Getting Rid of 002R for ProFire Lightbridge?

[NickH]

I am thinking of getting rid of my 002R at home (I use HD3 at work) and replacing it with the M-Audio ProFire Lightbridge.

I realise that the ProFire doesn’t support M-Powered yet, but I picked up a Transit on eBay & I could use that in the meantime until it does…

I really don’t use the ‘features’ of my 002R anymore, I now have an Apogee Rosetta 800 192. That gives me 8 good channels and a ADA8000 that gives me 8 not so good channels. I have a headphone amp (HA7000) and a headphone amp in my Digi Command|8

My Command|8 also has a monitoring section (although crap & soon to be upgraded to a Goldpoint SA2X as soon as he makes a rack mount version…)

As for pre’s I only have a Aphex 207D at home, but was thinking of getting an Audient ASP008 if I sell the 002R, which would also come in handy instead of the Control 24 Pre’s at work… But lets be honest here the Digi 002r pre’s are not exactly great, and there is no way of bypassing the crap 002R A/D so they are neither use nor ornament at the moment…

I also have the music production toolkit which I believe is compatible with M-Powered… I am I going to miss anything making this change? Will I notice any difference between M-powered & LE? (Apart from no DV Toolkit 2 support)

Do we think Digi will widen the gap between M-powered & LE in the future? Or are they more likely to merge into one product?

Many thanks for reading & sorry for all the questions!

N

[ODZ]

M-audio support responded to me that the lightbridge WILL support m-powered, but it will have the 18 I/O limitation. Not a deal breaker, but noteworthy. I too have been eyeballing the lightbridge. If you've got the nicer converters, you're not likley to find yourself hurting.

late

[NickH]

True, the 1/8 I/O doesn’t bother me though; it’s the same as it was on the 002R and it’s rare that I use more than 10 channels for drums…

Cheers

Nick

[jjdpro]

M Audio ProFire Features

32-channel Lightpipe I/O at 44.1 or 48kHz
16-channel Lightpipe I/O at 88.2 or 96kHz using SMUX
S/PDIF I/O (via included breakout cable, coax)
Two quarter-inch TRS analog outputs with dedicated level control
All analog and digital I/O active simultaneously (total of 34 x 36 concurrent channels at 44.1 or 48kHz; 18 x 20 at 88.2 or 96kHz)*
Word clock I/O (via included breakout cable, BNC)
MIDI I/O (via included breakout cable)
Quarter-inch front-panel headphone out with dedicated level control
Up to 24-bit/96kHz operation
FireWire connectivity to computer
Indicators for sample rate, Lightpipe IO, MIDI IO, sync source and power
Kensington lock slot
Half-space rack chassis, optional mounting tray
Compatible with most major DAWs
* Maximum of 18 simultaneous IOs with Pro Tools M-Powered.

[lozion]

Yes... We know.
Question is when is PT LE 7.3 coming out?
Apparently the lightbridge will be supported with this upcoming version...

[bashville]

Originally Posted by DivineChemical

I think the bigger question is one of how well the LightBridge is actually working in and of itself. Lots of people (myself included) have been having a lot of trouble with the little bastard.

I returned mine 4 days after I bought it. Bad installation instructions, iffy software, bad clicky noises even after I found the best way to clock it on my system.

Be on the lookout for this:

Presonus FireStudio Lightpipe - RMC Audio

I don't think it's shipping yet, although they announced it at Musikmesse.

[Rappy]

The Presonus unit won't work with Pro Tools M-Powered, I assume. I thought only M-Audio interfaces work with M-Powered? If you are set on using Pro Tools software (like I am), then the Presonus won't help you.

[pulse_divider]

Originally Posted by DivineChemical

I'm staying away from Pro Tools. It can only record a maximum of 18 channels simultaneously. I'd much rather utilize all 34.

This is incorrect, I think maybe that was a pre-release spec.
I record 24 regularly into PT M-Powered with my Lightbridge and all 32 show up on the I/O config, so I see no reason that it can't handle all of them.

[666666]

Originally Posted by pulse_divider

This is incorrect, I think maybe that was a pre-release spec.
I record 24 regularly into PT M-Powered with my Lightbridge and all 32 show up on the I/O config, so I see no reason that it can't handle all of them.

Exactly what version of PTLE do you have?

I've heard that there was a short run of "defective" PTLE that allowed more than 18 I/O... but that was unintentional of course and short lived. Somebody should try to dupe this and sell it... boy would it be GREAT to have more than 18 I/O on a PTLE system... because I sure as heck am not going to be moving up to HD... and at this rate I am ready to start trying other DAWs just to get more I/O... Digi is going to lose me as a long-time supporter... even if they upped the max I/O to even just 24 somehow, I'd be happy with that.

Now with the M-Powered stuff, if the Light-bridge situation can be worked out, all Digi has to do is alter the PTLE software to accept more I/O.... like in the "defective" version. I think that one simple change would keep a lot of folks using PTLE as opposed to jumping ship to look at other options... like I'm about to do soon if things do not improve.

[Bassmankr]

Just reposting other's comments here but from what I've read at the DUC (Digi's forum), ONLY version 7.3.1 cs1 ON A MAC ONLY will give you 32 I/O. All versions after that Digi closed down that loophole to MAX 18 I/O. So if you are getting 32 I/O, don't upgrade your software.

[lozion]

cs2 and 34/36 I/O...

Works great here.

[Energie]

I have PT LE version 7.1 and I can record 32 tracks of audio at once ( I don't have the hardware to support all different inputs, but can arm and record 32 different tracks). I have the 002, I heard of teh track input restrictions, is this only with M-powered or with regular LE as well? Because this wasn't the case for me ever I think.

[orksnork]

you can record 32 tracks of input 1, but you can't get more than 18 i/o with LE.

[Energie]

Originally Posted by orksnork

you can record 32 tracks of input 1, but you can't get more than 18 i/o with LE.

Even with the pro fire? Now why would they make a 32 digital I/O interface and only allow 18 tracks of it, that just seems, um, rediculously stupid. If thats the case, what are they smoking????

[parissound]

Originally Posted by Energie

I have PT LE version 7.1 and I can record 32 tracks of audio at once ( I don't have the hardware to support all different inputs, but can arm and record 32 different tracks). I have the 002, I heard of teh track input restrictions, is this only with M-powered or with regular LE as well? Because this wasn't the case for me ever I think.

Theres no way in hell that you can record more then 18tracks at once in PTLE.

[666666]

Originally Posted by Energie

Even with the pro fire? Now why would they make a 32 digital I/O interface and only allow 18 tracks of it, that just seems, um, rediculously stupid. If thats the case, what are they smoking????

Because the Pro Fire can be used with other systems too, a universal too of sorts.

Wth PTLE, they purposely create limitations to force people to buy the big super expensive HD systems.

Personally, for what I do, if I could get a PTLE system that would allow 24 or 32 pro-level I/O (choice of whatever converters I'd ever want), I'd be set for life.

But, due to the limitations of LE, it has forced me to look hard at HD, but I just cannot justify the price... I cannot and will not ever buy HD... so I suffer with the LE limitations for now.

It is also forcing me to look at other NON-DIGI options as well, so Digi should be careful here... they're effectively booting me (and probably many others) off the Digi wagon. I want to stay on the wagon, but....

It will be one VERY happy day when a PTLE system exists that allows 24+ pro-level I/O... will work with whatever converters you wish... and it all works flawlessly, etc.

That "defective" version of LE with over 18 I/O sounds interesting... but I'd rather just get a new system that is designed to work the way I'd want it too as opposed to trying to nurse an old "defective" system.

There ARE other options out there... but Digi, please don't let me down... come on, please... the 004 or future M-Powered version, just give us the ability to USE three light pipe ins for 24 functioning I/Os.... so we can hook up three 8 channel AD/DA units... boy will life be wonderful when that happens.... but many have told me not to hold my breathe. Ehhhh... music can never be easy.

[Energie]

Originally Posted by parissound

Theres no way in hell that you can record more then 18tracks at once in PTLE.

Sorry, Let me clarify, I just tried and could arm and record to 32 different audio tracks, but this isn't all physcal I/O but also tracks with busses as inputs, I can't have more then 18 physical inputs because of my interface, but I can arm more and record to more then 18 tracks at once, be it either bussing VI's to different tracks or what not while recording with inputs as well. I tried this because someone told me i couldn't ARM more then 18 So in this light i can and I just assumed that with an interface with more then 18 inputs would allow you to use all the inputs available. I understand now about the physical I/O limitations, and that does suck.

666666,
I am totally with you man, I still love PT software above else, and I would love to step up into an improved LE system, and it kills me that they are holding back what could be a great system, HD is to much. Maybe just maybe they will wake up... I am also feeling forced to look elsewhere, though it will probaly be DP.

[sevendaysoff]

Originally Posted by 666666

Personally, for what I do, if I could get a PTLE system that would allow 24 or 32 pro-level I/O (choice of whatever converters I'd ever want), I'd be set for life.

LE Native w/ ADC , i'd pay $1000 just for the ADC , i'm way over timeadjuster.

[lozion]

Just get the Lightbridge & M-Powered 7.3.1cs1 or cs2 and you're set... Combine any converters you want thru ADAT & Spdif for up to 34 inputs simultaneously. I do this with 4x Presonus firestation and have no clocking issues or other problems, it just works. M-Powered is not gimped like many people think. True, it doesn't allow for 64 sample buffer, but hey, would you rather have 18 i/o or 34?
Imagine a live recording rig in a 5U rack, or interface PT with a console and/or outboard...
Ymmv,

Originally Posted by 666666

Because the Pro Fire can be used with other systems too, a universal too of sorts.

Wth PTLE, they purposely create limitations to force people to buy the big super expensive HD systems.

Personally, for what I do, if I could get a PTLE system that would allow 24 or 32 pro-level I/O (choice of whatever converters I'd ever want), I'd be set for life.

But, due to the limitations of LE, it has forced me to look hard at HD, but I just cannot justify the price... I cannot and will not ever buy HD... so I suffer with the LE limitations for now.

It is also forcing me to look at other NON-DIGI options as well, so Digi should be careful here... they're effectively booting me (and probably many others) off the Digi wagon. I want to stay on the wagon, but....

It will be one VERY happy day when a PTLE system exists that allows 24+ pro-level I/O... will work with whatever converters you wish... and it all works flawlessly, etc.

That "defective" version of LE with over 18 I/O sounds interesting... but I'd rather just get a new system that is designed to work the way I'd want it too as opposed to trying to nurse an old "defective" system.

There ARE other options out there... but Digi, please don't let me down... come on, please... the 004 or future M-Powered version, just give us the ability to USE three light pipe ins for 24 functioning I/Os.... so we can hook up three 8 channel AD/DA units... boy will life be wonderful when that happens.... but many have told me not to hold my breathe. Ehhhh... music can never be easy.

[parissound]

Originally Posted by lozion

Just get the Lightbridge & M-Powered 7.3.1cs1 or cs2 and you're set... Combine any converters you want thru ADAT & Spdif for up to 34 inputs simultaneously. I do this with 4x Presonus firestation and have no clocking issues or other problems, it just works. M-Powered is not gimped like many people think. True, it doesn't allow for 64 sample buffer, but hey, would you rather have 18 i/o or 34?
Imagine a live recording rig in a 5U rack, or interface PT with a console and/or outboard...
Ymmv,

If this is true I will be selling my 002r as soon as it comes back from BLA and get this setup.

[Trancetones]

Originally Posted by parissound

If this is true I will be selling my 002r as soon as it comes back from BLA and get this setup.

No, it's not true. 18 Voices for M-Powered that's it. Do you need to record more than 18 tracks simultaneously or mix down more than 18 tracks? If so and you want to record/mix in ProTools you are talking HD and thats it.

[naethoven]

Nope, IT IS TRUE.

I have the set up and I have 32(34?) inputs at once. But those lightbridges are a little weird...check out the thread "Everyone having issues with a profire lightbridge read this" in the So much gear forum.

However, the set up to my knowledge will only work with 7.3 or 7.3.1csblah blah blah like the other post said. I use 7.3.0 and it works just fine. I promise it is true, keep searching gearsltuz.com to see for yourself. (I think it was a bug digi didn't realize for a minute...) Do a search for "profire lightbridge" and you'll see all the issues and advantages of this set up.

Good luck.

[Energie]

Yes, they limit the track playback to 32 voices mind you, not 32 tracks, so in actuality 16 stereo, 32 mono, its a jip. You have to get the music production or DV toolkit that will then allow you to use up to 48 stereo tracks (I have the DV toolkit 2).

I have been using PT TDM for years in the studios I worked at, so for me, going LE for home was a no brainer because I was so used to PT, and some of my work I have to pass on PT projects to clients. But it is pretty embarassing how they limit their LE program, I have a hard time defending it now adays. I reall hope they don't let me down in the future, and address some of these issues.

[lozion]

Are you callin' me a liar?

34io.zip

Originally Posted by Trancetones

No, it's not true. 18 Voices for M-Powered that's it. Do you need to record more than 18 tracks simultaneously or mix down more than 18 tracks? If so and you want to record/mix in ProTools you are talking HD and thats it.

[StudioTinPanAll]

Originally Posted by lozion

Are you callin' me a liar?

Attachment 41797

hi,

in the attach i see the tracks, but not the assignment of the outputs.

is every track assigned to a different physical output ?

i can't get past 18 different physical outputs, and i would love 32 !!!!

i want to bring all 32 tracks out to 32 faders on my digital desk.


32 tracks => YES .... 32 different outputs => NO ?

[lozion]

Jeez, what will it take for you guys...
Cant just take my word, eh?

34io-2.tiff.zip

disctest32.pts.ptf.zip

OK NOW?

Originally Posted by StudioTinPanAll

hi,

in the attach i see the tracks, but not the assignment of the outputs.

is every track assigned to a different physical output ?

i can't get past 18 different physical outputs, and i would love 32 !!!!

i want to bring all 32 tracks out to 32 faders on my digital desk.


32 tracks => YES .... 32 different outputs => NO ?

[subspace]

Don't sweat it lozion, really, if they buy a Lightbridge and download the currently crippled version of M-Powered, they'll be stuck with 18 i/o anyway. Do you really want to hold their hands and step them through locating the non-crippled cs1 or cs2 build? I understand it's annoying being told your rig doesn't work the way you use it everyday, but it's the internet...
I use a Sydec HD recorder that Mackie rebadged for a short time. It was the only HD recorder I could find that recorded 24 tracks at 96k in one pass. When I mentioned that here, someone quoted the Mackie press release that said it only recorded 12 tracks at 96k. I wasn't going to hold their hands through using a freshly formatted drive or turning off the gapless punching to double the track count, if they can't figure it out, the press releases are effectively true for them.
By the way, I'm using that Sydec for the first 24 converter channels on my 34 input/ 36 output Lightbridge/ M-Powered set-up. It's a nice rig for tracking into PT and mixing analog OTB, you're not alone...