Would getting an API A2D be smarter than getting 2 API 512c and a lunchbox?

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 05:08 AM

Right now, I'm working with a firepod, going to 2 KRK RP-6 monitors. I was thinking about getting a lunchbox to start a collection of 500 series pres. I am in college now so I'm not making too much money. I was just wondering if it would be smarter to get maybe a used API A2D and get those converters instead of getting 2 API 512cs for more money and have to buy the lunchbox and have to use my firepod converters. What do you think would be a good idea for me? 2 great pres and converters from the A2D sound great to me. Can I run this into my laptop? or would I have to run it through my firepod? All I'm looking for is 2 pres at this point for overheads on drums and I'll use the rest of my pres on my firepod for the rest and probably replace hits. Any suggestions? thank you!

- Jeff

Bierce85 · 8th April 2008, 05:22 AM

I would get the A2D. You get some of the most useful preamps ever made as well as converters matched to accentuate their sound.

The problem with the lunchbox idea is you're stuck trying to use your firepod as a converter for them. from what I remember the firepods didn't have regular line ins in the back so you'd be stuck running the 512's output into the front of the Firepod, and the front line-ins aren't "real" line inputs, they're just going through the mic preamp without any added gain which isn't quite as clean as a real line in.

The only problem with the A2D is it has to be the master clock (which wouldn't be a problem for you), and you can't really use it in a setup with more than 3 different converters since it only accepts superclock. The only way to fix that is if you have a separate master clock that can output superclock along side regular word clock to your other converters (assuming they're not superclock).

Does your firepod have an S/PDIF input? If so, that would be the only way to use it at the same time as your firepod (and clock the firepod to it's S/PDIF input).

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 05:37 AM

yes it has a S/PDIF input/output. Would I be able to record 2 tracks with the A2D using those converters simultaneously with 2 or 3 tracks with the firepod?

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 06:02 AM

could I run the api through the s/pdif of the firepod and use all channels? or do I need a "master clock" or whatever?

Unknown soldier · 8th April 2008, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heisleyamor

could I run the api through the s/pdif of the firepod and use all channels? or do I need a "master clock" or whatever?

The API has to be the master clock. Unfortunately the A2D only accepts superclock in, which doesn't transmit down via spdif...

But, all is not lost...however it will cost you $400. API does now have a standard word clock option that can be installed in the API, so it will sync to regular word clock...you have to send it to them for installiation....worth $400? I don't know....the A2D seems to be meant for a two channel in-at-a-time system, and it does sound good...

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 06:30 AM

how would I run the A2D into my system then if I can't hook it up to my firepod?

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 06:33 AM

ok...I just read on a different thread...
"I've been using a Firepod and an A2D at home for about a year now. 10 inputs, no problems.

"

so I'm guessing you can hook the API to the firepod S/PDIF as long as you set the clock to the S/PDIF...is that correct? I need some clarification

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 08:27 AM

bump.. :-)

darkman2 · 8th April 2008, 10:44 AM

i run my a2d into my mbox2 via spdif , i get 2 beautifull channells
which is all i need, my fingers are crossed im waiting for my veve 5043
comp to arrive hopefully today...

psycho_monkey · 8th April 2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heisleyamor

ok...I just read on a different thread...
"I've been using a Firepod and an A2D at home for about a year now. 10 inputs, no problems.

"

so I'm guessing you can hook the API to the firepod S/PDIF as long as you set the clock to the S/PDIF...is that correct? I need some clarification

just clock the firepod to the API and you're done. No need to worry about word or super clock in a small setup like this.

yrlk · 8th April 2008, 02:25 PM

Depends on what you want to do. If you want to get a nice converter that you can run everything into eventually, well, then no. You should get the lunchbox with the API's. This would also allow you to add more/different pre's later on, but again... it all depends on what you want to do.

I love what the A2D can do, but I'd rather have a stand alone converter. But in my opinion, pre's are more important than converters when you have to have the very best of only one.

Bierce85 · 8th April 2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yrlk

Depends on what you want to do. If you want to get a nice converter that you can run everything into eventually, well, then no. You should get the lunchbox with the API's. This would also allow you to add more/different pre's later on, but again... it all depends on what you want to do.

I love what the A2D can do, but I'd rather have a stand alone converter. But in my opinion, pre's are more important than converters when you have to have the very best of only one.

I agree with you but like he said, he's a college student and doesn't have much money so this will probably have to serve him for a long while. That's why I recommended the A2D. I personally would not want to run high quality preamps through the $6 (probably) analog section of a firepod converter if I was doing any serious recording. Not that it will sound terrible or something, but having 2 channels of great quality preamps and conversion would give me a lot more confidence than a trying to run a mostly empty lunchbox through the from XLR jacks of a firepod. Plus, it will give him 10 simultaneous inputs as opposed to 8 when he goes to record drums.

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 05:29 PM

thanks for all the info guys. I think I am going to go with the A2D after I save up enough. Now I just need to find some better overhead mics because my samson c02s aren't cutting it. I think I'm going to go with the ATM450...I know this is off topic to the thread, but what do you think about these SDCs? They seem very affordable and I'm hearing good things about them.

skatingbasser · 8th April 2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heisleyamor

thanks for all the info guys. I think I am going to go with the A2D after I save up enough. Now I just need to find some better overhead mics because my samson c02s aren't cutting it. I think I'm going to go with the ATM450...I know this is off topic to the thread, but what do you think about these SDCs? They seem very affordable and I'm hearing good things about them.

There have been a few topics on these as OH in the past few days, I've got a pair... I think they are just OK for overheads. Really nice for toms. Definitely worth the cash, a good value, but I'd drop more for something better if you're going to be sending it to a A2D...

Maybe the overheads first?

Bierce85 · 8th April 2008, 05:36 PM

try a pair of cascade fathead ribbons for $300. Run those through your API and I think you'll love what you hear

heisleyamor · 8th April 2008, 05:57 PM

if anyone has a clip or link to hear your favorite OH then please post. I've been stuck on overhead mics for awhile. I like the modern drum sound with nice and crisp (but not harsh) cymbals. I dont' really want to spend over 500 dollars though (used).

901 · 7th October 2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bierce85

I personally would not want to run high quality preamps through the $6 (probably) analog section of a firepod converter if I was doing any serious recording.

I´m currently thinking about the same question: A2D vs starting a new lunchbox with two 512c modules. Cost would be around the same (retail prices I found here in Germany).
I have a Fireface 800 with which I´m currently quite happy. But my experience is rather limited in converters and maybe I just don´t know any better (I have read the Lynx vs Fireface thread

).

I like the idea of the lunchbox very much in that it´s kind of portable and modular. But if the A2D is a real step up ADC-wise, I´d stay with 19" gear.

Opinions?

Zack · 7th October 2008, 12:21 PM

Again, another guy in the same situation. I'm fairly set on an API lunchbox, as soon as the bank balance allows, however the A2D appears to be a good option too. I'd be running it into a Digimax FS (no line in, so still running through the pre-amp stage) and then ADAT to a Saffire 26i/o.

I figure preamps make a greater difference to the sound than the converters so while an A2D gives great pre's with great converters, if you buy a lunchbox you set yourself up for the future with 6 pre's, then you could upgrade your converters.

Yay? Nay? Opinions?

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8th April 2008, 05:08 AM	#1
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	Would getting an API A2D be smarter than getting 2 API 512c and a lunchbox? Right now, I'm working with a firepod, going to 2 KRK RP-6 monitors. I was thinking about getting a lunchbox to start a collection of 500 series pres. I am in college now so I'm not making too much money. I was just wondering if it would be smarter to get maybe a used API A2D and get those converters instead of getting 2 API 512cs for more money and have to buy the lunchbox and have to use my firepod converters. What do you think would be a good idea for me? 2 great pres and converters from the A2D sound great to me. Can I run this into my laptop? or would I have to run it through my firepod? All I'm looking for is 2 pres at this point for overheads on drums and I'll use the rest of my pres on my firepod for the rest and probably replace hits. Any suggestions? thank you! - Jeff

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8th April 2008, 05:22 AM	#2
Bierce85 Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: RI Posts: 777	I would get the A2D. You get some of the most useful preamps ever made as well as converters matched to accentuate their sound. The problem with the lunchbox idea is you're stuck trying to use your firepod as a converter for them. from what I remember the firepods didn't have regular line ins in the back so you'd be stuck running the 512's output into the front of the Firepod, and the front line-ins aren't "real" line inputs, they're just going through the mic preamp without any added gain which isn't quite as clean as a real line in. The only problem with the A2D is it has to be the master clock (which wouldn't be a problem for you), and you can't really use it in a setup with more than 3 different converters since it only accepts superclock. The only way to fix that is if you have a separate master clock that can output superclock along side regular word clock to your other converters (assuming they're not superclock). Does your firepod have an S/PDIF input? If so, that would be the only way to use it at the same time as your firepod (and clock the firepod to it's S/PDIF input).

8th April 2008, 05:37 AM	#3
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	yes it has a S/PDIF input/output. Would I be able to record 2 tracks with the A2D using those converters simultaneously with 2 or 3 tracks with the firepod?

8th April 2008, 06:02 AM	#4
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	could I run the api through the s/pdif of the firepod and use all channels? or do I need a "master clock" or whatever?

8th April 2008, 06:30 AM	#6
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	how would I run the A2D into my system then if I can't hook it up to my firepod?

8th April 2008, 06:33 AM	#7
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	ok...I just read on a different thread... "I've been using a Firepod and an A2D at home for about a year now. 10 inputs, no problems. " so I'm guessing you can hook the API to the firepod S/PDIF as long as you set the clock to the S/PDIF...is that correct? I need some clarification

8th April 2008, 08:27 AM	#8
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	bump.. :-)

8th April 2008, 10:44 AM	#9
darkman2 Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: montserrat w.i. Posts: 114	i run my a2d into my mbox2 via spdif , i get 2 beautifull channells which is all i need, my fingers are crossed im waiting for my veve 5043 comp to arrive hopefully today...

8th April 2008, 02:25 PM	#11
yrlk Gear addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 397	Depends on what you want to do. If you want to get a nice converter that you can run everything into eventually, well, then no. You should get the lunchbox with the API's. This would also allow you to add more/different pre's later on, but again... it all depends on what you want to do. I love what the A2D can do, but I'd rather have a stand alone converter. But in my opinion, pre's are more important than converters when you have to have the very best of only one.

8th April 2008, 05:29 PM	#13
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	thanks for all the info guys. I think I am going to go with the A2D after I save up enough. Now I just need to find some better overhead mics because my samson c02s aren't cutting it. I think I'm going to go with the ATM450...I know this is off topic to the thread, but what do you think about these SDCs? They seem very affordable and I'm hearing good things about them.

8th April 2008, 05:36 PM	#15
Bierce85 Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: RI Posts: 777	try a pair of cascade fathead ribbons for $300. Run those through your API and I think you'll love what you hear

8th April 2008, 05:57 PM	#16
heisleyamor Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,042	if anyone has a clip or link to hear your favorite OH then please post. I've been stuck on overhead mics for awhile. I like the modern drum sound with nice and crisp (but not harsh) cymbals. I dont' really want to spend over 500 dollars though (used).

7th October 2008, 12:21 PM	#18
Zack Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 114	Again, another guy in the same situation. I'm fairly set on an API lunchbox, as soon as the bank balance allows, however the A2D appears to be a good option too. I'd be running it into a Digimax FS (no line in, so still running through the pre-amp stage) and then ADAT to a Saffire 26i/o. I figure preamps make a greater difference to the sound than the converters so while an A2D gives great pre's with great converters, if you buy a lunchbox you set yourself up for the future with 6 pre's, then you could upgrade your converters. Yay? Nay? Opinions?