so should i just chunk the Firepod now?

IMO, no...I use a Firepod exclusively for smaller remote gigs...pres are pretty decent, and conversion is VERY good for the cash, especially if you already have it...

Did you know you can clock your Firepod from an Apogee or similar device via the SPDIF input? That's a pretty cool way of getting things done, really.

Another highly regarded preamp / converter is the Metric Halo line. I have a ULN-2 and have been very pleased with the results.

I was interested in the Metric Halo stuff for a long time but I can't believe they still do not have drivers or support for PC's! I think they're missing out on a fairly large portion of DAW users. Plus, they promised to have PC support about 2 years ago and look where they are now. I'm sure it's a great product, but I'm envious of all the Mac users out there that can use it.

PRISM DREAM.

though i can't afford one. i've heard them though.

i'm thinking about getting the crane song hedd pretty soon.

quote:

Originally posted by jimbob:
I was interested in the Metric Halo stuff for a long time but I can't believe they still do not have drivers or support for PC's! I think they're missing out on a fairly large portion of DAW users. Plus, they promised to have PC support about 2 years ago and look where they are now. I'm sure it's a great product, but I'm envious of all the Mac users out there that can use it.

"Fairly large"? Last I checked there was a 10 to 1 ratio of DAW users on PC systems. I have heard from many, that the RME Fireface is better than than the Halo stuff, and these are Mac users.

RME > Metric Halo, and cheaper

We use the SEK'd 2496 at present --and looking for a used MINI-ME or a LUNATEC V3 to maybe add....

I only hope I never have to purchase a converter ~~~ that cost much more than my mic pre or my whole DAW >>> Who invented these things, anyway ?

you can go lynx. great stuff.

I think it's worth to have a look at the Lavry Blue and Black series...And Mytek of course. Seems like their prices are getting lower.

Would be nice to see some test here...

http://www.lavryengineering.com/
http://www.mytekdigital.com/

I guess the latest technology most often would be a better choice than the older in this area.

Hans

If you want to get good converters in a low priced interface, get the predecessor to the RME Fireface, the Multiface. At the headphones output, it uses the same converters as the RME AI8-PRO converter. I've had lots of hardware and software with compatability issuse(Pulsar Creamware, Aardvark, Emagic) and RME Multiface just works with no complaints. I'm sure it can be found cheap since it's been replaced.

Chuck

quote:

The EMU has newer converters than the 2408, and I think the general consensus is that new cheaper converters are a lot better than older cheaper ones. I have a Traveler and the converters are pretty good, but I'm about to have it upgraded by Black Lion audio, who says the traveler is up there with the RME and Apogees after their mod.

Jimbob, how has the Traveler been working out?

Andrew.

i do like a smooth jazz-type of music using a Motif ES and need a better A/D converter than my Aardvark 24/96. considering RME ADI-2 cuz i only need 2 hi-quality converters. how is the conversion quality on the ADI-2? any other suggestions?

For critical 1 to 2 track recording, I use and love the Lavry Blue. Very hard to beat. If I'm tracking more than 2 tracks at a time, I use the Alesis HD24XR converters, modified by audio upgrades. Honestly, the modded converters aren't far off from the Blue. They sound really, really good. That I get 24 channels of a/d d/a is unbeatable for the money.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew Plumb:
Jimbob, how has the Traveler been working out?
Andrew.

I'm really enjoying the Traveler for its functionality, and I can hear a difference in quality after the modification. Transient response is much nicer and the sound is more musical in general. Once I add a high-quality 2 or 8 channel A/D with a great clock I will be totally happy with my A/D (I want more channels anyway). The Traveler is a wonderful interface and if I was buying something new today I would still get it over every other interface, no question (and of course I would immediately get it upgraded by black lion).

I had my first experience with the Traveler last Oct. Traveler > Logic 7 pro. I was extremely impressed with the sound of the converters - especailly after just coming off a session on a horrid Digi 888 I/O

Pardon me for not throwing my 2 cents here. I do not get the chance to check out the latest and greatest as often as I would like to and am hesitant to recommend a particular unit.

However, having said that I must mention that I have always liked Apogee's top end stuff.

What I suggest is that you try to do a shoot out, but please please use real MICS for your test, not digital material. The key is in what real analog content is retained in the conversion, not dealing with already digital samples.

I heard of an analog digital shootout held in a major studio by a well paid producer. What did he use to test the two? Digital samples. Not a live piano, drums or acoustic bass...but digital samples. Needless to say I did not attend.

I researched this for some time and ended up with getting a LynxTWO soundcard. I don't have apogee converters so I can't compare them but I understand that the LynxTWO is right up there. I can say this though, I couldn't be happier.