M-Audio ProjectMix I/O versus TASCAM FW-1884

Zacchino · 12th November 2005

A few month ago, I earned enough money to buy a Tascam FW-1884.

This great all-in-one concept was what I, and a lot of HomeStudio category folks have ever dreamt of.

Since a few weeks, M-Audio released their copy of this all-in-one concept.

Now I'm confused.

In one hand, I've always thought of M-Audio, now part of AVID, as a big and growing consumer-based semi-pro company. The cheapo plastic midi controllers (but yet working) made in taiwan. But still, their strengh came from their rocksolid drivers (back in the Delta 44 days).

In another hand, Tascam, now part of TEAC, seems to release more robust hardwares, but with alot of bug fixed firmwares and drivers. Sure, they own GigaStudio, with the most powerful large audio file streaming technology for PC.

Nowdays, I'm not only looking at the hardware specs, but also at company's history. I'm sure everybody thinks the same here.

On tascamforums.com, we can see that they released a pretty stable version of their FW-1082/1884 drivers. People seem to be happy with it, except for some particular glitches (nothing can be perfect though).

What about m-audio's ? To early to compare, but if possible I'd like some feedback of happy or angry ProjectMix users.

Also, I'd like to know :
How are the preamps in FW-1082/1884 ? The tascamforum report that it's good, but fragile.
And How are the preamps in ProjectMix ?

I hope this thread is useful and not off topic.
tia

BruceTheProduce · 12th November 2005

I had a FW 1884. I think it is great. the pre's are good, the converters do sound nice, And it is rock solid. I've not used or heard the new M audio unit, though the only cool different feature that it has is the on board track name display other than that ( unless you wanna use PT M powered) they are very alike.

Cheers

Zacchino · 12th November 2005

...and the front Line In and Double Headphone inputs.

But I still don't trust M-Audio that much. So I guess I'll wait for the reviews. If anyone has this little beast in their studio, with issues or not, thanx for posting your experience then !

And yes, to me, Tascam's black design seems a lot more robust than M-audio, and I'm only referencing to their pictures... So I guess you're right.

12th November 2005	#1
Zacchino Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Paris, FRANCE / L.A, USA Posts: 683 Thread Starter	M-Audio ProjectMix I/O versus TASCAM FW-1884 A few month ago, I earned enough money to buy a Tascam FW-1884. This great all-in-one concept was what I, and a lot of HomeStudio category folks have ever dreamt of. Since a few weeks, M-Audio released their copy of this all-in-one concept. Now I'm confused. In one hand, I've always thought of M-Audio, now part of AVID, as a big and growing consumer-based semi-pro company. The cheapo plastic midi controllers (but yet working) made in taiwan. But still, their strengh came from their rocksolid drivers (back in the Delta 44 days). In another hand, Tascam, now part of TEAC, seems to release more robust hardwares, but with alot of bug fixed firmwares and drivers. Sure, they own GigaStudio, with the most powerful large audio file streaming technology for PC. Nowdays, I'm not only looking at the hardware specs, but also at company's history. I'm sure everybody thinks the same here. On tascamforums.com, we can see that they released a pretty stable version of their FW-1082/1884 drivers. People seem to be happy with it, except for some particular glitches (nothing can be perfect though). What about m-audio's ? To early to compare, but if possible I'd like some feedback of happy or angry ProjectMix users. Also, I'd like to know : How are the preamps in FW-1082/1884 ? The tascamforum report that it's good, but fragile. And How are the preamps in ProjectMix ? I hope this thread is useful and not off topic. tia

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12th November 2005	#2
BruceTheProduce Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 184	I had a FW 1884. I think it is great. the pre's are good, the converters do sound nice, And it is rock solid. I've not used or heard the new M audio unit, though the only cool different feature that it has is the on board track name display other than that ( unless you wanna use PT M powered) they are very alike. Cheers