Will upgrading the converters on my 003 make as much diff as upgrading the pres did?

[traynor11]

003 rack -

I recently added a chameleon labs 7602 (that I scored as a blem unit for $500 with PS) to my 003 rack.

The difference is WOW. The thing that really blew me away is the difference between the DI's. The 7602 makes the DI on the 003 sound like a toy... so much more clear, focused and punchy on bass.

This got me really thinking....is the conversion on the 003 as mediocre as the pres and DI?

Will upgrading the conversion make as much difference as the pre did?

[Gear Tramp]

No.

They will NOT be as significant as the preamp. Anyone who tells you differently is probably trying to sell you something.

That said, the converters DEFINITELY make a difference. What that difference is worth is up to you.

[ZenKen]

Converters make a BIG difference...like stated above, just depends how much you want to spend (and how many channels of conversion you really need)...

[AnAverageJoe]

Yes it will, I work t a studio with a 002 console with Apogee converters and it makes a really big difference

[Shakabrah2]

I just had the BLA Tweakhead mod done to my 003r and all I can say is that it took my breath away.

[BenJah]

Well I swithed from a 002r to a lynx2 C. Quite a step up in converter quality. I noticed a subtle but important improvement, especially when stacking lots of tracks. Bad converters add something I call KaK to your mix. The more tracks you have, the more this builds up. Nice converters avoid this and let you get on with creating great sounding tracks with out fighting the sonic signiture of cheap converters. Spend money on good converters and it will make your mixing more fun and rewarding.

[PoorGlory]

I used to mix with 16 outputs from my 002R (analog and ADAT through a Behringer ADA8000) through my console, and then the stereo mix would get printed back into ProTools through two of the 002R's analog inputs.

Then I got an RME ADI-2 to send back to PT. BIG difference.

Then I got a better console. Cumulatively, a HUGE difference.

I used to think converters weren't that big of a deal. But I was wrong. Now I use the RME for tracking all vocals, guitars, bass, horns, etc... I need to get a better ADAT AD/DA, but I'm going to wait until I can get something really nice.

[LewisWu]

i like the analogy that converters are like a microscope.. the higher the quality of the microscope, the higher the quality of the image being magnified.. that being said, better d/a converters will allow you to hear whats going on, and make better decisions about what to do with the audio in your daw. Better a/d conversion will, in most cases, allow you to get more out of your existing outboard.. preamps, mics, etc. you might end up hearing things you didn't hear before, thus enabling you to make a more informed decision about what to do next...

[jeremy.c.]

Originally Posted by Gear Tramp

Anyone who tells you differently is probably trying to sell you something.

*snarf*

I think a really nice preamp will give you a much better and immediate improvement, though once you start stacking up the track count you begin to hear the quality of good converters.

[TurboJets]

I recently had the Tweak Head mod done by black Lion on my FW1814 and the difference is well worth the money IMO. The pre's are finally useable, there's incredible clarity and seperation on my tracks now, I have much better headroom and (most important to me) no more phreakin' JITTER BS on sustained chords with fretted instruments.

Transients are incredible now and there's much less muddy buildup in the lower mids. Huge difference to my tracking and mixing world.

[shortyprs]

Low quality converters are like sticking cotton in your ears. The best pres, mics or performers all sound a little muffled. Taking the damn cotton out of your ears will definitely make a big difference.

[crufty]

Here's an honest question--if I'm not recording any acoustic/mic'd sounds, but instead all outboard gear, will better a/d convertors matter?

eg I'm not sure what kind of convertors Korg or Roland use, but I'd bet they aren't on par with apogee/rme. So is it worth using them in this limited case?

[1monkey1]

it all makes a difference, unfortunately for your bank account.
better pres cost more for a reason.
better converters same thing.
better op amps, a better clock, better capacitors and design.

i think the only thing you can say is that if you make dirty ass music, crusty punk, etc you can get away with less.

i still listen to bad brains rock for light and it was recorded on cassette.
btw if you do non rock, jazz or acoustic, just know that using apogees are going to make that music sound cheesier than other brands. it's my opinion, and people will crap all over it, that apogees excel at rock and mostly rock.

steven walcott
Engine Studios

[MikeMitchell]

Originally Posted by Alex Wyler

Oh yeah!

The convertors might make an even bigger difference than the new mic preamps because a great convertor will allow all that the preamp is doing to reach your hard drive and then be played back and heard accurately. Any of the digidesign or Motu or other prosumer interfaces including the Pro Tools HD systems have terrible to adequate conversion that really does not allow what the output of your mic preamp signal sounds like to be captured in it's full beauty and full capability.

Oh and just in case you want some help with that convertor...I am selling an Apogee Rosetta 800 which is probably the best value and feature set in a high end multi channel convertor. The Rosetta 800 can connect to your Digi003 using ADAT lighpipe cables and take the place of all 8 inputs and outputs of your Digi003.

It also is a huge benefit to have high quality conversion for your outputs because then when you are listening and monitoring the recorded sounds, you are actually hearing what you recorded in it's full beauty as well. With the Digi003 or any other cheap convertors at the outputs, you will not be hearing a clear and accurate representation of what now lives on your hard drive. It's really simple and makes total sense.

The Rosetta 800 is $2700 new. I will sell you mine which has less than 100 hours on it and is in Brand New condition for $2000. There is no other convertor of this class that you will be able to aquire for $2000.

I hope this helps you!

fuuck

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by 1monkey1

it all makes a difference, unfortunately for your bank account.
better pres cost more for a reason.
better converters same thing.
better op amps, a better clock, better capacitors and design.

i think the only thing you can say is that if you make dirty ass music, crusty punk, etc you can get away with less.

i still listen to bad brains rock for light and it was recorded on cassette.
btw if you do non rock, jazz or acoustic, just know that using apogees are going to make that music sound cheesier than other brands. it's my opinion, and people will crap all over it, that apogees excel at rock and mostly rock.

steven walcott
Engine Studios

The Apogees are great for Hip Hop, R&B, Pop Music as well, and smooth Jazz