What high-end converter in front of a Digi 003?

[strewnshank]

Does the Aurora count as high end?

[Doc Mixwell]

Crane Song HEDD
Burl B2 Bomber
JCF Latte
Apogee Rosetta 200/800
Apogee Ensemble
Lynx Aurora 8 with LT-ADAT
Lucid 88192
API A2D

I could probably continue listing converters but that does no one any good.

[TonyBelmont]

I've used the API A2D and a 002 with a mobile rig not too long ago.. worked wonderful. I've also had Lavry converters hooked up to 002's... sounded great. I think there are a good majority of people using 002/003's with external converters through either SPDIF or lightpipe.

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

I've used the API A2D and a 002 with a mobile rig not too long ago.. worked wonderful. I've also had Lavry converters hooked up to 002's... sounded great. I think there are a good majority of people using 002/003's with external converters through either SPDIF or lightpipe.

Any qualitative opinion between a 003 with good front-end versus say, a Apogee Duet and Logic? (or at this point does it just come down to platform preference... although, I guess the Duet set-up is considerably more compact... but quality?0

Thanks!


-andrews

[Trev@Circle]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Any qualitative opinion between a 003 with good front-end versus say, a Apogee Duet and Logic? (or at this point does it just come down to platform preference... although, I guess the Duet set-up is considerably more compact... but quality?0

Thanks!


-andrews

Quality comes down to which converter you use. The Duet wont keep up with any of the ones Adam mentions above.

[rhodesp04]

i just got this setup pretty much a week or so ago (aurora 8 w/ adat option -> 003)

so i can't comment on it too much but i've enjoyed it up until this point

i like being able to have 8 i/o for outboard tracking at my home studio the only

drawback for me is only up 48k recording

[theblotted]

i use Prism AD124 and Lavry Blue.

Prism goes SPDIF. since 003 doesn't have AES, i run AES-SPDIF to FF800, then ADAT to 003. this way i can also check precise metering using RME's Total-Mix.

for higher sample rates, i run ADAT2 on FF800 with M-Audio FW1814. with the Total-Mix routing, i can still use Lavry Blue into PT this way.

kinda complicated, but works for me. and conversion is solid. everything clocked off of Lavry Blue, including Prism.


best part, i can still use Logic w/ FF800, with Prism/Lavry conversion without re-patching anything.

[KFMG]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Any qualitative opinion between a 003 with good front-end versus say, a Apogee Duet and Logic? (or at this point does it just come down to platform preference... although, I guess the Duet set-up is considerably more compact... but quality?0

Thanks!


-andrews

I made this switch myself and couldn't be happier with the Duet. However, I will say this...once you get the Duet (which I love), that's what you have. You can use other pres/comps etc. No other converters. If you go with the 003, you have options. Get the 003 and an Apogee Rosetta. You'll have the option of using PT and seemless intergration with Logic.

[Dirty Halo]

Some have suggested some good converters, but with the Digi 003 and SPDIF being the only way in (that I know of), can I still use at 24/96k?

Someone else mentioned the Duet not being in the same league, do others feel that way too?

And lastly, to the guy who has the rather "complicated" Digi 003 set up (), is there a single "good/high-end' converters that works directly as front end to the Digi 003 at 24/96?


Thanks guys!


-andrews

[Tom H]

If you are cool with Logic why not consider a Symphony Mobile system?

You could run it with a Rosetta 800 or, if you wish, a Rosetta 200 combined with a Neve DPD for instance. High sample rates, ultra low latencies, great sound.

I run a symphony system on my mac pro and am very happy the way it works, if I was looking for a mobile solution I knew where I would go!



[ + you could still work with this and hook it up to a Digi / M-Audio dongle-interface if you need PT]

[Blewgrass]

How would you guys rate the ISA range focusrite A/D options with Adam's list of converters? I bypassed my 002 with this setup and it seems to be making a huge difference, but I wasn't sure if I could get a much better conversion with a higher end unit. I'm currently running the digital option at 48khz 24 bit, but could run it higher on 4 channels.

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Some have suggested some good converters, but with the Digi 003 and SPDIF being the only way in (that I know of), can I still use at 24/96k?

Someone else mentioned the Duet not being in the same league, do others feel that way too?

And lastly, to the guy who has the rather "complicated" Digi 003 set up (), is there a single "good/high-end' converters that works directly as front end to the Digi 003 at 24/96?


Thanks guys!


-andrews

1) You must use PTLE...2) You want 24/96K audio over the SPDIF port.

There are plenty of units that will accommodate your request, and many have been mentioned. You can't run SMUX with ADAT....so that's indeed a workaround that is needed with this system. At the end of the day this is really a Digi limitation, and not a Standard Limitation, however digital transfer formats have more stipulations and restrictions than my ex-girlfriends mother with her daughters nether regions. IMO I would like to have the coolest sounding converters I can, at whatever sample rate my machines are governed by and allow, and if I did not approve of these limitations, I would not use that receiving format and machine, just as I would dump the broad who won't let me treat her like a farm animal. The other side of the coin is to marry into money and stay there if you are happy or not. Sorry for the Bad analogy. I could personally give two flying expletives about having 96K over ADAT using a great set of multi-channel converters with a 002/003/004/005/------Because I think there is no reason to switch the system into higher sampling rates, when you have a BETTER converter with a better analog circuitry, power supply/clocking design attached to the paper weight, via light. When you see what you have, you look and think: this could be easier, and this could be more flexible. You would be right! There are many options for DIRECTLY interfacing these gears, but its NOT with a Digi Box. I really can't wait until Digi gets real and creates a UNIVERSAL SOFTWARE PLATFORM. They're idea of a SYSTEM is DEAD and ITS PROVEN TO ME when I READ GS. With the Sampling Rate Debate: Its not a cut and dry thing, but I will suggest that its all preference, and subjective like most things, as all of these devices will sound slightly different when experimenting with their sampling rate. All of them!! The Difference between awesome converters and crappy verters @ normal SR's is like 6 am to 10 pm. The Difference occurring with awesome converters when switching their sample rates is 6 am to 6:10 am. I think higher sample rates have very little to do with capturing HF content, and everything to do with pronouncing the overtones and fidelity and ultimately pushing the Nyquist Filter OUT of the human audio band, so as to prevent any aliasing [misrepresentation of reality] folding back into our range.

Rant off, Flame Suit on,

peace

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

And lastly, to the guy who has the rather "complicated" Digi 003 set up (), is there a single "good/high-end' converters that works directly as front end to the Digi 003 at 24/96?

-andrews

i suppose that'd be me .

you can use any quality AD/DA with SPDIF or AES. SPDIF would be pretty straight forward, but when using AES, make sure you use one of these Canare adapters:
Lavry Blue or Lavry DA10 D to A?

you can read more about it here:
Lavry Blue...WOW

just remember to clock the 003 using WC from the better converter, and you should be golden. btw, i recall you have some pretty slutty gear in the past. what converters are using now? didn't you have Prisms at one point?



btw here's the reason why 003 doesn't support higher sample rates over ADAT:
BLA mod 003: ADAT to 88.2/96?

[Stevedresser83]

I use the 2192 with an 003 and its great. Highly recommend it you will be amazed at the increase in quality both in tracking and monitoring.

[supermosey]

[QUOTE=Dirty Halo;4135785]Some have suggested some good converters, but with the Digi 003 and SPDIF being the only way in (that I know of), can I still use at 24/96k?

I have the same question . I have been looking at the A2D just for this purpose .
So can ya ?
Thanks !

[tsvisser]

I'm using an Alesis AI4 into the ADAT I/O of the 003. This gives me 8 channels of AES I/O (limited to 24/44.1 or 24/48). I happen to have my Nagra VI hooked up currently as the front end of the 003 and it works perfectly... certainly not complicated. The Nagra has an excellent work clock output and use it as the clock master. I'm looking for 6 more channels as a front end and am considering the new Rupert Neve Fidelice + ??? API A2D or 1073DPD? I don't happen to have any standalone A/D converters and the value that one would get from the above mentioned boxes seems pretty good.

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by theblotted

i suppose that'd be me .

you can use any quality AD/DA with SPDIF or AES. SPDIF would be pretty straight forward, but when using AES, make sure you use one of these Canare adapters:
Lavry Blue or Lavry DA10 D to A?

you can read more about it here:
Lavry Blue...WOW

just remember to clock the 003 using WC from the better converter, and you should be golden. btw, i recall you have some pretty slutty gear in the past. what converters are using now? didn't you have Prisms at one point?



btw here's the reason why 003 doesn't support higher sample rates over ADAT:
BLA mod 003: ADAT to 88.2/96?

Thank you for that, the AES/RCA adapters are great, didn't know I could do that.

And yes, I do have both Prism ADA-XR and Apogee 16x for my main studio, but have been messing around with some mobile options.

So far, the Duet and Logic seem like the best option, but if I could stick with Pro Tools, that'd be my preference (hence the better converter question).

So, since I have a Neve DPD, can I use one of those AES to SPDIF converters for a 003? I hope so!

-andrews

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Thank you for that, the AES/RCA adapters are great, didn't know I could do that.

And yes, I do have both Prism ADA-XR and Apogee 16x for my main studio, but have been messing around with some mobile options.

So far, the Duet and Logic seem like the best option, but if I could stick with Pro Tools, that'd be my preference (hence the better converter question).

So, since I have a Neve DPD, can I use one of those AES to SPDIF converters for a 003? I hope so!

-andrews

yeah, AES to SPDIF will work w/ 003 and more importantly PT (workflow on location is pretty key in my book, you never have enough time), including higher sample rates. it's good cuz you also got 2 nice pre's in front, and it's compact & convenient.

i understand that it's mobile system, so you can still bring it back to your studio; but it may be helpful to have a good DA and monitoring as well. just something to think about.

[lambro]

Andrews, I'm using an older Waves L2 Ultramaximizer, the A/D is great

SPDIF bypasses the whole Digi enchilada

benefit of PT 8 SW and outboard HW -L

[Dirty Halo]

Ooook, thanks guys, one more...

So, if I go with the MBox2 Pro (Just using it as a dongle for Pro Tools, can I use my Neve DPD as the front-end at 24/96?

I have read as much as I can find here and it isn't clear if the PTLE and/or the MBox2 Pro (or any of them/Digi003, etc) will support 96k when going through the SPDIF.

Anyone?

Thanks!


-andrews



P.S. I feel like I've been chasing this mobile system forever... I was JUST about to abandon PT as a mobile rig and go Logic and Duet... but the want of a better front-end converter

[kooz]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

I think there are a good majority of people using 002/003's with external converters through either SPDIF or lightpipe.

Or BOTH, like me. Myteks here, a Stereo96 (which I should upgrade to a 192 since I have a slight preference for the analog stage difference) and an 8x192 thru an Otari UFC24 to change AES to litepipe.

Digi's double-o series will take 96k via SPDIF, so you're good to go with your Neve.

[mistaD]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Ooook, thanks guys, one more...

So, if I go with the MBox2 Pro (Just using it as a dongle for Pro Tools, can I use my Neve DPD as the front-end at 24/96?

I have read as much as I can find here and it isn't clear if the PTLE and/or the MBox2 Pro (or any of them/Digi003, etc) will support 96k when going through the SPDIF.

Anyone?

Thanks!


-andrews



P.S. I feel like I've been chasing this mobile system forever... I was JUST about to abandon PT as a mobile rig and go Logic and Duet... but the want of a better front-end converter

profire 610 should do the trick!

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by mistaD

profire 610 should do the trick!

Whoa, really? And this works with PTLE (or M-Powered) ... AND will allow me to use the Neve DPD as the ront-end at 24/96k on my MacBookPro (the new one)?

If so, you rock!

And thank you.

M-Audio ProFire 610 | Sweetwater.com


-andrews

[Duardo]

They're idea of a SYSTEM is DEAD and ITS PROVEN TO ME when I READ GS.

I'm not so sure that it's "dead"...seems to be working out all right for them...

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Whoa, really? And this works with PTLE (or M-Powered) ... AND will allow me to use the Neve DPD as the ront-end at 24/96k on my MacBookPro (the new one)?

If so, you rock!

And thank you.

M-Audio ProFire 610 | Sweetwater.com


-andrews

one of the big drawbacks with M-Audio stuff is that their driver is not as stable as Digi HW/drivers. user beware.

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by kooz

Or BOTH, like me. Myteks here, a Stereo96 (which I should upgrade to a 192 since I have a slight preference for the analog stage difference) and an 8x192 thru an Otari UFC24 to change AES to litepipe.

what do you use for master clock? do you also clock the Otari as well?

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by theblotted

one of the big drawbacks with M-Audio stuff is that their driver is not as stable as Digi HW/drivers. user beware.

Sooo... what is a good solution? (especially if you're wanting to put a better front-end converter in the system AND want to run at 96k?)

Thanksthumbsup


-andrews

[Bruno B]

I have a Digi 002 and use a Rosetta 800 (ADAT 8ch) to track drums and a Lavry Blue 2AD/2DA (SPDIF 2ch) for mixing/monitoring. I run them both at 24bit/48kHz even though the Lavry+002 can do 24/96 over SPDIF... I actually tried the Apogee AD-16X and DA-16X (overkill) with the 002 and it worked perfect. All of them are awesome and sound a little different. I use the 002 strictly as a software controller and the only audio routed through it is the headphone sends (great for multiple independent feeds) and scratch tracks (8ch preamp into line level inputs of 002 not XLR/preamp ins).

[mistaD]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Whoa, really? And this works with PTLE (or M-Powered) ... AND will allow me to use the Neve DPD as the ront-end at 24/96k on my MacBookPro (the new one)?

If so, you rock!

And thank you.

M-Audio ProFire 610 | Sweetwater.com


-andrews

Yes and Yes. It allows 96k through adat. I got mine for the excact thing your looking to do! I haven't had any issues with the drivers yet but who knows!