name me some. I need a second one for mixing at home. I was looking at the ff400 but that's just too expensive atm.
cheaper interfaces with good conversion?
- Thread starter Emdprodukt
- Start date
JeffTD
Senhor Testiculo
If you're on OS X, the Apogee Duet is really hard to beat. The last version (firewire) should go for really good prices used these days, and the conversion is on-par with my FF800 to be sure.
Audiosprite
ok
from what I've gathered on this forum, the saffire pro 40 has the best conversion of any sub-$1k interface. i got mine a few ago for $335.
guitarguru777
Member
setyouranchor
Celestial Recordings
caneris
Member
I guess it depends on your idea of cheap and how many channels you want. I love my Saffire Pro 40 but have heard great things about Steinberg's new MR816 interface in regards to conversion over at GS (comparing to RME and other "more hi end" interfaces and converters). If you only need 2 channels then something like the Apogee Duet might be better.
Wohma
Hearing sounds and voices
I don't need any preamps or other fancy stuff. Just a soundcard/interface with good ad/da conversion for mixing at home. I only use my outboard ssl comp with it.
Spec to spec the Presonus Firestudio Mobile is pretty solid. 118 dB dynamic range. It uses the same converters as the Studiolive which are Burr-Brown AD/DA. It also has SPDIF so you can upgrade later.
I use mine for mixing at home as well so I am not using as much studio time. The acoustics there hurt me more than anything. But I can at least do the dirty work, then fine tune back at the studio.
I use mine for mixing at home as well so I am not using as much studio time. The acoustics there hurt me more than anything. But I can at least do the dirty work, then fine tune back at the studio.
arv_foh
Brian K
in the sub $500 range I really don't think you can beat the Duet, and the original duet should be dropping in price with the introduction of the Duet 2
nervirasme
Dismember
I also have Saffire Pro 40 and it's really great. But since you don't need 8 preamps then you have a smaller interface from Saffire range, a Pro 24, or even Pro 14, since they have same converters...
Now I might risk a brick being thrown at me, but I remember the thread at Gearslutz where there was a shootout between Behringer and Lynx ADDA conversion, and most guys couldn't tell a difference... So I wouldn't worry too much about difference in converters in your price range...
Now I might risk a brick being thrown at me, but I remember the thread at Gearslutz where there was a shootout between Behringer and Lynx ADDA conversion, and most guys couldn't tell a difference... So I wouldn't worry too much about difference in converters in your price range...
Well those guys weren't monitoring through both and comparing them, they just record a signal through the adda and let the "professionals" on that website spew their "professional" opinion. DA is a huge deal when it comes to monitoring, which is the most important part of mixing (not AD, unless you use tons of outboard).
Only problem with the Duet is that it only has 2 channels of DA. So you won't be able to use both monitors if you need to run out into your SSL comp, and it will just be incredibly inconvenient to switch cables around...
Jarkko Mattheiszen
The FU guy.
A word of caution: When you ask a question like this, you'll get a lot of answers like "I have interface X, and I think it's conversion is really good, because I don't notice anything strange, even though I have never compared it to something else", which is about as useful as digging a trench with your cock. A/B-testing AD/DA conversion is pretty much the only way to get an impression you can trust.
Good call!
My main output converters are a set of Modded MCM electronics ones:
http://ortizaudio.blogspot.com/2009/08/mcm-50-7774-da-converter-mods.html
There are notes in there comparing it to my MOTU 828mk3. The biggest one was that I could all of a sudden hear the MP3 compression on CD's I ripped. Most at 256Kb or 192K. So I still switch back to my MOTU to listen to those. Sadly also I have found that clocking closes the gap in sound more too. Oh and compared to a Digi002 at the studio, it was like pulling earplugs out. But I never knew till I A/B'd.
So now I am on the market for some better input converters, bad. But I am making it work with what I have.
Comparing the Firestudio Mobile to the MCM one connected via SPDIF, I found that I can still hear MP3 compression, so that's good. They are a bit warmer and a little less detailed and smoother. Another way of saying it maybe a bit muddier and less transient response.
So personally I would go with something that has features and just avoid the more awful ones like Gen 1/2 Mbox's, Digi 00's, FS Firebox/Audiobox or whatever. Maybe make sure it has SPDIF and then just buy really nice converters later. That is my plan with my Firestudio. But also consider what are your acoustics like? Monitors? What about the source material?
arv_foh
Brian K
When I upgraded from the MOTU 828mkii to the Duet it was like someone lifted a blanket off my monitors. I was really surprised at how big of a difference it was. Tighter bass, better stereo image, and clearer top end.
acappa
Alex Cappa TMF Studios
+1 to Saffire 40/56 I´ve compared it to a presonus firestudio and my actual setup with SSL Alpha converter. Rock solid interface/drivers/conversion and good overall preamps, it´s a NO F***ING BRAINER!
Melodeath
Moonbow
The Saffire is on par with the Alpha? Interesting. I think I read on the BLA website that the 56, profire 2626, and alphalink all use the same converter chip - not that that's everything, though, and I could be wrong.
acappa
Alex Cappa TMF Studios
Nope, alpha sounds better, I had RME ADI2 and sounded better too than the built in converters, but that doesn´t mean that the saffire sounds bad, in fact sounds very good! Reality is that saffire 40 cost like 400€ and Alpha link 1700€....
And I don´t think they share converter chips, at least they have different specs in terms of dynamic range, saffire AD/DA is 110 dbs weighted while Alpha is 128 db. Where I don´t find such a high difference is between RME ADI and Alpha Link....
