Studio Upgrade Interface and AD Converter?

[CShorte]

I am new to the Mac environment and I have a need to purchase a new AD/DA converter. I have been looking at the Apogee Symphony setup using the AD-16x and the MiniDac. I have found that the MiniDac connects to the AD-16 via an optical connection.
Currently, I have a Roland VS-2480 that has optical I/O like the MiniDac. However, the MiniDac has input only. I am thinking of getting the AD-16x and connecting it to the VS 2480 via the optical connection while using WC sync betweern the devices. The AD-16 in advance mode would allow the option of digital output. For any mixing, I plan to do an audio export of anything recorded on the 2480.
For the sake of conversation, I have tried the Presonus V-fire and the Ensemble. And, I would prefer to not use a firewire interface. I plan to do any mixing ITB and use several soft-synths. I have looked at the DA-16 but I find that I don't need all of the output, however, for future expansion, the digital input would be nice but that can happen later as the need arises.
What do you think? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, CS.

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by CShorte

I am new to the Mac environment and I have a need to purchase a new AD/DA converter. I have been looking at the Apogee Symphony setup using the AD-16x and the MiniDac. I have found that the MiniDac connects to the AD-16 via an optical connection.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Originally Posted by CShorte

Currently, I have a Roland VS-2480 that has optical I/O like the MiniDac. However, the MiniDac has input only. I am thinking of getting the AD-16x and connecting it to the VS 2480 via the optical connection while using WC sync betweern the devices. The AD-16 in advance mode would allow the option of digital output. For any mixing, I plan to do an audio export of anything recorded on the 2480.<o:p></o:p>
For the sake of conversation, I have tried the Presonus V-fire and the Ensemble. And, I would prefer to not use a firewire interface. I plan to do any mixing ITB and use several soft-synths. I have looked at the DA-16 but I find that I don't need all of the output, however, for future expansion, the digital input would be nice but that can happen later as the need arises.<o:p></o:p>
What do you think? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, CS.

<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I would go with either Rosetta 2 or 8. This way, you can run Apogee Symphony with a great sounding A/D D/A. <o:p></o:p>
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The Mini-Dac has TOS-link on optical, Not ADAT. They are not compatible with each other. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
You may also go with an AD 16x and use the Advanced Routing feature to stream the incoming analog signal to both the X-card and the Optical ADAT output to your VS-2480, if it has ADAT inputs, not TOS-link.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The best way to go would be one AD 16x and one DA 16x with symphony system, as this will give you the most versatile setup for what you are trying to do.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
peace<o:p></o:p>
mixwell<o:p></o:p>

[CShorte]

Adam,
The optical on the 2480 is TOS Link not ADAT. Thanks for clarification, CS.

[CShorte]

Mixwell,
With the Ensemble, you had a volume control fader on the interface. How do you control the volume to powered monitors with the DA-16? Thanks, CS.