using DI inputs on consoles for line inputs? AWS900 / 1608

[dubrichie]

alrighty,

can i use the DI inputs on consoles like the SSL AWS900 and API 1608 as extra line inputs?

i need a console to have 2 switchable line inputs per channel; 1 for DAW outputs and 1 for tape machine outputs.

both the AWS900 and 1608 have 1 line input and 1 DI input.

would i experience sonic degradation by using these DI inputs with balanced line level outputs from either DA converters (Lynx Aurora) or a tape machine (Studer A827, i hope!)?

i don't need a DI on every channel! in fact, i don't need ANY DIs on my desk!

thanks,

[flanagan]

Wouldn't there be an impedance problem?

I would say that both won't sound identical because of impedance differences.

[dubrichie]

that's what i was thinking.

i'm not really interested in the SSL sound and thus the AWS900, i was just using it as a second example of my DI / line input issue.

so, the API 1608 could be perfect, but instead of 2 line inputs it has 1 line input and 1 DI per channel.

the RND 5088 also comes so very close, but there is a problem. if i had a penthouse of mic-pre / EQ above each channel the EQs are easily used during tracking, BUT when mixing from either of the consoles 2 line inputs (DAW / Tape) each channel EQ would have to be patched as an insert. this makes a total mockery of having the EQs in the console! having to patch them in channel-by-channel when mixing?! ridiculous.

API - swithcable, inline EQ, only 1 line input.

RND - NON-swithcable, NON-inline EQ, 2 line inputs.

Neotek - as API.

is this ergonomic routing requirement not obvious to these high-end modern console manufacturers?

is it just me?!

[TonyBelmont]

Most of these little consoles allow only line or DI.... Not both. So, no you most likely cannot use them.

[gearmaniac]

I'm probably speaking out of turn and comparing apples to oranges here but......

Doesn't the Toft atb series have line and monitor inputs that can be switched with the i/p button.

I might have misread your post but hope it helps...

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by dubrichie

alrighty,

can i use the DI inputs on consoles like the SSL AWS900 and API 1608 as extra line inputs?

i need a console to have 2 switchable line inputs per channel; 1 for DAW outputs and 1 for tape machine outputs.

both the AWS900 and 1608 have 1 line input and 1 DI input.

would i experience sonic degradation by using these DI inputs with balanced line level outputs from either DA converters (Lynx Aurora) or a tape machine (Studer A827, i hope!)?

i don't need a DI on every channel! in fact, i don't need ANY DIs on my desk!

thanks,

You need a board with an inline monitoring section and neither one has it.

And yeah you don't want to use the DI inputs. API's solution for more inputs was to buy 1 or 2 8200's and to patch these into the groups.

On the AWS 900 you buy an Xrack with the extra inputs you need(in your case 24 inputs) and patch it into the returns of the Rec buss. Then you press a button and these can be summed together along with the mix busses.

[dubrichie]

i don't really need an inline monitoring section as such.

if the API just had a second line input instead of the DI it would fit my requirements just fine.

but as it stands, as you described thrill, neither the API nor the SSL solution is up to snuff for what i'm looking for from a desk.

it's now looking increasingly likely that i will go for the ADT ToolMod console, pending a thorough road test and sonic scrutiny. if i do buy the ADT i will get the inline channels, because i can, because of the fabulous extras they offer and because they are so damn affordable.

can't wait to check it out, with the 5-band EQ.

[gearmaniac]

well I mentioned the atb because you can use the monitor inputs as line inputs during mixdown, turning a 16 channel into 32 channel.

anyways,

Hey what are the prices for adt consoles. They look pretty nice.

-Gio

[godcity]

what's wrong with a patchbay?

btw, tonelux lets you do this. there is a "line input" and "insert return" you can toggle between at the push of a button. there's no "insert send" so you're not losing any functionality.

[dubrichie]

thanks guys, but neither the Toft nor the Tonelux fits my requirements for a console.

the prices of all of the components of the ADT ToolMod console are listed on their website, you can add up the cost of the console to your own specifications.

i'm looking at:

24 x mono inline channels

24 x mono 5-band EQ

8 x stereo inline channels

4 x stereo 5-band EQ

4 x stereo compressor

4 x MS / stereo field editor

3 x master modules

VU meters for everything

custom console frame with 19" rack between sections of split console

i'm estimating that it should cost me about €60K, all in, VAT, the lot.

as i have said before, if the build, the feel and the SOUND is up to snuff i think it is great value.

those crazy Germans sure know their engineering.