Converter Choice

craigmorris74 · 16th June 2006

I'm currently using 2 m-audio cards to give me 8 channels of analog inputs into my computer.

I want to upgrade my system, and after doing much research, I've come up with two options.

1) Lynx Aurora 8-would give 8 channels of excellent AD/DA and a better wordclock.

and

2) Mytek Stereo 96 ADC-from what I've read, is a bit more high quality than the Lynx. However, has fewer channels and no DA. I would keep the M-audio cards and clock them from the Mytek. DA isn't a huge concern as I do rough mixes on this system and final mixes and masters are done elesewhere.

Which of these upgrades seems more logical? Would the Mytek clock get the M-Audio converters to perform at a more respectable level?
I have a FIRM budget of <$2000. No, I cannot save more and buy something else.

Thanks for any advice,
Craig

T.RayBullard · 17th June 2006

The Mytek is very slick, and nice sounding. I prefer Mytek over any converter including lavry/apogee/etc

**DrDeltaM** · 17th June 2006

I'd go for the Aurora, more channels (which you'll need in the end anyway!), and still a very good convertor. Maybe not as good as the Mytek, but the smallish difference doesn't weight up to the extra channels. Aurora is better value for money as you'll upgrade your whole AD/DA system, instead of just one stereo AD...

LewisWu · 19th June 2006

I wonder how much the quality would improve by adding premium a/d conversion to an existing setup, versus an overall improvement to an entire playback system

hgen · 19th June 2006

What m-audio cards do you have? ie model?

Acoustic Cloud · 19th June 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisWu

I wonder how much the quality would improve by adding premium a/d conversion to an existing setup, versus an overall improvement to an entire playback system

Not only the playback system, but the whole "input system"...D/I, pre, room, mics... if you are all about in the box, with no mic/DI, nothing, I can see your upgrade point, but I think conversion is thought of as the "only real upgrade" anymore.

That may not be your case, but I see it alot. Conversion chips cost 3-4 dollars apiece. (Of course you have to buy several thousand for your product) Signal path has more to do with it than convertors, even the path in your expensive convertor box??

Put it this way, MacGyver can make a bomb out of chewing gum, I cant!!

craigmorris74 · 19th June 2006

I have the Delta 66 and Delta 44.

wiz1der · 19th June 2006

Definitely the Mytek

You can get a used 8x96 for about 1400-1600 with ADAT ins!!

Monster sound! and the clock will make everything else sound better as well!

16th June 2006	#1
craigmorris74 Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 270 Thread Starter	Converter Choice I'm currently using 2 m-audio cards to give me 8 channels of analog inputs into my computer. I want to upgrade my system, and after doing much research, I've come up with two options. 1) Lynx Aurora 8-would give 8 channels of excellent AD/DA and a better wordclock. and 2) Mytek Stereo 96 ADC-from what I've read, is a bit more high quality than the Lynx. However, has fewer channels and no DA. I would keep the M-audio cards and clock them from the Mytek. DA isn't a huge concern as I do rough mixes on this system and final mixes and masters are done elesewhere. Which of these upgrades seems more logical? Would the Mytek clock get the M-Audio converters to perform at a more respectable level? I have a FIRM budget of <$2000. No, I cannot save more and buy something else. Thanks for any advice, Craig

17th June 2006	#2
T.RayBullard Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Columbus County, North Carolina Posts: 2,426	The Mytek is very slick, and nice sounding. I prefer Mytek over any converter including lavry/apogee/etc __________________ I think it is wrong to make everything equidistant from the listener with too many mics. The pasting-on effects end up like bad Photoshop work on graphics & photos - too unbelievable.-Tony Faulkner http://www.last.fm/user/TeddyBullard/

17th June 2006	#3
DrDeltaM Moderator Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Belgium Posts: 4,347	I'd go for the Aurora, more channels (which you'll need in the end anyway!), and still a very good convertor. Maybe not as good as the Mytek, but the smallish difference doesn't weight up to the extra channels. Aurora is better value for money as you'll upgrade your whole AD/DA system, instead of just one stereo AD... __________________ Mathijs Indesteege aka Mathew Lane mixing - mastering - audio restoration - plugins http://www.mathewlane.com DrMS. Focus on your stereo field. - NEW v3.2 OUT NOW! DrMS spatial processor - native RTAS/AU/VST plugin » Digital Audio Product Support Joystick Audio - Benelux High End Distributor http://www.joystick.be

19th June 2006	#8
wiz1der Gear maniac Joined: Feb 2005 Location: USA, California, L.A. Area Posts: 273	Definitely the Mytek You can get a used 8x96 for about 1400-1600 with ADAT ins!! Monster sound! and the clock will make everything else sound better as well! __________________ www.wiz1der.com "Producing & Engineering Hip Hop since '87"

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19th June 2006	#4
LewisWu Gear addict Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 495	I wonder how much the quality would improve by adding premium a/d conversion to an existing setup, versus an overall improvement to an entire playback system

19th June 2006	#5
hgen 3 + infractions, forum membership suspended. Joined: May 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 803	What m-audio cards do you have? ie model?

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