to ADAT or not to ADAT (input that is)

[guttapercha]

Ok,

I'm starting to drool over the prospect of upgrading from my 2-ch Tascam 122 USB box attached to a Yamaha mixer (Mg10/2) to something that allows me many more channels simultaneously in a DAW. It really would be nice to not have to pre-mix drums. I'd like to stay below $1000.

Options :

1. Delta 1010 plus some mixer with enough buses to give me 8 outputs to the 1010.

2. EMU 1212M plus the M-audio octane feeding the 1212 via ADAT.

3. Firepod.

I like the prospect of being able to obsess about more preamps later, so the first option is tempting. However, the mixer factor in that option could severely impact price. It's also possible to use the Octane to feed the 1010, but maybe I could do better pre-wise with this option (otherwise might as well go with option 2).

Any wisdom, fellow HR-homies?

JD

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

How many more channels of what?

There are whole lot of options in the sub-$1G price range, depending upon what kind of mix of inputs you're looking to handle.

The Firepod is a popular choice. Similar, but with a slightly different I/O configuration (and for those who are not huge Presonus fans) is the Tascam FW-1804. And if you're looking for something that can handle virtually anything and everything digital, plus some analog, plus some on-board mixing capabilities, plus a great way to go portable, something like the MOTU Traveller may be more to your liking.

G.

 

[guttapercha]

How many more channels of what?

There are whole lot of options in the sub-$1G price range, depending upon what kind of mix of inputs you're looking to handle.

The Firepod is a popular choice. Similar, but with a slightly different I/O configuration (and for those who are not huge Presonus fans) is the Tascam FW-1804. And if you're looking for something that can handle virtually anything and everything digital, plus some analog, plus some on-board mixing capabilities, plus a great way to go portable, something like the MOTU Traveller may be more to your liking.

G.

Sorry if the first paragraph was unclear. Actually the sentence about simultaneous channels plain sucked.

I'd like to have at least 8 channels that I can record simultaneously in a DAW.
I don't do anything digital, by the way. I just record vox, drums, guitar, bass, and a combo organ (which has no digital output).

That 1804 has only 4 preamps. It does sound like a sweet deal though. If you were to round-out the other 4 inputs with 4 more preamps, which would you choose.


Thanks,

JD

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

I'd like to have at least 8 channels that I can record simultaneously in a DAW.
...
I don't do anything digital, by the way. I just record vox, drums, guitar, bass, and a combo organ (which has no digital output).
...
That 1804 has only 4 preamps.

Combined with the title of this thread, you might see where the confusion is at.

"8 channels to a DAW" does not describe anything as far as what kind of channels; analog or digital, preamped or direct, etc.

"I don't do anyting digital" begs the question of why you referred specifically to ADAT inputs in you title .

So it looks like you are actually looking for analog in only, with an emphasis on mic pres.

If you only want to spend $600 of your $1K budget, I'd think the Firepod probably fits your description best. If you're willing to go the grand, I'd personally get the Tascam and then add a couple of external mic preamps to the mix to mix up the sound.

G.

 

[guttapercha]

I see where you're coming from. Option two that I listed uses ADAT to bring the preamp front end to the soundcard. That was the only reference.
It seemed like a catchy title, so I went with it.

Thanks for your advice.

JD

Combined with the title of this thread, you might see where the confusion is at.

"8 channels to a DAW" does not describe anything as far as what kind of channels; analog or digital, preamped or direct, etc.

"I don't do anyting digital" begs the question of why you referred specifically to ADAT inputs in you title .

So it looks like you are actually looking for analog in only, with an emphasis on mic pres.

If you only want to spend $600 of your $1K budget, I'd think the Firepod probably fits your description best. If you're willing to go the grand, I'd personally get the Tascam and then add a couple of external mic preamps to the mix to mix up the sound.

G.