Hey guys. I have a dilemma, and thought I'd post here since this is all about the UFX and many of you are quite knowledgeable about it.
I have a choice between purchasing an A-Designs Pacifica, or a Fireface UFX and wanted some other opinions, as my head is going around in circles trying to decide which would be the better buy. Some days I’m convinced it’s the Pacifica, other days, I’m convinced it’s the UFX.
Here’s my situation:
I’ve been recording with a FF400 for the last two years now, and have since bought a UA Solo 610 (for vocals and anything else that could use its warmth) and a True Systems P-Solo (for my transparent classical guitar recordings). I really want to have a dedicated 2 channel high end pre, which is why I have my eyes on the Pacifica. Why the Pacifica? Well, honestly, I chose it based on reviews, not listening. So that in itself, may not be a good reason...
But I also have a vision of being able to track drums, and at some point in the distant future, track a whole band live. And so I thought the UFX would be good for this, since it has lots of flexibility. For now though, I mainly record just guitar (electric, acoustic, classical) bass, voice, and aux percussion.
Here’s an argument for the Pacifica:
You won’t ever have to upgrade it. Once you buy it, you have it for good. You now have a dual channel pre to track your guitar, use as drum OH’s (in combination with the Solo 610 for kick and P-Solo for snare), use for snyths (since I read it’s good for that as well) and anything else with stellar results. Add to that the other two pre’s and you’re looking at quite a solid front end. The FF400 has all you need right now anyways in terms of I/O’. You don’t need so many I/O’s just yet. If you buy it, you won’t be using the UFX to it’s full potential for quite a while. And maybe by the time you’re ready for the UFX, something better has come along.
In other words, the benefit 4 great sounding pres outweighs the benefit of a slight upgrade in quality and huge expansion in I/O’s that won’t be used just yet.
Here’s an argument for the UFX:
Upgrade now, and you’ll be set for a long time. It has lots of flexibility that you can grow into later on down the road. The preamps may not be as good as the Pacifica, but at least you have 4 identical pres with which to start learning how to track drums. It will also allow you to develop a better ear and then decide if the Pacifica is really the sound you’re going for, or if it’s something else entirely. Using just the UFX will allow me to improve on your recording by learning to use what I have and getting the most of the onboard pres before spending money on more preamps, mics, and things that may be a bit over your head right now.
In other words, the benefit of having more I/O’s to be used eventually, coupled with the fact that you’re putting yourself in a situation where you learn to make good sounding recordings with lower tier gear outweighs the benefit of having 2 more great sounding pre’s that you can use to get better sounding tracks no matter what you happen to be recording.
Thoughts?