Converters and Pres - Firewire Vs. Multitracker

Peakly · 13th February 2006, 07:36 PM

Is it true that the converters and mic pres are better on a firewire interface than a stand alone multitracker?

I'm thinking of firewires like the RME Fireface and MOTU Traveler, and multitrackers like the Korg D3200 or a similar machine.

Also, once it's converted, isn't it just math inside the software or recorder, so the crucial steps are the pres and converters?

Thanks!

Mychal

AxS · 13th February 2006, 10:57 PM

There's no reason why a firewire interface would have inherently better AD and DA conversion than a multitracker, or a anything else for that matter. But lets look at the facts:

The Korg D3200 is going for £899.00, the RME Fireface is also £899.00.
The Fireface is an I/O device, it does a little mixing and has some nice preamps, but ultimately it's an I/O device.
The D3200 is an I/O device, a recording device, a mixing device, plus it has a screen and faders and half a dozen more things I won't go into.
It is simply unrealistic to expect the D3200 to have the same quality conversion as the Fireface when the former has so much more to do.

I should also point out that a multitracker and a computer audio interface are very different beasts. The multitracker is designed to be used primarily as an all in one unit, most editing is done on a little 4" screen. The Fireface is meant to be used with a software that's infinitely more powerful and needs at least a 17" screen.

You might also consider the other areas, the effects on the D3200 may or may not be of good quality (I haven't used them and can't comment), but either way they're fixed. The best you can do is add an outboard unit or two. When it comes to computer software, you have a whole world of plugins available ranging from cheap and cheerful to expensive high end systems that use industry standard algorithms.

I'm digressing a little now but my point is, decide what you already have, what you can afford and the quality of results you are trying to achieve

.

Peakly · 14th February 2006, 04:34 AM

AxS -

Your reply makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate it. Lots of food for thought.

Thanks!

M

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13th February 2006, 07:36 PM	#1
Peakly Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 136	Converters and Pres - Firewire Vs. Multitracker Is it true that the converters and mic pres are better on a firewire interface than a stand alone multitracker? I'm thinking of firewires like the RME Fireface and MOTU Traveler, and multitrackers like the Korg D3200 or a similar machine. Also, once it's converted, isn't it just math inside the software or recorder, so the crucial steps are the pres and converters? Thanks! Mychal

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13th February 2006, 10:57 PM	#2
AxS Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London, England Posts: 7	There's no reason why a firewire interface would have inherently better AD and DA conversion than a multitracker, or a anything else for that matter. But lets look at the facts: The Korg D3200 is going for £899.00, the RME Fireface is also £899.00. The Fireface is an I/O device, it does a little mixing and has some nice preamps, but ultimately it's an I/O device. The D3200 is an I/O device, a recording device, a mixing device, plus it has a screen and faders and half a dozen more things I won't go into. It is simply unrealistic to expect the D3200 to have the same quality conversion as the Fireface when the former has so much more to do. I should also point out that a multitracker and a computer audio interface are very different beasts. The multitracker is designed to be used primarily as an all in one unit, most editing is done on a little 4" screen. The Fireface is meant to be used with a software that's infinitely more powerful and needs at least a 17" screen. You might also consider the other areas, the effects on the D3200 may or may not be of good quality (I haven't used them and can't comment), but either way they're fixed. The best you can do is add an outboard unit or two. When it comes to computer software, you have a whole world of plugins available ranging from cheap and cheerful to expensive high end systems that use industry standard algorithms. I'm digressing a little now but my point is, decide what you already have, what you can afford and the quality of results you are trying to achieve .

14th February 2006, 04:34 AM	#3
Peakly Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 136	AxS - Your reply makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate it. Lots of food for thought. Thanks! M