Improving the sound of my d8b

[Scoobz]

Hey all,
Firstly hi, looks like I found you guys in the nick of time! Spent a couple of days going thru the site and you guys really seem to know your stuff. I know the d8b is less than popular here but for what I need it as and where I'm at (using the desk as a mixer, for recording- Avalon 737sp straight into my motu 2408mkII) is does me fine. I'm hoping you can help......
I've got a few pennies free at the moment and I'm looking to improve the quality of my mixes (aren't well all!?) The hardware I have, relative to this post, D8b (apogee card), Genelec 1031am's, motu 2408mkII, DAW (PC). The first thing I did was to get a Genelec sub (7070) so I can hear the low end in my mixes, next thing to do is sort out some bass trapping to tame all the extra bass in my low ceiling studio (Doh!)
My questions are these, I'm thinking of getting a DAC-1 based on the support from this board, other than being to hear my mixes better and make more informed eq/compression decisions, the improvements will not translate to my mixes, correct? Also where can I find one in the UK and how much do they cost?
Whereas if I get a low jitter masterclock this will tighten up my entire system and give my mixes a more focused sound, correct?
To be honest I don't really know alot about this kind of thing, the last year and a half I've focusing on learning all I can about engineering and tracking and now find myself pushing for the extra bit of perfection, any advice or guidance you can offer would be great. Have I got the general gist of what these boxes do?
Can you suggest any better solutions?
My funds are limited and I don't have spare cash very often so I really need to get this right, can you suggest a wordclock gen. to suit my needs?
Thanks in advance for any replies....

Scoobz

[cdog]

Welcome to Gearslutz!

DAC-1 or Apogee Mini-DAC would be my choice if you're only adding 1 piece. If you're going to spend $$$$ on monitors like you did it makes a lot of sense to feed them the highest quality analog signal.

A master clock is a good idea too but is not necessary if you're only working with the d8b and the 2408mk2. If you added a third digital component, you would probably want a master clock.

The DAC1 or MiniDAC don't count in that equation because they have no wordclock inputs, they do their sweet jitter crushing magic regardless of the quality of digital signal you feed them.

[lucey]

What's your budget?

You're right and wrong about a DAC1 ... no one will hear it ... yet what you do will be better, so they will hear it.


i'd also be thinking about an A/D to use as a master clock instead of the motu's and use it's analog path for 2 channel audio ... i don't know what the d8b sounds like with a good clock, but it sounds pretty painful without one.

there are a number of nice A/D units out there

In the "very good but not top dollar" category
Mytek
Benchmark
Apogee
etc.

And one of these might be good

CraneSong HEDD is a good clock, as well as a great A/D and pretty good DA too.

[TML]

The first thing to increase the quality of your mixes is to get a Peavey box mixer and use that instead of the D8B. Just kidding. I have one too. When I got the DAC-1 it made a world of difference......When you can everything easier you mix better....Also...go out and get a boom box with a bass boost switch and use it as control room 2 out of the board. This will give you the real world sound. Trust me...the Genelecs are great..but go with a boom box.
My 2 cents....
Tim

[lucey]

Originally posted by TML
Trust me...the Genelecs are great..but go with a boom box.
My 2 cents....
Tim

they have scooped mids ... and you need to hear mids

[DigitMus]

Using Crane Song conversion (and clock) made a world of difference to me. Instead of selling my D8B, I could get down to making music. The Spider is the best deal out there for front end IMO. Not only do you get 10 channels of Crane Song A/D and analog process, you get 8 killer preamps that are switchable from normal to FAT - oh and you get some pretty decent limiting and dither, an 8X2 mixer and a damn good wordclock. Add a HEDD for your D/A (or even one of the lesser ones mentioned above), and you've got a decent board again.

Scott

[Scoobz]

Thanks for the replies,
@cdog cheers for the welcome, as you can tell I've got a renewed commitment to get the best out of my studio, as well as myself hence spending what little I can spare. I'm kind of settled on the Benchmark DAC-1 (at the moment) thanx for confirmation.
Lucey, budget's is around $1800 and I really can't go above that and if I can 'get away' with spending less then great. But taking into account shipping and extra tax over here I'd say $1000 is more realistic. I think I understand about the DAC-1, painting analogy- it's not like get better paints or canvas but clearer/sharper glasses to see with.
Tim, despite all the critism it recieves I actually get on quite well with my d8b,again, thanx for the confirmation on the DAC. I stick my tunes on cd-rw and play on as many systems as I can at various stages of mixing, although since purchasing the sub I need to do this less and less.
Scott, useful info there thanks. I think the Crane Song might be overkill for my purposes tho, I only ever need to record one thing at a time (no drum kits or bands) and for that I use my trusty avalon+U87 which does me fine. Although I would be interested in hearing some feedback about the Lucid GenX6 from anyone with experience of the unit.
If anyone can point me in the direction of supplliers in the Uk that'd be great too!

Thanks again for the replies,

Lee

[Boogle]

Originally posted by Scoobz
Thanks for the replies,

If anyone can point me in the direction of supplliers in the Uk that'd be great too!

Thanks again for the replies,

Lee

Even though I shop there & found them ok, watch out for turnkey..seems to have a few of haters. not syaing not to shop there but just get everything confirmed first. (return times, warranty support, etc)

my pennies worth

[Scoobz]

Thanks boogle, yeah I've had dealings with Turnkey before but the things I purchased have been fine so haven't really had to test them on their returns policy/cust. service.

Anyways this was my point exactly, a DAC-1 over here in the Uk is £940! $1730! It's SO UNFAIR. Plus the fact there's only 5 due in the entire country. (throwing toys out of cot/crib)

Ah well,

Yours, without money,

Lee

[delta9]

I assume you've upgraded to version 5 software? Made a pretty big difference to my ears when we did.

[Scoobz]

Delta, stuck on vers3 as I don't have a credit card (evil things, would get me into a lot of trouble!). On my 'to do' list is to find out if there's a different method of payment....

Cheers for the post,

Lee

little PS: Just finished a track I'm working on with a couple of House djs based on the style of music that originated from your neck of the woods called 'Chicago Pulls'. Currently being played at the miami music conference!!