Replacing MOTU 896 with an Apogee Duet for songwriter's studio?

[halcyo]

I've been scaling down my modest production studio at home, as I am getting out of doing any serious ENGINEERING anymore. As someone who is primarily a songwriter and performer, I'm just not that interested in the technical side of things anymore. I was thinking about doing some upgrades/crossgrades on some equipment to better suit my needs now, and maybe even make me a little extra cash in the end!

I have been really digging the idea of the Apogee Duet. Right now, I have a MOTU 896 (not the HD one), and I've been using a single Grace 101 pre to record vocals. Years ago, I was recording whole drum kits and things, and I needed the 8 channels on the 896, but those days are pretty much over. It's a great unit, but WAY overkill for my average use (if I wanted to record a kit nowadays, I'd go to a studio anyway). I haven't used more than 2 tracks at one time in a LONG time. Almost all of my songwriting is done using virtual instruments, and vocals and some guitars are about all I track audio.

My question is this: if I were to sell my MOTU 896, AND my Grace 101, and replace them with the Apogee Duet, would I have a comparable signal path, sound-wise? I'd be very willing to bet that the converters in the Duet are better than the 896 (if for no other reason than the fact that converters seem to have improved alot since I purchased the 896), and I've heard the pre's in the Duet are fairly nice and clean, with enough gain. I'm not looking for some unbelievable sound, mind you, but I would like a good sound for vocals - at least 'very high quality demo' sound.

In theory, this would make me about $300-$400 cash, and it would scale down my studio sufficiently - plus I like portability (not that I HAVE to have that, but it certainly could be convenient if I ever switched over to a macbook for songwriting).

Also- I run Digital Performer, and obviously the Motu 896 plays well with my software. Will the Duet have any additional hassles?

Thanks in advance guys, and I look forward to opinions.

halcyo

[thermos]

I had an 896 for a while. HORRIBLE conversion, sounded like those pictures of 60s era down town Los Angeles; smoggy and cancerous. I can't speak to the Grace pre, but I think you would be more than satisfied if you hocked it all and got a Duet. It sounds great, and it works flawlessly. It feels like an Apple product in that the process (setup, etc) becomes invisible and you can just focus on recording.

FYI, I use mine with Digital Performer.

[halcyo]

Well, that response has me feeling VERY optimistic, thanks! Anyone else?

Let me ask you guys this: Do you think the mic pre's in the Duet are better than my 896? If so, my deal will be pretty sealed.

Also, I use the 896 as an output device for all my iTunes/internet/computer audio through my studio monitors. I can still do that with the Duet, right?

halcyo

[thermos]

Sorry, me again. Yes the Duet pres SMOKE the 896 pres, not even an inkling of a comparison. And you can use the output of the Duet just like the 896 (just like all core audio devices). Except it will sound loads better.

[halcyo]

Thanks, I think you've have sold me....


halcyo