Apogee x-firewire vs. Motu 828 optical conversion

[Dor]

Hello, I was wondering if I should expect a big difference recording from my rosetta 200 via the x-firewire card vs. rossetta into the motu 828's optical port. Is it true that going digital to digital is a lossless transfer?

I've been thinking that the motu unit is the weak link in my recording chain & just received the x-firewire card. I will give it a shot tonight but wanted to know if it should technically sound better.

Thanks in advance.

Dor

they are just different protocols for digital audio transfer. in theory they should be exact duplicates. as for implemantation... i have not heard of any blatant issues with toslink transmission that would cause data loss.

also, using the toslink on the motu wouldnt really be "conversion". there should be no change in the data (which would be a conversion), just in the transmission method.

[Dor]

thanks for the reply. So you are saying that by adding the x-firewire card, I won't be improving my signal?

[7ciel]

I really would be amazed if it does.

[jeangeniemusic]

Dor:
I posted in this forum an evaluation of the Rosetta 800 (Apogee says same converters than the 200). I compared it to the Motu 828mk2 and I really wanted to like it.
The thread is called Rosetta 800 evaluation and is 2 or 3 days old. Going to the next page or the one after should get you there. You can read my post and get another take on what you consider being the weakest link in your system as I found out the Rosetta to be the weakest link.

Jeangenie

[Dor]

yeah, i read your thread the other day. I 'm happy with the sound of my rosetta 200 vs. the 828. Maybe it's my ears/wallet playing tricks on me but my stereo field and bass response (more defined) seems to have improved from merely switching to the rosetta's clock from the motu internal. I'm loving the way my preamps sound thru the convertors as well. I added a bunch of new gear to my rig at once so i haven't really had time to do a clinical shootout between the units. Too busy mixing & tracking

At the very least i've upgraded my i/o options of my daw by adding the x-firewire card. Now it's time to make some music.

Peace...

[ToddS]

Hello, I was wondering if I should expect a big difference recording from my rosetta 200 via the x-firewire card vs. rossetta into the motu 828's optical port. Is it true that going digital to digital is a lossless transfer?

I've been thinking that the motu unit is the weak link in my recording chain & just received the x-firewire card. I will give it a shot tonight but wanted to know if it should technically sound better.

My understanding from something I read on Gearslutz by Max from Apogee is that Firewire has lots of jitter if not implemented right and therefore your 828 may not sound as good as going straight from the Apogee Firewire card. Please post your results when you know.

I posted in this forum an evaluation of the Rosetta 800 (Apogee says same converters than the 200). I compared it to the Motu 828mk2 and I really wanted to like it.
The thread is called Rosetta 800 evaluation and is 2 or 3 days old. Going to the next page or the one after should get you there. You can read my post and get another take on what you consider being the weakest link in your system as I found out the Rosetta to be the weakest link.

I just read your other post and frankly I think you may have something really screwed up in your room, or the way you listened, or something.... I have heard both units and there was just no comparison between the two in my opinion. I bet that we would be hard pressed to find anyone who has a Rosetta 800 and a MOTU that feels that the Rosetta was not a big improvement.

[jeangeniemusic]

"I just read your other post and frankly I think you may have something really screwed up in your room, or the way you listened, or something.... I have heard both units and there was just no comparison between the two in my opinion. I bet that we would be hard pressed to find anyone who has a Rosetta 800 and a MOTU that feels that the Rosetta was not a big improvement."

Todds:

I am happy it works for you. I really thought I had the piece hooked up wrong. I called Apogee and Motu to verify my hook up. That's how surprised I was.
I am sure it works for some people in their particular configuration of gear since other people like you feel there is a night and day difference. I was really excited by that possibility.
I could suggest/imply that may be something is wrong in your setup or justify my procedure. I have no time for that. I just thought that It might be useful info for someone looking to upgrade his setup.
I truly welcome diversity of opinions. I have found a few boxes that were regarded as hot stuff to sound like ass. I am sure that in between skilled hands they are capable tols. (I do not mean the Rosetta sounds like ass).
Lastly if you work on a PC, I am totally convinced that our experiences with the box might share no common ground (I work on macs).
Whatever it is I am still very interested by the subject and look forward to learn more.
Thank you
Jeangenie

[ToddS]

I use a Mac myself, and again the differences to me were obvious, but like you said, everyone is different.