Finally a converter upgrade

[Kris]

As a precondition to record a band I've been playing with, I made them buy me some new gear... So after analysing my signal chain I decided my weak spot was my converters, PT 882|20s. So I now have an Apogee Rosetta.

I was expecting to hear subtle improvements to my FUTURE recordings after building up songs using the new coverters for all the overdubs, etc. but I was unexpectedly suprised and stoked to hear the instant improvement in my current mixes with the Rosetta hooked up.

All of a sudden a harsh quality of my mixes that has always bothered me is gone... the separation and definition of sounds in the mix is noticeably improved.

I'm assuming that it is the improved clock in the Rosetta, less jitter, etc.

or is this just another case of gear lust distorting my perception?!?!

[atticus]

Originally posted by Kris
[

I'm assuming that it is the improved clock in the Rosetta, less jitter, etc.

or is this just another case of gear lust distorting my perception?!?! [/B]

Nope, it's the clock, and possibly the purple

[jeronimo]

Congrats Kris, I'm really looking foward to get one for my small setup...

[Kris]

Look around for a used one... I found this "demo" unit for $800.

I'm pretty fired up about it! dfegad

[Jules]

Yup with cool clock fed to a Digidesign 888/24 interface, I heard otherwise trashy / metalic accoustic gtrs suddenly sound - phat / rich and 'classy' + more expencive sounding.

next... look out for a quality D/A to hear your DAW mix via..

[atticus]

Originally posted by Jules
next... look out for a quality D/A to hear your DAW mix via..

I know where you can find one

[NathanEldred]

Aren't the new Benchmark D/A's only $795 retail? Sounds like a hell of a deal.

[atticus]

Yeah they only cost $795. It's not the most esoteric on the planet but it does a really great job and it's got a lot of users so far. Plus if you think it sucks you can just return it. Not that that's ever happened..... Actually one really well known engineer returned his as it finished behind his $18,000 Pacific Microsonics in a shootout, but not $17,205 behind.......

[NathanEldred]

Originally posted by atticus
Actually one really well known engineer returned his as it finished behind his $18,000 Pacific Microsonics in a shootout, but not $17,205 behind.......

Not even a fair comparison either....sounds like it would be almost subjective at that point.

[Jax]

Exactly. Why would anyone want to pay that much more if it's even close? Either they can't be convinced that something costing $795 sounds favorably comparable to an $18,000 device, or they are used to buying status symbols. Puh-leeze.

I'm still trying to scratch up some dough for trying the DAC-1 out. I had plans for cashing in, but they ain't gonna work. Time to win lotto.

[Kris]

One thing at a time now... hell I haven't even recorded any tracks with the Rosetta yet...

But yes that is a great deal worth looking into...

Also the Mytek 2 channel AD looks like a great deal too... only it hasn't been released yet as far as I know.

[Jax]

Originally posted by Kris

Also the Mytek 2 channel AD looks like a great deal too... only it hasn't been released yet as far as I know.

If you're talking about the Mytek DSD converter, it will cost quite alot.

[Kris]

Actually the Stereo 96-ADC I think the suggested retail is $895 ?

[NathanEldred]

That has tentatively been scheduled for release since Fall of 2001. I wouldn't hold your breath on that product, I think Mytek is concentrating heavily on the DSD related products.

[atticus]

The link to that product is pretty buried on their site. Trust me, I've looked Nice stuff, though.

[Kris]

What's up Nathan, ... I knew I found you somewhere on the net... obviously here!

[NathanEldred]

Hey Kris, small world ain't it?

[Jax]

Originally posted by NathanEldred
That has tentatively been scheduled for release since Fall of 2001. I wouldn't hold your breath on that product, I think Mytek is concentrating heavily on the DSD related products.

Yeah that and the mysterious "PT Interface Card" for the 8X96. I waited more than a goddamn year for that ****in' thing not to come out. Michal and co. are great, but they should be more careful not to develop ghostware.

Also, they concentrated so heavily on the DSD converter (and showing it at AES) that it took 2.5 months before I got one of my 8X96's back. madd madd madd

Despite almost all that, they have better customer service than any company in any industry I've ever dealt with (well, I've never done a hooker...), and a fantastic product to boot. Still, I have a love/hate relationship with them. Starting to get over the hate part. The ****in' 8X96 is so good. (lol - put that on your website, Michal)

[jpaudio]

Originally posted by Jules
Yup with cool clock fed to a Digidesign 888/24 interface, I heard otherwise trashy / metalic accoustic gtrs suddenly sound - phat / rich and 'classy' + more expencive sounding.

next... look out for a quality D/A to hear your DAW mix via..

I know I'm chiming in a bit late here, but you DAW guys should really check out the Dangerous Music Monitor... the custom D/A (Troisi Designs) is worth every penny alone.

J.P.