What would be a real upgrade....

Herman Munster · 18th June 2008, 02:56 AM

...I currently am still using a Firepod and have an ART DMPA that gives me 2 more channels in via SPDIF. The sound I'm getting is great (in Cubase), but spent some time in a buddy's studio this weekend and he is getting a MUCH warmer tone. Of course, he has a Spider and is running a ProTools rig. So, the question is - what would you guys consider a true upgrade for me. I have considered a Firestudio or RME Fireface for a couple of years, but keep coming back to the thought that this might sound a little better, but not give me everything I want. I somehow think going to a Firestudio or Fireface would sound better, but be a little bit of a lateral move as well. So, what would you guys consider an upgrade from my current humble set up and how much will I have to spend? By the way, I chose to place this thread here instead of the Low End for a reason. Don't worry too much about $$$...

kittonian · 18th June 2008, 04:32 AM

Well, honestly if you are looking for a warmer, richer tone there's a few obvious items that come to mind.

1. Converters (Lynx Aurora with the AES16 interface card)
2. PreAmp (Brent Averill 1073)
3. Compression (DBX 160SL)
4. Mic (Peluso 2247SE)

None of those things are cheap but if you have all 4 in place, you'd be hard pressed not to achieve a beautiful sound. Certainly you can start with one or two and move up gradually (I did list things in order I would start). Spending this kind of money is a serious endeavor but you did say money was not an issue.

Hope that helps!

Newcleardaze · 18th June 2008, 04:43 AM

I moved from the Firepod to a FF800 awhile back and love it... although if i could have afforded it, I would've rather moved on up to an apogee or lynx. It seems there have been more issues with the Firestudio than the Firepod (I can't speak for the sound quality, but I doubt it is much of a difference) so it might in fact be a step back.
Another thing to consider is room treatment, which will also make a difference.

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18th June 2008, 02:56 AM	#1
Herman Munster Gear addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mockingbird Lane Posts: 488	What would be a real upgrade.... ...I currently am still using a Firepod and have an ART DMPA that gives me 2 more channels in via SPDIF. The sound I'm getting is great (in Cubase), but spent some time in a buddy's studio this weekend and he is getting a MUCH warmer tone. Of course, he has a Spider and is running a ProTools rig. So, the question is - what would you guys consider a true upgrade for me. I have considered a Firestudio or RME Fireface for a couple of years, but keep coming back to the thought that this might sound a little better, but not give me everything I want. I somehow think going to a Firestudio or Fireface would sound better, but be a little bit of a lateral move as well. So, what would you guys consider an upgrade from my current humble set up and how much will I have to spend? By the way, I chose to place this thread here instead of the Low End for a reason. Don't worry too much about $$$... __________________ Mike www.myspace.com/mjlunsford

18th June 2008, 04:32 AM	#2
kittonian Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 2,397	Well, honestly if you are looking for a warmer, richer tone there's a few obvious items that come to mind. 1. Converters (Lynx Aurora with the AES16 interface card) 2. PreAmp (Brent Averill 1073) 3. Compression (DBX 160SL) 4. Mic (Peluso 2247SE) None of those things are cheap but if you have all 4 in place, you'd be hard pressed not to achieve a beautiful sound. Certainly you can start with one or two and move up gradually (I did list things in order I would start). Spending this kind of money is a serious endeavor but you did say money was not an issue. Hope that helps! __________________ Joshua Aaron President/Chief Engineer AudioLot/AudioLot Studios High End Pro Audio Sales & Consulting Recording/Music Production/Mixing http://www.audiolot.com

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18th June 2008, 04:43 AM	#3
Newcleardaze Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 243	I moved from the Firepod to a FF800 awhile back and love it... although if i could have afforded it, I would've rather moved on up to an apogee or lynx. It seems there have been more issues with the Firestudio than the Firepod (I can't speak for the sound quality, but I doubt it is much of a difference) so it might in fact be a step back. Another thing to consider is room treatment, which will also make a difference.