Seems every manufacture is putting A/D converters into their preamps.
Many at a budget friendly price. Some designed the converters to match the preamp(API, Grace) Many use the same high quality AKM converter chips that some of the real spendy converters use.

So has anyone invented a Hub to accept several of the digital output(spdif/Aes) and run them simultaneously into a Firewire port?
Without the individual preamp loosing it's ability to be assigned to a specific track.

Eliminating the need for a stand alone A/D converter.

Any Ideas???

Hey Dutchman- let me know the answer when you get it- that API A2D looks amazing for $1,700 street. Great review in Tape Op a couple issues back.

I'm also not clear on what kind of interface would work for routing it to my Mac Book pro while simultaneously allowing me to use other pres and assign tracks. I'm assuming that with an RME fireface of something similar I could run an A2D through the spdif into the computer and use the XLR and/or audio inputs for other pres or mics?

I'm just speculating here- I'm still using a two channel Mackie Onyx with no digital ins. Any interface advice would be much appreciated.

Jon

I know the Presonus Firepod or FP10 has an SPDIF to Firewire. I believe the RME 400 and 800 Fireface has a SPDIF ports also. Both only have one port.

Many of the Pre with A/D conversion allow you to stack their equipment, but I can't seem to find a Universal hub to stack various different manufacturers into one output to DAW.

"Why" would I want to do this????

With the cost of converters in the Stratosphere,
and many Preamp manufacturers offering really good converters with their pre's, the question really should be "Why Not"

The only one that sticks out is the TC Electronic x32. Firewire with 8 spdif ports (as well as adat, etc.) Seems like a nice choice if you don't need A/D conversion.

Thanks Randyland, the TC Electronic x32 looks like an awesome piece of gear.
I really like the VST function from hardware, that is sweet.
It is something to consider.
I tried to find some information on the converters TC uses in it but didn't find to much.
But is looks to be complete front end A/D and D/A out.

Looks pretty interesting, but I would like to hear how the drivers are after hearing stories of some of their other interfaces.... Oh yeah, btw, no onboard A/D, only D/A for monitoring.