Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 vs. Steinberg MR816-X for ITB mix/mastering studio

[bradley]

I'm not convinced the fireface would actually be any better than the units you are looking at!

I've got the liquid 56 and don't really have anything negative to say about it. Great interface, good control software and I really like the liquid pre's. They sound good and offer a good number of flavours.

[Phaidon]

Originally Posted by bradley

I'm not convinced the fireface would actually be any better than the units you are looking at!

Agree.

[Amperd]

Okay, you convinced me that I shouldn't get the FireFace over the other two interfaces. You confirmed my assumptions..

However, the huge dilemma which one of the other two I should buy still is there.. Yesterdag I have bought the SoS review about the Focusrite, which was very positive. But, the SoS review about the Steinberg is also very positive, and for me the most important part of that review is Martin Walker's comparison of the Steinberg DAC with a very high quality Lavry DAC. He says he's listening to something special.

A small part of me is also considering the Steinberg Cubase 5 Producer Pack, which also includes the MR-816 CSX. That's a lot of money, though.

Why is it so hard to decide??

[Bodoc]

Pro: --Incredible integration with Cubase makes workflow flexible and easy.
--Sound quality is excellent. Will not be the weak link in most budget to midrange studios.
--Included effects are, similarly, very good.

Con: --Cubase is the DAW that gets the most out of this unit. If you use something else, you aren't getting the full value of this unit.
--Preamps are so good that you might not feel motivated to indulge in boutique preamp slutting, leading one to actually spend disposable income on room treatment and better mics! That being said, preamp sluts need ADAT connection if they want to use external preamps. Of course, that leaves you with a range of options -- from Presonus Digimax to Cranesong Spider for a total of 16 channels.

[Amperd]

Thanks.. I think I will order the Steinberg Cubase 5 Producer Pack, which includes Cubase 5 and a Steinberg MR816-CSX. Or maybe buy Cubase 5 and a MR816-X (since I'm not sure I have a practical use for the morphing compressor on the CSX) separately, since that would be about 200 euros less expensive.

Anyone feel the need to make me cancel my order? Other suggestions still?

[rackdude]

I'd say good choice. I love my N12 and wouldn't trade it for the world. The MR816 would be a great thing I would love to add one to my already Yamaha studio.

[Amperd]

Just wanted to let you know what I decided to buy.

Yesterday I ordered a UAD2 Quad and Cubase 5, next month (have to wait, credit card limits..) I will buy a Steinberg MR816-X. I am pretty convinced this will be a great set-up, really can't wait!

[r1ng077]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to GS. I was wondering how do you setup multiple different monitor mixes using the MR816x in SONAR?? I'm goin to purchase it and was just trying to see how to do this. Thanks!!

[Fhl]

I'm also trying to decide between the MR816X and the saffire 56. The liquid channel preamps are so compelling.

Anyone tried both? How do they compare? Thanks

[Fruit]

bump for the post. I'm also interested
Seems that MR816 converters are better than FireFace 400:

Oktava MK-012 vs. Schoeps MK21 & RME FF400 vs. Steinberg MR816X

here a comparison between MR816 and converters with a price range from 1150.00 € to 1750.00
Steinberg MR816 vs. others...

and here another nice comparison:
Prism Orpheus vs. Steinberg MR 816X Loopback Test

the quality of converters is fantastic, and there are zero latency dsp processors onboard

[Myr]

I have the Saffire 56, and it's a phenomenal unit. I'm selling it, because I'm converting to Pro Tools, but I would still recommend it.

Everything about it feels solid and thought out. Even the build quality is way above what you'd expect for the price.

[Fruit]

thanks man. Probably I'll buy MR 816-X. Focusrite Saffire seems a good choice, but it's too big and the 816-x pres seems fantastic. The bad of Steinberg interface is the lack of midi in/out.I have an X-Board 61 usb keyboard, I hope it works connecting it to pc's usb ports

[kaosuvls]

Hey.... I am recording vocals for rap and r&b. I am looking for the bet gear i can find. So far i am planning on getting...

Neuman u87ai
shure sm7b
avalon 737 MIC PRE AMP
steinberg mr816 x
apogee rosetta 200 192KH 24-BIT AD/DA CONVERTER
apogee big ben master clock

is this gear good for vocals or is it to much....can i leave some of it out or is this enough..... I thank you guys for your opinions and knowledge in advance....

[Bodoc]

omit the Avalon, the Rosetta, the Big Ben and the Neumann. Truly.

Borrow other mikes if you want some variety, but -- really -- the Yamaha clock, pres and converters in the "Steinberg" MR 816 are slammin'!!!

Also, pay some attention to the acoustics of the room you are doing your vocals in...

There is a cost/benefit ratio to everything you do. Think of all the cool plugins you can buy with the money you are saving. Tthe MR816 sets a standard that most peoples' rooms and mikes don't meet.

Honestly, don't blow a lot of money right out of the chute, as you will be shocked (in a verrrry pleasant way) with what you can do without the other stuff, as swell as it is. Additionally, the csx version has a very useful reverb and channel strip.

My MOTU HD192 and assorted pres have been gathering dust. That's because my microphones have been enjoying those Yamaha preamps and the tracks I'm recording sound so damn good.

[SEA]

I heard from a friend who is a rep for all the above said that a major audio/video company who had a few MR816 clocked them to the Antelope Audio Isochrone and it took the sound of the 816 to a whole new level of fidelity like... into the more upper end converters.

That being said I think the same would go using it with the Focusrite Saffire 56. I even thought "Hey... what if you go the Saffire 56 and then used it for it's mic pres alone, THEN mix master with something Lynx Aurora 16, then use all it's outs to go into a summing box like the Dangerous 2-BUS LT.

Anyway... that's the route I think I'll go. Start with the Liquid Saffire 56, then add on from there.

[mtl777]

Comparing only the converters of MR816X vs LS56, which product has better conversion quality?

[UrbanKlass]

Originally Posted by SEA

I heard from a friend who is a rep for all the above said that a major audio/video company who had a few MR816 clocked them to the Antelope Audio Isochrone and it took the sound of the 816 to a whole new level of fidelity like... into the more upper end converters.

That being said I think the same would go using it with the Focusrite Saffire 56. I even thought "Hey... what if you go the Saffire 56 and then used it for it's mic pres alone, THEN mix master with something Lynx Aurora 16, then use all it's outs to go into a summing box like the Dangerous 2-BUS LT.

Anyway... that's the route I think I'll go. Start with the Liquid Saffire 56, then add on from there.

Generally Focusrite gear isn't great. Don't get me wrong - I have my own FR for backup if I ever have to send my current interface/pre set up away for repairs, the only 'great' FR gear are the real upper end models. Until you hit that level, you may as well look at alternatives. May aswel get a $700-$950 pre set up and hook it up to something like the Aurora. Unless you need a ton of inputs, then your idea may suit as the 56 has a lot of ins for that pricepoint.

[Gags]

Originally Posted by mtl777

Comparing only the converters of MR816X vs LS56, which product has better conversion quality?

I have used the MR816, owned a Yamaha N12 and have just ordered an LS56.

I can tell you unequivocally, if your skill as an engineer, the talent's skill as a musician, the tuning of the instrument, the quality of the room, the type and placement of mics and the availability of alcohol in the studio is not up to scratch, the difference in converter quality between the two won't make a LICK of difference.

As a more direct answer to your question, in that pricepoint, be wary of believing the testimony of anyone using the following lines:

* [Insert interface here] SHITS all over [Insert interface here]
* [Insert interface here] is the most amazing thing i've ever heard!
* I had a [Insert interface here] and I sold it to buy [Insert interface here], and i'll never turn back!

The reality is, while there are differences in chip and analogue circuitry, at that price, the difference is not going to blow you away. You are still hearing a high-fidelity example of captured audio, which is testament to the capability of mass-produced digital audio products that we currently have available.

If you give Tchad Blake a Presonus Firestudio, he is going to deliver a sonically impressive record.

Work out your budget, what features you need, and get the best converter technology you can within those variables.

Once you've got your gear, press RECORD and enjoy the passion for what it is!

[basssalad]

I totally agree with Gags.
I own a Firestudio which is considered prosumer. Your skill as an engineer and a descent sounding room is much more critical. Learn how to use your gear and spend less time splitting hairs on this forum. All of the above interfaces sound good and what ever fits your budget is key.Too many people go into debt buying gear and end up having no time to use the stuff because they have to pay it off.
I enjoy this forum a lot. I feel too many people spend too much time here arguing over trivial stuff. Make music already

[mtl777]

Originally Posted by Gags

Once you've got your gear, press RECORD and enjoy the passion for what it is!

Originally Posted by basssalad

Make music already

I hear ya! Time to make music now!

[DrummingChance]

Originally Posted by Gags

I have used the MR816, owned a Yamaha N12 and have just ordered an LS56.

I can tell you unequivocally, if your skill as an engineer, the talent's skill as a musician, the tuning of the instrument, the quality of the room, the type and placement of mics and the availability of alcohol in the studio is not up to scratch, the difference in converter quality between the two won't make a LICK of difference.

Ok, but if all that stuff's in order...then what's your answer?

[Phaidon]

Originally Posted by Gags

I have used the MR816, owned a Yamaha N12 and have just ordered an LS56.

Why??
(ordered the LS56 that is)

[Bodoc]

soooo right.

I run Cubase 5 with a Steinberg MR816csx and an auxiliary Digimax LT for 8 more channels through the lightpipe.

My Black Lion modded MOTU HD192 is gathering dust along with my external pres.

It just hasn't made any audible difference -- and I mean that in a good way.

[Gags]

Originally Posted by DrummingChance

Ok, but if all that stuff's in order...then what's your answer?

I, like many others, cannot answer that question with any authority. I loved the N12, the pres and conversion were good, however it is the only unit I have used for hours in my own room.

I have heard the LS56 in a demo room, so any differences I thought I 'heard' certainly couldn't be narrowed down to converter quality. I liked it

Originally Posted by Phaidon

Why??
(ordered the LS56 that is)

I now have an analogue desk, which meant I didn't need the N12's mixer surface. Rack unit was a better option. As for "Why not an MR816?", I liked the liquid pres, and got a better deal. After ten years on Cubase, I'm also switching to Reaper, so the MR's functionality with Cubase was redundant.

Cheers,

Gags

[patdcp]

Hi!
i´m working with Cubase 5 and want to upgrade from an old Firepod to something like the focusrite 56 or a steinberg mr816

My question is:
what´s the advantage of the mr816 concerning it´s Cubase -Connection?

What does it better in this case compared to a Focusrite?!?

Bye,Pat

[SEA]

Focusrite's Damian Hawley speaks about the Liquid Saffire 56 and how the converters have been worked on extensively.

I believe that the new SL56 should sound noticeably better that previous generations of Focusrites. They spent a lot of time on their ADDA converts.

Here's a vid on his talk about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuVOYrjeOBw&feature=player_embedded

How much better? Well, the average person listening to it couldn't tell the difference (IMHO.) They don't listening to the slight little differences we do, they are listening to the song. With that being said, if the song ain't "Got it" it doesn't matter what converters you're using. Either the LS56 or the Steinberg MR816csx will work well. I personally chose the SL56 for the Liquid pres. More bang for the buck I believe.

If I had the $$$? Hmm... Probable go with SSL's or the Lynx Aurora 16 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Aurora16/

When mixing down, I'd run them through a summing box to ad that final analog edge and call it a day. Perhaps master it later with something like the Crane Song HEDD192 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HEDD192/

SEA

[blacklion]

Originally Posted by patdcp

Hi!
i´m working with Cubase 5 and want to upgrade from an old Firepod to something like the focusrite 56 or a steinberg mr816

My question is:
what´s the advantage of the mr816 concerning it´s Cubase -Connection?

What does it better in this case compared to a Focusrite?!?

Bye,Pat

for the most part, it's that you don't need to fuss very often with the interface GUI in Cubase. Whatever you do in cubase (plugging in a mic, changing project sample rate, I/O) the MR will react accordingly since it's integrated with Cubase.

[patdcp]

Originally Posted by blacklion

for the most part, it's that you don't need to fuss very often with the interface GUI in Cubase. Whatever you do in cubase (plugging in a mic, changing project sample rate, I/O) the MR will react accordingly since it's integrated with Cubase.

Ok,hmm....oh,these Choices,haha

Cubase Integration vs. the liquid channels....what should i do?!?

Are the Converters on the same level?

In the Reviews you can read, that the Routing options in the Focusrite are much more detailed.
And the Steinberg has no MIDI,which sucks, cause i still use some old school Midi-keyboard stuff

[Chagalj]

Buy LS56 and you wont regret it. I bought mine a week ago and even though I clock it with my Rosetta I dont hear any difference in AD or DA in my non-treated room or on my HD650 headphones, clocked internaly or externaly.
Liquid pres are really great (I dont use my UA110 much these days), but so are all other pres (had FF800 for 6 months and I subjectively find LS56 pres better).
Routing is unbelievebly versatile, you have to struggle your way through first couple of days to figure everything out. When you plug everything in and out you dont need a patchbay, send everything to anywhere from inside Mixcontrol software with a click. You also have one stereo loopback channel which you can route internally - very handy for quick rendering.
And 2 ADAT and SPDIF in/out should also be enough for future upgrades.
In a few words, Focusrite LS56 is very much underrated and is unbelieveble value for the money.
But dont believe me or anyone else and try it for yourself.