Lynx Users & others: XLR connectivity?

[schnurps]

Hallo to this splendid forum! Patience please for a trying question that may be one of those annoying unanswerables. Or not.

I'm contemplating the Lynx Two C as my next audio card/interface. I'm attracted by favorable reviews of the a/d conversion as compared with other cards.

But I'm perplexed about the XLR input connectors. Nearly every source I record has 1/4 inch output jacks on the preamp (meaning the direct outs on my mixer, the outputs on my outboard mic pres, instrument pres, etc.).

Do I just need to buy a dedicated patch bay, and go back to bed?

Or is it time to take a harder look at the RME Hammerfall card combo with the Multiface, although I've heard the a/d conversion is not quite up to Lynx level. Nice looking product, but I feel I may be mistaken to base a decision I take this seriously on such a possibly easily overcome hurdle. Little help?
-Schnurps

[fifthcircle]

Shouldn't be a problem.... Just use an adapter to go from 1/4" to XLR. If you aren't handy with the soldering iron, go to Markertek and have them make some for you...

If you are looking for good quality conversion and only 6 analog inputs and no MIDI (but it does have LTC I/O), the Lynx is perfect. If you need more than 8 I/O and MIDI, look at something like the RME multiface.

--Ben

[schnurps]

Thanks Ben! You summarized my reasons for preferring the Lynx Two C. I don't need MIDI, six inputs is close enough (for now), and the superior conversion tips the balance. I was just nagged by a little voice that said I'd lose some signal and/or quality if I had to run it all through adapters. I gather you are saying if so, it would be no biggie?

I took a long look at the RME before moving on to investigate the Lynx. What's driving this upgrade for me is to move beyond prosumer a/d conversion. I may not be prepared to invest as much as six or eight quality outboard converters would cost, so the Lynx looks more my speed. So I guess I am a prosumer who wants to sound better than one. I notice there are several Lynx users around here, so I welcome anyone else chiming in.

Thanks again!
Schnurps

[flexoffset]

I have the L22 and I go into it from my Virus C, which has unbalanced 1/4" outputs.
What OS are you running? There's latency issues in OS X which could affect softsynths, etc. Lynx is working on it very aggressively.

If you're on PC or OS 9, your set. No problems that I have heard on those OS's.

Have, Inc. made some very nice cables for me to go from 1/4" unbalanced to XLR-balanced in to the L22 (which is a pared down version of the L2). You can even choose your color.

I could kick myself for not going with the L2. I already need more inputs.

[schnurps]

flexoffset,
Thanks for the reply. The cable you describe sounds interesting. Got a link for Have Inc.? Can't say I've ever been there.

I'm on Windows XP Home, so I assume I'll be fine for compatibility. If anyone knows of any driver issues etc. I'd be glad to hear in advance.
-Schnurps

[flexoffset]

http://www.markertek.com/

http://www.haveinc.com/

Pick the one that's closest to you, I guess.
Have is in the Northeast US, I believe.

http://www.lynxstudio.com/
Their site lists compatibility, I think.
They also have a LynxONE group at Yahoo Groups. Dave Hoatson (the Lynx guru) is there pretty much all the time.
He keeps an eye out here, sometimes, too.