31st March 2009
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#1 | | Gear interested
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2
Thread Starter | RME Fireface 400/Steinberg MR816X/Mackie Onyx 400F
Hey guys,
I need help deciding between the RME Fireface 400, the Steinberg MR816X and the Mackie Onyx 400F. At this point, I'm thinking these guys will outperform for example the Motu Ultralite, the MBox 2 Pro (where PT is not concerned), etc. By the way, I'm using PC, just to help you help me.
Basically I need an interface specifically for recording vocals and acoustic guitars, so I probably really only need 2 preamps (i'll be using the Rode NTK for a start, and might get a small diaphragm soon later). My issue is I am highly concerned with the sound quality I'll be able to achieve with either one of these interfaces without needing to get external preamps (at least for awhile), or worrying about the converters.
The music is very Damien Rice-y open and vulnerable, so quality (which I'm presuming the NTK is capable on its part) is key, and yet I cannot afford anything more than the MR816X. Quality in terms of audio (priority), and durability or build, is what I am after.
Please help in any way you can! I've been going dizzy from my indecisiveness (which I believe is of good reason: noobism).
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31st March 2009
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#2 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Boston
Posts: 521
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Have you thought about the Echo Audiofire 12 or 8? the 12 is like $500 - 600, and the 8 is somewhere in the $400 range. The 12 is just 12 converters, the 8 has 2 pre's as well, they are great quality, and you can daisy chain them to get many channels. Look them up here on GS. They sound awesome, really they belong in the camp of high end converters
DP Reicher Recording - Gear Rebbe | |
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31st March 2009
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#3 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Discordia
Posts: 281
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I did not like the sound of the AF12 converters, grainy and "over the top". If you look at echos site you'll find that there are two different versions of AF12s out there; you'll find this info under FAQ.
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31st March 2009
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#4 | | Gear addict
Joined: May 2008 Location: Chicago
Posts: 479
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I was making the same decision and decided to get the MR816X. I'm happy with it and now I'm not worried about the converters being an issue.
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31st March 2009
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#5 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 41
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I've used the RME Fireface 400 and Mackie 400F. Unlike some people, I really liked the 400F, although I agree that the high freq is a bit hyped (but it does sound more open). RME is known for their driver stability (although not particularly low latency due to firewire), but on the other hand the Onyx Pres are not bad. The fireface is also significantly more expensive. If I have to choose between the two, I'd get a 400F from ebay for $500.
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1st April 2009
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#6 | | Gear interested
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2
Thread Starter |
Something smells fishy with the 400F, great preamps, tracktion included, big brand name... exactly where have they cut corners? I'm not complaining about the price, just a little concerned.
Steinberg also seems like quite a steal, 8 D-Pre preamps? wow. cubase included. more understandable as it is relatively new, and the price of course is a big difference than the Mackie.
I always believe that you get what you pay for... the RME seems like the safer bet doesnt it? there has to be a reason why they only offer two preamps, less I/O, but does stability really cost that much when other interfaces like the 816 and 400F cant possibly be far off?
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1st April 2009
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#7 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Mirfield, U.K.
Posts: 984
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MR816 here and loving it.
Preamps and converters are the biz, no doubt about it.
Must admit to having teething trouble getting it working though. Mind you, scrapping Vista and going back to XP solved 99% immediately.
Jim
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When I'm not dreaming about recording Steely Dan, I play bass in a function band!
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1st April 2009
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#8 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2006 Location: South Central PA
Posts: 903
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The Mackie 400f is a really solid unit. Great pres, excellent conversion. I had one and actually regret selling it. i was trying to upgrade, but I didn't get any upgrade in any area really.
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I did all the extensive and complicated work arounds that tech support suggested - like gathering mushrooms at midnight under a full moon, do a full reboot, power on the unit, rub dog feces on you left buttock while dancing a little jig on one foot, open regedit, rub your nose three times, go to currentcontrolset, and whck off to a picture of a unicorn! IT DOESN'T F'ING WORK!!!
Unnamed Post on MOTU Tech Support | |
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2nd April 2009
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#9 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Boston
Posts: 521
| Quote:
Originally Posted by White Falcon  I did not like the sound of the AF12 converters, grainy and "over the top". If you look at echos site you'll find that there are two different versions of AF12s out there; you'll find this info under FAQ. | I guess I got the good ones then!!! 'cause they sound crystal clear! Probably the AKM converters.
DP Reicher Recording - Gear Rebbe | |
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11th April 2009
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#10 | | Gear addict
Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, Az
Posts: 427
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How do the Steinberg Pre's and converters compare to the Mackie Onyx?
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26th January 2010
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#11 | | Gear interested
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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Hey Guys,
I'm new to GS. I was wondering how do you setup multiple different monitor mixes using the MR816x in SONAR?? I'm goin to purchase it and was just trying to see how to do this. Thanks!!
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26th January 2010
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#12 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 607
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I know this wasn't on your list, but it's worth looking at the TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48. It got some less than favorable press when it first came out, but they've solved the driver issues, and it's so far working well for me on both Mac (with Logic 8) and Windows (Samplitude 11), though to be fair I haven't had it very long. However, the pres are solid, the conversion rocks, and the plugins (which run on the unit, freeing up CPU cycles) alone are worth the price of admission. They can be had for a very reasonable price indeed!
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