.

I have an Aardvark Direct Pro LX6 which I really like. I believe the Aardvark and Deltas use the same convertors.

Depending on your needs, one or the other may work out better for you. If you need inserts, consider the Seasound, or possibly the Delta 66/Omni package that GC sells sometimes for ~$400. The Aardvark 24/96 pre's are supposed to be really good too, so that may be an option for about $500. (I haven't heard much about the pre's in the Omni, but what I have heard wasn't really good.)

Just a couple thoughts for ya.

 

[Dolemite]

KaBudokan,

Interesting, I had heard the Seasound and Delta have the same converters, so maybe the difference your friend heard was due to a different preamp? On a related note, the preamps in the Omni i/o from M Audio are based on the DMP2, which is highly rated:

http://www.midiman.net/reviews/DMP2PAR2.pdf

http://www.digitalprosound.com/Htm/Reviews/2000/June/DMP2.htm

In that first link, the reviewer seemed quite impressed the DMP2 preamps and in the second the reviewer says it easily beats the new Mackie XDR pres. Being such a crucial link (especially in these integrated systems where its difficult/inconvenient to replace individual parts) I think I'd try to get the highest quality pres as possible. I really like the way the Seasound looks, but looks aside I think I'd go for the Omni/Delta 66 combo for $400 (if I had the money ).