Should I buy a Duet?

[JPeters86]

Hi folks,

I recently updated my recording chain with a nice preamp (vintagedesign M73D), which goes into my MOTU 8pre. Well, recently I read in some magazine that the MOTU converters aren't really that good. I've got a bunch of good mics, from Neumann to Peluso, and I'm happy with the results I get now, but I'm wondering if upgrading my converters will really make things sound that different. I usually record only three or four tracks simultaneously, so the Duet would be good for that. I've heard the preamps are good, and I can connect my vintagedesign to one of the line ins, so that gives me three proper preamps to record with simultaneously. More than enough in most cases, when I need more (i.e. for drums) I go to a local studio to record with their gear.

Well, bottom-line, should I buy a Duet and use its converters instead of the ones in the MOTU? Is it worth the money?

Thanks

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by JPeters86

Hi folks,

I recently updated my recording chain with a nice preamp (vintagedesign M73D), which goes into my MOTU 8pre. Well, recently I read in some magazine that the MOTU converters aren't really that good. I've got a bunch of good mics, from Neumann to Peluso, and I'm happy with the results I get now, but I'm wondering if upgrading my converters will really make things sound that different. I usually record only three or four tracks simultaneously, so the Duet would be good for that. I've heard the preamps are good, and I can connect my vintagedesign to one of the line ins, so that gives me three proper preamps to record with simultaneously. More than enough in most cases, when I need more (i.e. for drums) I go to a local studio to record with their gear.

Well, bottom-line, should I buy a Duet and use its converters instead of the ones in the MOTU? Is it worth the money?

Thanks

The Duet is a better AD/DA converter than your Motu unit, but the Duet only allows two inputs at a time. You could aggregate the Duet into Core Audio, and use Both interfaces with your DAW, and you would patch important tracks to be recorded into the Duet, and any ancillary stuff through the Motu. I think a better idea would be to save some dough and go with the Ensemble. You'll get FOUR awesome mic amps that will work everywhere and then some!!

[JPeters86]

Thank you for replying!

So the Duet can only record two channels at the same time? I can't use the two preamps and one (or two) of the line-ins for recording at the same time?

[dft3670]

Yep. Dump the 8Pre and get an ensemble. I did and have never looked back. It's like night and day. If your using an 8Pre in a way you have already out grown some of the limits of the Duet. The Duet has better convertors but have limited channels, no SPDIF or optical ports or balanced outs.) The Ensemble will drain your wallet faster than a Duet, but it's well worth it.

[JPeters86]

Man, seems like that's my only option! Is the difference between the MOTU and the Ensemble so large, sonically?

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by JPeters86

Man, seems like that's my only option! Is the difference between the MOTU and the Ensemble so large, sonically?

Not to sound dumb; but it really is like comparing a fine sounding "Ensemble" to a single triangle being recorded with a carbon microphone!! Just Kidding, its drastic, but maybe not that drastic. You will absolutely notice better depth, definition, and detail with the Apogee. Plus the mic amps are amazingly usable and musical to boot.

[appleburger]

Originally Posted by JPeters86

Man, seems like that's my only option! Is the difference between the MOTU and the Ensemble so large, sonically?

YES! pres and converters are very noticeably better. i (along with everyone else i've talked to) are VERY satisfied with the ensemble.

[DIGI ENT]

get the ensemble..... bought it...loved it...sold it...bought a roestta 200...also own a duet

[GirgleXL]

Maybe someone could help me out? I'm a similar situation, trying to decide if the duet is right for me.

I have two options now:

Duet for $500

or new 002 for $450...

I will only be recording one voice and guitar a time, but the 002 allows me to record something bigger if I decide to expand my projects in the next few years. I'm definitely swayed by the Duet's converters, but $450 that comes with a control surface and tons more I/O? Do you think its worth it?

I have been using ProTools for about 6 months and I feel comfortable with it; I was planning on moving on to Logic, but if I got the 002 I would work with both Logic and ProTools. Does anyone know how well the 002 works with Logic? Can I get the faders and knobs to work with Logic? The playback buttons?....etc....

Thanks!

[JPeters86]

Originally Posted by GirgleXL

Maybe someone could help me out? I'm a similar situation, trying to decide if the duet is right for me.

I have two options now:

Duet for $500

or new 002 for $450...

I will only be recording one voice and guitar a time, but the 002 allows me to record something bigger if I decide to expand my projects in the next few years. I'm definitely swayed by the Duet's converters, but $450 that comes with a control surface and tons more I/O? Do you think its worth it?

I have been using ProTools for about 6 months and I feel comfortable with it; I was planning on moving on to Logic, but if I got the 002 I would work with both Logic and ProTools. Does anyone know how well the 002 works with Logic? Can I get the faders and knobs to work with Logic? The playback buttons?....etc....

Thanks!

Well I had a 002 and its preamps are not that good. The preamps in my MOTU are better in my opinion, so imagine the difference between the 002 and a Duet! Perhaps you should save money for the Ensemble as well