A&H Zed R16 Firewire Mixer

[s o l v e n t]

Originally Posted by MartinHB

Do you hear anything different Jason?

I've only had it for a couple of weeks, & done 1 mix on it so far -- too early for me to tell.

[microwave]

Originally Posted by MartinHB

Yes please do have a look your self.

Is there any way you could output a few sources from VSTi's to individual channels and record the summed master channel mix back to 2 tracks in your daw. Do you hear anything different?

I dont think this is about looking at specs. Im usally the last person to do that becasue I dont understand spec sheets anyway. I trust my ears which are not golden at all, and my monitoring system is basic. But I hear a noticeable difference in the audio when I record the consoles master buss. I thougt that what I heard back as I monitored live would be exactly as I would hear it back after recording the mix becasue what Im hearing live has already been converted?

Hi Martin - if you record the mix through the mix bus' AD converters you are sending what you are hearing through another generation of AD (and then DA to hear what you've recorded), which is inevitable because once you have a good sounding mix, you'll want to commit it to "tape".
As i said, I personally hear no difference worth taking notice of between the sound of the converters on the mix buss and those on the main channels.

[s o l v e n t]

Originally Posted by MartinHB

Yes please do have a look your self.

Is there any way you could output a few sources from VSTi's to individual channels and record the summed master channel mix back to 2 tracks in your daw. Do you hear anything different?

I dont think this is about looking at specs. Im usally the last person to do that becasue I dont understand spec sheets anyway. I trust my ears which are not golden at all, and my monitoring system is basic. But I hear a noticeable difference in the audio when I record the consoles master buss. I thougt that what I heard back as I monitored live would be exactly as I would hear it back after recording the mix becasue what Im hearing live has already been converted?

Hi Martin,

I think that your last sentence shows that you do not fully understand AD/DA... No disrespect meant... You mention VSTIs a lot so I take it that you are coming from a 100% ITB background? Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because I think that perhaps you are doing something wrong somehow when recording your mix, because I definitely do not hear any obvious/noticeable difference when I listen back to stuff recorded via the Mixbus-AD.

The reason that I want an answer from A&H is because I expect the differences from Channel-AD/DA versus Mixbus-AD/DA to be subtle, and am worried that I might not notice the difference while mixing, but that my mixes may be slightly compromised.

For example: (A) I just completed a mix, and used 17/18 DA for all of the elements that didn't need individual attention (EQ/FX/etc)... I had channels 15/16 free -- had I known that 15/16 would've given me superior DA, I'd have used them instead... The difference might've been too subtle to hear on the spot, but ultimately, perhaps my mix couldn've been just that little bit better had I used 15/16 instead of 17/18.... (B) I recorded some FX returns using 17/18 (because I will be doing my final in another studio later) -- had I known that channel AD is superior, I'd have moved my FX-return cables into the channel inputs rather than using the stereo-inputs and recording via the Mixbus-AD.

So yeah, basically I'm just being totally paranoid and ridiculous... but then, aren't most of us? If we weren't then we wouldn't be here on Gearslutz...

Jason

[gollumsluvslave]

If the 2 channel master A/D is handled by a codec and not a A/D chip then it's possible it could be improved by a firmware upgrade.

Quite interesting to know though, whilst it's likely I will mixdown back through my A2D, it would be nice to know that the ZED master 2 channel A/D isn't compromised.

[MartinHB]

Originally Posted by s o l v e n t

Hi Martin,

I think that your last sentence shows that you do not fully understand AD/DA... No disrespect meant... You mention VSTIs a lot so I take it that you are coming from a 100% ITB background? Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because I think that perhaps you are doing something wrong somehow when recording your mix, because I definitely do not hear any obvious/noticeable difference when I listen back to stuff recorded via the Mixbus-AD.

The reason that I want an answer from A&H is because I expect the differences from Channel-AD/DA versus Mixbus-AD/DA to be subtle, and am worried that I might not notice the difference while mixing, but that my mixes may be slightly compromised.

For example: (A) I just completed a mix, and used 17/18 DA for all of the elements that didn't need individual attention (EQ/FX/etc)... I had channels 15/16 free -- had I known that 15/16 would've given me superior DA, I'd have used them instead... The difference might've been too subtle to hear on the spot, but ultimately, perhaps my mix couldn've been just that little bit better had I used 15/16 instead of 17/18.... (B) I recorded some FX returns using 17/18 (because I will be doing my final in another studio later) -- had I known that channel AD is superior, I'd have moved my FX-return cables into the channel inputs rather than using the stereo-inputs and recording via the Mixbus-AD.

So yeah, basically I'm just being totally paranoid and ridiculous... but then, aren't most of us? If we weren't then we wouldn't be here on Gearslutz...

Jason

No offence taken in regards my understanding of AD DA stuff
My background has never been tape but I have used a number of consoles and outboard in the past but for seven years Ive been mixing itb. Im also not the most techie guy but in general I know enough to get me by.

I do suspect Im doing something wrong because It sounds like a little more bass gets added and the lower mids sound ever so slightly mushier. I suppose to my ears the mix loses a bit of its mojo.

I havent tried sending all the live signals back to individual tracks in the daw. I will be doing that tomorrow.

Im interested to know if it was only FX returns you recorded from the mixers main outs? If it were would you really notice any difference? I didnt notice anything until I was recording back around 10-16 of the mixers channels all going to the stereo out (CH 17-18)

Im like you in that I want to know my mixes arnt being compromised by using the mixers main outs to record a stereo master. But at the moment I am experiencing an inferior sound to what I was listening to. Perhaps its to be expected as I havent used a console for a number of years with a Daw so this is maybe the norm. And I could be expecting to much from the console because for the price and its features its really a bargain. But I could easily be doing something wrong and if you have any ideas please let me know.

[lovekrafty]

I'm sure Mike from A&H will be back in next week to answer any queries.

Cheers
LK

[Bewildered]

Sooooo.......24 pages in and I think I've just about cracked it, but would welcome the wisdom and guidance of the Slutz's / A&H just to make sure I haven't missed anything - which is highly likely!

Currently using Apogee Ensemble/MAC/Logic and love it! However, I am now getting to the point where only having 8 inputs has the potential to be a little limiting. So...

1) I'm looking for a way to carry on using the Ensemble but increase the number of simultaneous inputs into Logic - and I'm guessing using ADAT via the Apogee is the best way to achieve this?

Now I appreciate that there are any number of audio cards out there that I could daisy-chain via ADAT as above, but I also have something else to add into the equation...

2) I'm starting to pick up requests for PA's/Live sound/Live recording. So far, I have hired PA etc but as I was in the market for some inputs, I started to wonder if there was a desk that would have the ability to provide PA type functionality (for small bands/conferences etc - nothing to heavy) as well as provide me with the ability to provide additional inputs into Logic via the Apogee?

If I'm reading all of the above correctly, the R16 will do this as follows

a) Connect via ADAT into Apogee.
b) Be synched as a slave to the Apogee clock by connecting via firewire into my MAC; going into the R16 Driver Software (??) and telling the R16 to take it's clock from the ADAT (I'm really not sure on this bit - and it's crucial!)
c) Allow me to see an additional 16 channels in Logic recording at 44.1

Alternatively, I could run the R16 direct into Logic via firewire for 16 channels of audio.

And for PA work, I'll simply connect the R16 to a Power Amp etc and run it like a standalone desk - but with a firewire connection directly into Logic, I could also record 16 tracks live.

Am I on the right tracks there folks?

Or is there a better way?

Thanks in advance. I clearly don't post here a lot - but having only been involved in recording for 6 months or so, I do find this place invaluable!

Mike

[AlienHealth]

Originally Posted by s o l v e n t

Hi,

I did a lot of posting during the beginnings of this thread, and just wanted to report that I finally picked up a Zed R16, and I am definitely mighty happy with the sound quality, and it is a great step forward for improving my workflow (these being the main attractions for me about this board -- & it doesn't disappoint).

Can we have an official response from A&H about this supposedly inferior quality of the AD/DA on the Main stereo in/out versus the AD/DA of the 16 channels? I don't want to just "use my ears" here -- if the Main stereo AD/DAs are technically inferior, it will alter the way that I use the board, so I want to know...

thx

Jason

Hi Jason,

Sorry for the delay.
Glad you've "taken the plunge" and got yourself a ZED-R16.
Regarding the stereo AD/DA, the DAC is 114dB dynamic range and the ADC is 108dB so is just a few dB below the performance of the channel converters. My reasoning is that in an analogue mix bus situation, the slightly higher noise of the bus (compared to an individual channel) will be dominant, and the stereo AD/DA is matched so as not to degrade the bus performance.
So the fact remains that the cleanest path is through the channel converters, then you can mix in your DAW whilst monitoring with the L/R channels, or you can mixdown in analogue recording the L/R ADC signals. This is dependent on method and personal preference - some like the sound of summing in analogue rather than in the computer.

Also, regarding the new (XP/Vista64) drivers - I posted them on this thread first as a few guys were keen to try them before full release, but there were some WDM mode channel issues which needed sorting so we didn't put them on the website. I believe these are fixed now so we should have them on the website soon (and here probably!)


Cheers,
Mike.

[AlienHealth]

Originally Posted by Wheelomatic

Mike and/or other Alien Heath life,
Are there any plans to sponsor a ZED R16 users forum? I can't for the life of me find one out there. Even an A&H non-sanctioned one would be helpful as I'm currently deciding between it and the Cakewalk VS 700. Let me know when you get a moment.
Wheels

Hi Wheels,

Sorry for the late reply.....
I'll mention it to marketing again - I think it would be a good idea.
Although this thread acts as the biggest user discussion forum I have found for the product.
Pretty useful for customers and designers alike!
I notice there is a similar thing going on (for a while) for the N12.

Cheers,
Mike.

[tubeydude]

Mike, all,

I've been using my R16 since they first came out and I love it. So easy to use and sounds great.

I use the first 2 aux busses as effects send during tracking only.
I also use the effects inserts during tracking for the drums mainly and then during overdubs. I actually love the connections on the top back as it serves as my patchbay for inserts as well.

I do occasionally (more like rarely) have a dropout when powering things down or up on the same power circuit, so I was wondering about how to check to see if the board has the missing connection or not.

I also have gotten the first 8 faders (in midi mode) to control the sonar faders. I have not figured out how to get the next 8 to work as well.

Is there something I am missing within ACT in Sonar?
Do you have template file for Sonar control yet?

Thanks,

Erik

[lovekrafty]

You are definetly on the right track, you could infact add your Apogee's
to the live scanio for 24 track input at 44.1 / 48.

Although I use my mixer soley for studio use, the ability to have a laptop
hooked up to just the mixer for location recording is definetly an added benefit of going this route.

So far one of the coolest features I've found is the ability to " Print " tracks with plug-ins back to the DAW whlist using the channel EQ's.

and printing subgroups in real time back to the DAW, the routing flexibility is just outstanding.

Also having no latency input monitoring with effects on the aux busses
is awsome, ie you can print your vocal track with the auxed outboard reverb being recorded on discreet input channels simultanously, later on if you don't like the reverb you cut, just fly the vocal track back into a channel strip and you can audition your auxed reverbs in realtime, find the one you like and print it.

For people like me who are trying to get away from plug-ins it's great!

Cheers
LK

Originally Posted by Bewildered

Sooooo.......24 pages in and I think I've just about cracked it, but would welcome the wisdom and guidance of the Slutz's / A&H just to make sure I haven't missed anything - which is highly likely!

Currently using Apogee Ensemble/MAC/Logic and love it! However, I am now getting to the point where only having 8 inputs has the potential to be a little limiting. So...

1) I'm looking for a way to carry on using the Ensemble but increase the number of simultaneous inputs into Logic - and I'm guessing using ADAT via the Apogee is the best way to achieve this?

Now I appreciate that there are any number of audio cards out there that I could daisy-chain via ADAT as above, but I also have something else to add into the equation...

2) I'm starting to pick up requests for PA's/Live sound/Live recording. So far, I have hired PA etc but as I was in the market for some inputs, I started to wonder if there was a desk that would have the ability to provide PA type functionality (for small bands/conferences etc - nothing to heavy) as well as provide me with the ability to provide additional inputs into Logic via the Apogee?

If I'm reading all of the above correctly, the R16 will do this as follows

a) Connect via ADAT into Apogee.
b) Be synched as a slave to the Apogee clock by connecting via firewire into my MAC; going into the R16 Driver Software (??) and telling the R16 to take it's clock from the ADAT (I'm really not sure on this bit - and it's crucial!)
c) Allow me to see an additional 16 channels in Logic recording at 44.1

Alternatively, I could run the R16 direct into Logic via firewire for 16 channels of audio.

And for PA work, I'll simply connect the R16 to a Power Amp etc and run it like a standalone desk - but with a firewire connection directly into Logic, I could also record 16 tracks live.

Am I on the right tracks there folks?

Or is there a better way?

Thanks in advance. I clearly don't post here a lot - but having only been involved in recording for 6 months or so, I do find this place invaluable!

Mike

[Bewildered]

Thanks for the info and additional applications Mr Krafty - or can I call you love??? It does look like a fabulous solution.

Can I just ask somebody (Mike from A&H preferably) to confirm my understanding of the clocking situation?

I really don't want to move away from the excellent clocking that the Apogee provides, so I need to know that I can set up the R16 to use the clock from the Apogee via the ADAT connection and then feed everything into Logic via the Apogee.

That genuinely is the only thing stopping me going out and buying this tomorrow

[lovekrafty]

You should have no prob clocking the R16 to your Apogee's in 44.1 and 48 Via ADAT I/O, Not sure about 88 , 96

I've had success clocking my Layla to R16 and Vice Versa.

Cheers
LK

[MartinHB]

In regards the sound I was getting. There was a problem, it was me. To cut a long story short I wasn't paying attention to the Cubase input/send??? Channels and seemed to be recording the level to loud. Im not very familiar with Cubase (thats my excuse) and all the sounds were coming from Reason rewired through Cubase then sent to the console and then back to Cubase. A little more complex than Im used to, and of course my lack of Cubase knowledge. Good, so now I can get on with putting the console through its paces

I must say though its really cool having faders and EQ right there, anytime, beingable to see the EQ of multiple channels, AND getting away from the screen and mouse. Cool

After Im more used to the console I will then have to figure out a way to fit the console in with a Mac-Logic-Euphonix system I just bought. Or I may keep two completely seperate systems running for a while?. AN ITB with logic Euphonix, and OTB Hybrid with the A+H and PC. Interesting times (for me at least)

[Bewildered]

Originally Posted by lovekrafty

You should have no prob clocking the R16 to your Apogee's in 44.1 and 48 Via ADAT I/O, Not sure about 88 , 96

I've had success clocking my Layla to R16 and Vice Versa.

Cheers
LK

Thanks LK - sounds like its a deal then!

Last call for anybody who has any problems using the marvellous sounding R16 with

1) Apogee Ensemble?
2) Logic?
3) MAC's in general?

[lovekrafty]

Originally Posted by MartinHB

In regards the sound I was getting. There was a problem, it was me. To cut a long story short I wasn't paying attention to the Cubase input/send??? Channels and seemed to be recording the level to loud. Im not very familiar with Cubase (thats my excuse) and all the sounds were coming from Reason rewired through Cubase then sent to the console and then back to Cubase. A little more complex than Im used to, and of course my lack of Cubase knowledge. Good, so now I can get on with putting the console through its paces

I must say though its really cool having faders and EQ right there, anytime, beingable to see the EQ of multiple channels, AND getting away from the screen and mouse. Cool

After Im more used to the console I will then have to figure out a way to fit the console in with a Mac-Logic-Euphonix system I just bought. Or I may keep two completely seperate systems running for a while?. AN ITB with logic Euphonix, and OTB Hybrid with the A+H and PC. Interesting times (for me at least)

It's tricky at first to figure the best way to use it, as you have so many routing options.

I use the R16 along side a Mackie Control / Extender, which works great
I can use the Mackie to automate mixing , mutes , plugins,
have in the DAW subs controlled by the Mackie's faders ,output subs to dicreet audio channels on the R16, take those subs or " Stems " , eq them and then Sum the whole mix through the R16 back into my DAW.

That's just one way of routing !

Cheers
LK

[dr.noetigenfallz]

I just bought my new ZED R 16 2 weeks ago. I use ZED together with my focusrite Liquid Saffire 56. ZED is ASIO Master. Yesterday I had set up everything properly, but then something happened.

Somehow I ripped out the ASIO-lightpipe cable. I don´t know if it has somethng to do with it, but now I can´t record the ASIO Channels of the Liquid Mix anymore. Nothing is happening when I´m recording them. Also all the Midi knobs and faders of the ZED don´t work anymore. Not even the transport control.

I tried for hours but nothing works. What can I do? Is there a hardware problem? I tried to use ASIO Input No. 2. Nothing happens.

Can you help me?

[lovekrafty]

Originally Posted by dr.noetigenfallz

I just bought my new ZED R 16 2 weeks ago. I use ZED together with my focusrite Liquid Saffire 56. ZED is ASIO Master. Yesterday I had set up everything properly, but then something happened.

Somehow I ripped out the ASIO-lightpipe cable. I don´t know if it has somethng to do with it, but now I can´t record the ASIO Channels of the Liquid Mix anymore. Nothing is happening when I´m recording them. Also all the Midi knobs and faders of the ZED don´t work anymore. Not even the transport control.

I tried for hours but nothing works. What can I do? Is there a hardware problem? I tried to use ASIO Input No. 2. Nothing happens.

Can you help me?

What do you mean ripped out? , did you damage the lightpipe cable ?
you need the lightpipe cable plugged into the first R16 ADAT port for any external interface to clock to, otherwise it won't lock.

Or are you talking about the Firewire cable ?

Check the R16 control panel to make sure it's set to be the master
and the focusrite to make sure it's set to clock to ADAT.

As far as the midi , not sure, sounds unrelated, did you mess around with
settings in your panic to get the liquidmix back up?

[rolandman]

...maybe I missed it, but is there any news on the release of the R24? Specs? Drawings? anything?

[Phaidon]

Originally Posted by rolandman

...maybe I missed it, but is there any news on the release of the R24? Specs? Drawings? anything?

A bit too early ,don't u think??

Around December....

[AlienHealth]

Originally Posted by Bewildered

Thanks for the info and additional applications Mr Krafty - or can I call you love??? It does look like a fabulous solution.

Can I just ask somebody (Mike from A&H preferably) to confirm my understanding of the clocking situation?

I really don't want to move away from the excellent clocking that the Apogee provides, so I need to know that I can set up the R16 to use the clock from the Apogee via the ADAT connection and then feed everything into Logic via the Apogee.

That genuinely is the only thing stopping me going out and buying this tomorrow

Hi B,

I think LK has confirmed that this is possible already, but yes you can synchronise the ZED-R16 to clock from the ADAT input. Actually the clocks will still be generated by the low jitter JET PLL generator, but sync'd to the ADAT in.
You'll need the latest firmware in the mixer to remember to sync from ADAT on power up, but you'll want this anyway because the L/R I/O is available at 96kHz sample rate (FireWire mode only).
BTW the sample rate in ADAT mode is fixed at either 44.1 or 48kHz.

Cheers,
Mike.

[AlienHealth]

Originally Posted by rolandman

...maybe I missed it, but is there any news on the release of the R24? Specs? Drawings? anything?

Hi Rolandman,

I'm working on it, but I honestly can't give you a release date. Much depends on how the development of the control system goes.
I think it will be a great product though!

Cheers,

Mike.

[AlienHealth]

Originally Posted by dr.noetigenfallz

I just bought my new ZED R 16 2 weeks ago. I use ZED together with my focusrite Liquid Saffire 56. ZED is ASIO Master. Yesterday I had set up everything properly, but then something happened.

Somehow I ripped out the ASIO-lightpipe cable. I don´t know if it has somethng to do with it, but now I can´t record the ASIO Channels of the Liquid Mix anymore. Nothing is happening when I´m recording them. Also all the Midi knobs and faders of the ZED don´t work anymore. Not even the transport control.

I tried for hours but nothing works. What can I do? Is there a hardware problem? I tried to use ASIO Input No. 2. Nothing happens.

Can you help me?

Hi Dr N,

Difficult to diagnose here, so please contact support@allen-heath.com or your local dealer/support contact and we will help fix the problem.

Kind regards,

Mike.

[MartinHB]

Hi Mike, couple of quick questions.

1: Is there a reason why I have to shut down my DAW software to adjust the buffer size. Im thinking if this could have been changed with an update it would have happened by now?

2: I can get all the midi stuff working in the master section but not the transport in either Cubase SX3 or Ableton Live. Is there a button configuration I have to press. I have all the correct midi inputs setup on the daw


....................................................................................................


Your probably near the end of the design stage of the larger version, But just in case theres still some time heres a few suggestions in no particular order of importance. AND BTW, it really is a fantastic prduct.


1: How about making the two pre fade sends switchable to post. I dont use pre fade at all and it seems a waste they sit there and do nothing.

2: There is (im sure) a big market out there for people like my self who make electronic music but want some analog action on the mix. Mic pres are not that useful for us so we dont need 24/32 mic pres which Im sure must add to the cost. I know some want loads of mic pres. maybe you guys could do 2 versions (probably wishful thinking) with one aimed at the DAW user who only ever need a couple of mic pres but want a lot of channels for returning all those VST outs and line ins for outboard synths. Im coming from the electronic/Dance market. Instead of Mic pres I could think of a million things I would rather have, but I wont bore you with a million suggestions, Im sure you get the idea

3: The midi section is very useful but could be much more so with programmeble memory so I can set up patches for various VST synths etc. The feel of those faders and pots are excellent for midi stuff and having them right there on the console is ace. But I suspect you guys are already thinking of expanding on the midi section.

And finally I think giving people a free hamster called Zed with every purchase would be a deal breaker. Or perhaps we could save the Gray squirrels which Prince Charles wants to wipe out. I prefer a hamster, but a squirrel will do. A+H could train them up first to perform basic automation tasks and make the tea. Hamsters are pretty bored in general and according to my sources their getting nervous about the squirrel situation..

I have little ZED semi trained up and will be showing him at the next Namm. He's nervous, but excited about his debut.

[lovekrafty]

Originally Posted by MartinHB

Hi Mike, couple of quick questions.

1: Is there a reason why I have to shut down my DAW software to adjust the buffer size. Im thinking if this could have been changed with an update it would have happened by now?

2: I can get all the midi stuff working in the master section but not the transport in either Cubase SX3 or Ableton Live. Is there a button configuration I have to press. I have all the correct midi inputs setup on the daw


....................................................................................................


Your probably near the end of the design stage of the larger version, But just in case theres still some time heres a few suggestions in no particular order of importance. AND BTW, it really is a fantastic prduct.


1: How about making the two pre fade sends switchable to post. I dont use pre fade at all and it seems a waste they sit there and do nothing.

2: There is (im sure) a big market out there for people like my self who make electronic music but want some analog action on the mix. Mic pres are not that useful for us so we dont need 24/32 mic pres which Im sure must add to the cost. I know some want loads of mic pres. maybe you guys could do 2 versions (probably wishful thinking) with one aimed at the DAW user who only ever need a couple of mic pres but want a lot of channels for returning all those VST outs and line ins for outboard synths. Im coming from the electronic/Dance market. Instead of Mic pres I could think of a million things I would rather have, but I wont bore you with a million suggestions, Im sure you get the idea

3: The midi section is very useful but could be much more so with programmeble memory so I can set up patches for various VST synths etc. The feel of those faders and pots are excellent for midi stuff and having them right there on the console is ace. But I suspect you guys are already thinking of expanding on the midi section.

And finally I think giving people a free hamster called Zed with every purchase would be a deal breaker. Or perhaps we could save the Gray squirrels which Prince Charles wants to wipe out. I prefer a hamster, but a squirrel will do. A+H could train them up first to perform basic automation tasks and make the tea. Hamsters are pretty bored in general and according to my sources their getting nervous about the squirrel situation..

I have little ZED semi trained up and will be showing him at the next Namm. He's nervous, but excited about his debut.

Does the Hamster come with a Toilet roll tube ?

[Bewildered]

Originally Posted by AlienHealth

Hi B,

I think LK has confirmed that this is possible already, but yes you can synchronise the ZED-R16 to clock from the ADAT input. Actually the clocks will still be generated by the low jitter JET PLL generator, but sync'd to the ADAT in.
You'll need the latest firmware in the mixer to remember to sync from ADAT on power up, but you'll want this anyway because the L/R I/O is available at 96kHz sample rate (FireWire mode only).
BTW the sample rate in ADAT mode is fixed at either 44.1 or 48kHz.

Cheers,
Mike.

Hello Mike

Yep - Lovekrafty did a great job and should be on the payroll! Thanks for the additional confirmation, it always adds a huge amount to the buying process when the manufacturer has confirmed an area that the buyer is a little concerned over - particularly when it's one of the key reasons for buying!

I don't record over 44.1, so that's not a problem - and my understanding of the Apogee is that it works on the same basis if using the ADAT connection as well as the normal in's.

OK off to buy. Will let people know how I get on once it's here.

[awediohead]

Just wanted to post to say - having read the whole thread more than once over the months - that Mike's involvement here has been exemplary and an amazingly inspiring thing to witness from the sidelines: Dare we hope that this kind of direct contact between design engineer and customer might be the wave of the future? Surely it is of enormous benefit to both so long as the dialogue is mature and the criticism constructive?

It also encouraged me to recently order a Zed 420 while I wait it out with a lot of other guys and gals for the R24 to become available. Not that the ZED 420 really compares, decent little desk though it is, but I have some AD DA gear - like the FF800 - that I can bodge together to replace the onboard USB 1.1 and all seems workable with the direct outs - at least in the short term. The longer term will hopefully bring an R24!!!

cheers

[awediohead]

Typical of my tendency towards indecisive sluttery I'm having a rethink about the 420 . . . can I clarify a few things from those of you that have the R16 please (or Mike)?

Hi B,

I think LK has confirmed that this is possible already, but yes you can synchronise the ZED-R16 to clock from the ADAT input. Actually the clocks will still be generated by the low jitter JET PLL generator, but sync'd to the ADAT in.
You'll need the latest firmware in the mixer to remember to sync from ADAT on power up, but you'll want this anyway because the L/R I/O is available at 96kHz sample rate (FireWire mode only).
BTW the sample rate in ADAT mode is fixed at either 44.1 or 48kHz.

Cheers,
Mike.

1) I have a Liquid4Pre . Would I be able to use this at 96kHz via ADAT with the R16 in FW mode and still have 16 + 2 channels of I/O all at 96kHz? That would be 4 channels from the L4Pre so one ADAT connection

The manual I downloaded CLEARLY states this is impossible as no ADAT channels are available over 48kHz, but I'm unclear about what current and future firmware updates may make possible. If this is being worked on and expected to become possible with future firmware updates then I'll be changing my 420 order to an R16!!

The manual also states:

The FireWire controller we use in ZED-R16 is the DICE Jr from TC Applied Technologies and is capable of streaming up to 64 channels at a sample rate of up to 192kHz.

So 22 channels at 96kHz - doubled for i/o = 44 should be technically possible?

But I'm probably missing something

Of course I could always use the analogue outs of the L4Pre into the R16, but it would be good to avoid another conversion. Or I could stay at a lower sample rate, but the L4Pre emulations seem to sound better at 96.

3) How are folks finding the R16 to work with on Mac's and specifically Logic Studio (8.02 in 10.5.6)? Is the MIDI learn working OK? Transport ok? Any limitations?

4) Does the pick up of the faders for using the R16 as a control surface working OK in Logic?

5) Anything else I should know?

cheers and sorry this is so long winded!

[lovekrafty]

Originally Posted by awediohead

Typical of my tendency towards indecisive sluttery I'm having a rethink about the 420 . . . can I clarify a few things from those of you that have the R16 please (or Mike)?



1) I have a Liquid4Pre . Would I be able to use this at 96kHz via ADAT with the R16 in FW mode and still have 16 + 2 channels of I/O all at 96kHz? That would be 4 channels from the L4Pre so one ADAT connection

The manual I downloaded CLEARLY states this is impossible as no ADAT channels are available over 48kHz, but I'm unclear about what current and future firmware updates may make possible. If this is being worked on and expected to become possible with future firmware updates then I'll be changing my 420 order to an R16!!

The manual also states:



So 22 channels at 96kHz - doubled for i/o = 44 should be technically possible?

But I'm probably missing something

Of course I could always use the analogue outs of the L4Pre into the R16, but it would be good to avoid another conversion. Or I could stay at a lower sample rate, but the L4Pre emulations seem to sound better at 96.

3) How are folks finding the R16 to work with on Mac's and specifically Logic Studio (8.02 in 10.5.6)? Is the MIDI learn working OK? Transport ok? Any limitations?

4) Does the pick up of the faders for using the R16 as a control surface working OK in Logic?

5) Anything else I should know?

cheers and sorry this is so long winded!

As of now no ADAT support past 48k, the ADAT option goes away at 88/96

Don't use Mac, and since I have Mackie Contol / Extender I have the transport functions set up but don't use any other Midi on the console.

Other than Flexible routing , killer EQ's , great mike pre's and great AD/DA conversion/ Summing not much else to say.

Oh a trained hampster apparently.

Cheers
LK

[kkonkkrete]

Originally Posted by MartinHB

2: There is (im sure) a big market out there for people like my self who make electronic music but want some analog action on the mix. Mic pres are not that useful for us so we dont need 24/32 mic pres which Im sure must add to the cost. I know some want loads of mic pres. maybe you guys could do 2 versions (probably wishful thinking) with one aimed at the DAW user who only ever need a couple of mic pres but want a lot of channels for returning all those VST outs and line ins for outboard synths. Im coming from the electronic/Dance market. Instead of Mic pres I could think of a million things I would rather have, but I wont bore you with a million suggestions, Im sure you get the idea

+1 on a version without mic pres --- I think SSL are onto something with the X-Desk.

I'd love to see a smaller (rackmountable) version too. Bring out a whole family from 8 - 32 channels!