AD/DA Converter - Recommend

[GtrMan]

This is my first post here and I do hope to get some suggestions.

I need to get a new AD/DA converter.
Currently I have a Lynx Aurora 16 but it seems to be crapping out one channel at a time. So far four are completely gone.

I only record classical music. No pop at all. Solo players and duets, trios quartets etc. So I need to keep things as transparent as possible - no coloration please.

I was thinking about something like the Apogee Rosetta 800 but am not sure it's transparent enough. The reviews I've read on it so far have all been done recording pop music.

Could you please recommend something that's either 4 or 8 channels and about the price of the Apogee or the Lynx?

FYI: the Mic pre I'm using is a Millennia.
And use Neumann, Schoeps, Block, AKG mics.

Thanks

GM

[tsvisser]

I don't think the Apogee is too colored for classical... it is colored and if placed side by side with another converter, you might hear a difference, but on its own, you should be able to get the sound that you want with it. I also think you could get your Lynx converters repaired and be fine with that too. My opinion, and it may vary from others, is that once you get purpose built high end converters, whether it is Lynx, Meitner, DAD, Apogee, Weiss, what have you... the differences are subtle. And when there are differences, mic placement or other electronics will be several magnitudes of difference with respect to the effect on the final result.

The Metric Halo ULN-2882 would be worth looking at... if you are on a Mac, it could also potentially replace your audio interface, which could be some cost savings to you and in addition, make the wiring simpler, more mobile, and potentially better sounding. The ULN-8 is much more expensive, but could replace your interface and your preamps, and provides a great application for simple remote recording via the "Record Panel" application.

I use a Nagra VI for remote recordings and leave the computer at my desk where it belongs.

Bottom line, you have an excellent converter in the Lynx, so might as well get it fixed if not to use, at least to sell and upgrade, but such an upgrade would be subtle in my opinion.

[kittonian]

Not sure where you purchased your Aurora16 but it should definitely not be "crapping out" at all, let alone one channel at a time.

I highly suggest calling Lynx (ask for Paul Erlandson) or at the very least calling your dealer and getting this situation resolved. By no means is the Lynx Aurora a unit that is cheaply built and I have had two Aurora16's for years now that are on 24/7 and have never had an issue.

Lynx is a great company and will repair your unit.

[living sounds]

I think a Mytek converter would be perfect for your application. Apogee is indeed colored.

[mdsmith64]

Originally Posted by living sounds

I think a Mytek converter would be perfect for your application. Apogee is indeed colored.

+1

-Mike

[Mr.HOLMES]

I also think the Lynx is not a bad unit call your dealer.

But if you want to change many classical engineers in Germany use stuff by RME.
My opinion is that their converters are good and clean and do not color anything.

RME: Fireface 800

For sure you can pay a lot of cash for better conversion but I think RME and Lynx are playing in the same ballpark. And with my RME I never had trouble except one accident caused by my flat mate.

Beside from this since 4 years running here without any trouble stable drivers fast support within one working day... great company. They know what professionals want.

Just a suggestion.

[musicbydesign]

Originally Posted by Mr.HOLMES

I also think the Lynx is not a bad unit call your dealer.

But if you want to change many classical engineers in Germany use stuff by RME.
My opinion is that their converters are good and clean and do not color anything.

RME: Fireface 800

For sure you can pay a lot of cash for better conversion but I think RME and Lynx are playing in the same ballpark. And with my RME I never had trouble except one accident caused by my flat mate.

Beside from this since 4 years running here without any trouble stable drivers fast support within one working day... great company. They know what professionals want.

Just a suggestion.

+1 for the FF800. I have it firewired to my computer (along with an 003r) and am using it for the AD/DA via ADAT's and SP/DIF. Ive thought about getting a standalone unit (Apogee or similar) but Ive never compared it to another unit and so far it sounds great to my ears.

[Mr.HOLMES]

Originally Posted by musicbydesign

+1 for the FF800. I have it firewired to my computer (along with an 003r) and am using it for the AD/DA via ADAT's and SP/DIF. Ive thought about getting a standalone unit (Apogee or similar) but Ive never compared it to another unit and so far it sounds great to my ears.

For sure you can get better conversion.
Prisim or Lavery etc.

But the day I found out that the RME stuff is working super stable (DRIVERS) I never looked back again.... I had huge trouble with Mark of the Unicom before in the end the unit was burning!!! I am not kidding a MK II was burning in my studio!!!

And for the conversion quality mh I do not make my brain hot about it anymore!!
If classical engineers record orchestra music with it...

I am sure the build quality of the lower budget RME stuff is for sure enough for my needs. The design is a bit out of time but my FF is not in the rack anyway and I do not see it.....

There is a reason why they sell these units like fresh bread in Europe.
NO TROUBLE = RME.....and I am sure thats the main reason why so many clasical engineers count on RME if they have trouble during a JOB they lose money and reputation...

[GtrMan]

Just wanted to say thanks to all your replies.
They are very helpful.

I greatly appreciate it and will call Lynx on Monday I will also do some research on the products you suggested.

Thanks a lot

GM

[musicbydesign]

Originally Posted by Mr.HOLMES

I am sure the build quality of the lower budget RME stuff is for sure enough for my needs. The design is a bit out of time but my FF is not in the rack anyway and I do not see it.....
...

I would consider all RME products more higher-end than lower end. I think RME stuff looks fine, is built well and of course, like you said, they have rock solid drivers. If only being transparent with no flavor or color, then great. I feel they take audio very serious and put their all into their products.

You shouldnt have to spend 3 grand or more on good stuff.

[Nu-tra]

Dont waste your money with new converters. Lynx turns repairs around so fast You wont even know it was gone. I own a lynx aurora 16 and its wonderful. The only way I would upgrade is if there was a next generation converter coming out, till then don't bother

[The MPCist]

See what Lynx says about repair. Get it repaired and keep using it or sell it off and get the RME. RME = no problems, that's for sure.

[living sounds]

I really don't think RME is in the same league. And I also think Mytek is better than Lynx (though you can't beat Lynx in $/channel, that's why I'm using the Aurora16, too).