how should I get into my 'puter???

[Brendan]

Hey all, I've gotten tired of my layla24 converters so I got financially irresponsible and ordered a Spider and an Apogee DA16X. I should have them soon, but I'm trying to figure out what's the best option is for getting in and out of my 'puter (Nuendo/PC).

I'm thinking about using the firewire option with the Apogee for D/A, but I'm uncertain about what to do to get from the Spider to the PC.

If I understand correctly, the Spider can be used as 10 A/D channels, so it looks like the Layla will have to go. But, what would you guys suggest to replace it? I'd like to get something that allows 16 ins.

I saw a PCI card, the AES16. Does anyone have any experience with this card? Any other recommendations?

I'm more of an analog guy, so any computer expertise is much appreciated

[natpub]

If I recall, RME makes a multi-channel AES input card that can be expanded with daughterboards. They just pop into PCI slots like sound cards, but they are only for digital inputs. I would think it would be reasonably priced.


--KT

[atticus]

I'd go with a Lynx AES16. You can hang an ADAT daughtercard off of it for the best of all worlds. Good luck!

[Ted Nightshade]

Hey Atticus, too bad we never had that chat- how's the ultimate studio dream coming? I'm all for it!

Would love to talk some time.

So I'm only looking to get from my SLAM! (AES/EBU i/o) in and out of a laptop- alternative energy and all that, can't afford a desktop power-wise. Seems like everything comes with some mic pres- I don't need mic pres, or converters, I just want in and out of the computer and nothing gets ****ed up, not even a little bit.

Any great ideas anybody?

[natpub]

Originally posted by Ted Nightshade


So I'm only looking to get from my SLAM! (AES/EBU i/o) in and out of a laptop- alternative energy and all that, can't afford a desktop power-wise. Seems like everything comes with some mic pres- I don't need mic pres, or converters, I just want in and out of the computer and nothing gets ****ed up, not even a little bit.

Any great ideas anybody?

Seems there are several USB or Firewire solutions for just S/PIDF I/O. Just get an AES>SPIDF adapter? I think Mercenary sells a couple little Neutrik ones for like 40 bucks?

[Ted Nightshade]

I'm thinking I will have to do a AES to SPDIF adapter thing- but which if any of those firewire and USB "solutions" can be trusted with the job?

[NathanEldred]

Originally posted by natpub
If I recall, RME makes a multi-channel AES input card that can be expanded with daughterboards. They just pop into PCI slots like sound cards, but they are only for digital inputs. I would think it would be reasonably priced.

I believe you are thinking about the Lynx AES 16 card. RME makes stuff that is primarily lightpipe based for multichannel sends, their sometimes AES sends are 75ohm rather than 110ohm (could someone please explain this to me btw).

[natpub]

Originally posted by NathanEldred
I believe you are thinking about the Lynx AES 16 card. RME makes stuff that is primarily lightpipe based for multichannel sends, their sometimes AES sends are 75ohm rather than 110ohm (could someone please explain this to me btw).

yep, you are right--actually, i had recalled it from reading one of Atticus' old posts.


--kt :-)

[Brendan]

Thanks for the info and please continue. This is an area that seems to be overlooked until it must be dealt with.

I guess interface cards aren't as sexy as botique rack gear and vintage consoles.

[shikawkee]

Yeah, please keep going if there are other solutions. I have a buddy who's new to audio and wants to record on his laptop but wants more than 2 tracks at a time.