M-Audio ProFire 2626 user reviews ( 9/10) - 8 user reviews

• 06/19/11

  Hatsubai's review "Good pre"

  Characteristics

  M-Audio is usually known for their small mic pres, but they also have some very high quality rack gear that works great. This device features 24 bit/192 KHz audio, 8 analog inputs, 8 XLR mic inputs, 8 TRS inputs, 2 TS inputs, S/PDIF, 16 x 16 ADAT, 8 TRS balanced line outputs, 2 headphone outputs, MIDI, a proper world clock for setting up I/O, master volume knob, an onboard DSP mixer, and it should work with pretty much any of today's DAWs.

  Utilization

  M-Audio did a great job setting this whole thing up. The interface itself is nicely laid out, and everything is easy to use. I'm especially happy that they used Firewire for this. While they make comparisons on the USB page stating how USB is theoretically faster than Fiewire, that's not the case in real life. There are some major flaws with USB 2.0 when compared to Firewire, and I always found it a bit dishonest when they tried to claim USB 2.0 was faster. Keep in mind that you'll probably want some sort of rack to mount this in. On top of that, it has a few breakout cables for some of the features, and I'm not really a fan of breakout cables.

  Getting Started

  I never had a single compatibility issue when using this device. It's a very easy to use and straightforward device. There's no need to even read the manual because everything is laid out in an easy to use and understand manner. Simply plug in the devices to their corresponding ports, and you'll be good to go. I was able to use this in Logic without any hiccups, and it sounded awesome.

  Overall Opinion

  If you're one of those people who enjoy rack interfaces and want one of the better ones out there, check this out. This has some really nice and clean converters that sound great. It also has MIDI and tons of other features. I just wish it didn't have all those annoying breakout cables for certain features, but then they'd have to make it 2U, so I can see why they did it.
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• 12/07/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by Bapsite/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  Look at M-audio's website for information. I will stick to my experience:
  
  
  
  8 ins/outs
  
  
  
  8 preamps
  
  
  
  ADAT in/out
  
  
  
  Standalone operation.

  Utilization

  No installation problems
  
  
  
  Comprehensive user's manual.

  Getting Started

  No drivers problems, no drop outs
  
  
  
  6 ms latency with 44.1 kHz sample rate and 256 samples (if I recall correctly)... It's not that important, the main thing is that the latency is short enough for good monitoring with Cubase.
  
  
  
  When I bought it I wanted to record a band at home and to have more channels available... But it sounded perfect when I used it.
  
  
  
  It worked 45 min. straight without interruption using all 8 preamps without a single hitch.
  
  
  
  I've been using it for almost everything I've recorded ever since.
  
  
  
  I cannot compare it to anything else right now, but the preamps seem to sound very transparent like most modern Chinese preamps.
  
  
  
  Wide dynamic range and frequency response, I can't hear any sound alteration. It's exactly what I was looking for.
  
  
  
  The PAD function is very convenient (other products should follow this example...) and it definitely influenced my purchase (it's a must have feature for drums recording).

  Overall Opinion

  I've been using it for one month (I will update this review if I change my opinion).
  
  
  
  I checked all other available products before buying it and nothing else was as interesting... I thought I'd sell it again after recording that first band but I'm not sure anymore ^^
  
  
  
  Excellent product with professional quality (considering a professional is someone who KNOWS how to use and set the gear).
  
  
  
  I will upload the link to the band's recording if they allow me to. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me for more information ;)
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• 07/23/10

  zoual's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Well designed, with decent preamps"

  Characteristics

  Specifications have motivated my choice: 8 preamps, all fed a 48 v, a rich connection (optical / digital interface software that came with the 2626 very simple and yet complete, which can route all flows (26/26 d Hence the name of the interface) ...
  
  
  
  I use it in two contexts: first, to make recordings (fairly simple) classical training, 4 or 5 mics), with Logic Pro which fully recognizes the Profire after the driver installed.
  
  
  
  The other use for the composition, still under Logic, with virtual instruments and one or two votes.
  
  
  
  The Balance Sheet: I left a small Edirol FA-66, which made me the service I wanted but stayed just a little number of inputs, and excellent, really good preamps and neutral for this price range, all equipped with comprehensive functionality (the routing function from the dedicated software is really perfect). In short, for this type of product compared to the price is really excellent.

  Utilization

  Drivers perfectly stable with Logic, not a crash two weeks of intensive use. I recorded five audio tracks for several hours without any difficulty will meet today (MacBookPro 2.56 GHz / DSS). The latency is almost non-existent.

  Getting Started

  The driver installation is required, and takes a few minutes after downloading the latest version from the manufacturer's website. The breakout cable (MIDI, digital coaxial) is provided.
  
  
  
  The manual is well done, with very clear diagrams to include routing, which is a function that is not necessarily used to meet in this kind of range: all functions are not accessible from the front of the ProFire, and with this configuration software that can complete all the possibilities, OSX is a module of system preferences. Perfectly integrated.

  Overall Opinion

  I had not tried other models before buying, and urgency (I had to record a concert a few weeks - the occasion makes the thief), and I hesitated with equivalent models Motu , Presonus.
  
  I do not regret that choice, I have been advised by a salesman that I know and who I trusted.
  
  I especially like the right pair that form the interface with the pair of Rode NT5 I just bought.
  
  I did not tell her yet found fault. Perhaps rotating the front they could be surrounded by a ring indicating more precisely the values (the graduations are not very visible). A little more light could be more detailed level, but these are sufficient with a "green" signal and a "red" peak.
  
  Excellent product.
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• 02/17/10

  Anonymous 's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  I chose it because it was one of the only alternatives with ProTools if you do not want to use the Digidesign interfaces, significantly more expensive and not necessarily better in sound.
  
  
  
  My configuration: MacBook Pro 2.5 Ghz, 4GB RAM, 1TB external HD in FW800 and FW400 on the ProFire2626, Snow Leopard and ProTools 8.
  
  
  
  I use it mainly for home recording, sometimes in groups outside to record, combined with another interface (via ADAT), and everything went well at the moment. It also acts as an interface to the south, driving through the south of synths.
  
  
  
  I think it is complete.

  Utilization

  The drivers are very stable, at least on OS-X, no crash occurred on this day. on the other hand, it took until late December 2009 until M-Audio so a driver (not beta) that works with Snow Leopard, released in August 2009. on the other hand, once it came out, it works!
  
  
  
  I use mainly ProFire2626 ProTools 8, but also with Logic Studio and Garage Band.
  
  
  
  In terms of tracks, I recorded more than 16 tracks at once.

  Getting Started

  The installation was no problem. The configuration is not simple cons ... there is an editor app for handling input / output (audio / Adat) and you can configure the interface in every sense of the level, inserts, etc. ... . A little confusing at first, but once we understood how it goes, it's very flexible and convenient.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for over a year. Before I had an old M-Box, Digidesign ProTools 6.9
  
  
  
  What I like most: sound quality, grain Octane preamps, the almost total lack of breath even with very high driven preamps, converters quality, compatibility with ProTools, a stable level software, ease of installation, affordable price for possibilities.
  
  
  
  What I like a little less: the low gain preamps, unusable with ribbon microphones (for example), the firing order to fulfill if we want the computer to recognize the interface quality plastic knobs, volume controlled by software that you feel good levels of volume ...
  
  
  
  As already mentioned, it is an interface medium range, comparable with a Presonus interface at great price. There is a difference with interfaces like MOTU, RME, Apogee ... but it is also another price range. And these interfaces are not compatible ProTools.
  
  
  
  I may redo this choice, but since has released the new Mackie Onyx 820i to 1640i, compatible ProTools, it makes you think ... because the preamps and EQ these consoles are not that bad.
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• 12/16/09

  Djezeking's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  <strong>What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?</strong>
  
  PC 4GB DUAL
  
  
  
  <strong>What characteristics have motivated your choice?</strong>
  
  
  
  The number of input and output
  
  
  
  <strong>For what purpose?
  
  </strong>
  
  Studio on a budget starting
  
  
  
  <strong>With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...
  
  </strong>
  
  Mackie 24/8/2 direct return out + + magneto + Yamaha HS80 Pack all necessary micro

  Utilization

  <strong>The drivers are stable?</strong>
  
  
  
  grinder: sync without a problem the moment we have a firewire port pci texas + the right driver .... it works very very well now
  
  
  
  <strong>What software do you use most often?
  
  </strong>
  
  Cubase 4 LE + Sonar 7 Producer
  
  
  
  <strong>How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
  
  
  
  </strong> 24 now that I have 3
  
  
  
  <strong>They are often updated?</strong>
  
  
  
  No
  
  
  
  <strong>What latency you get?
  
  
  
  </strong> correct but also dépendt Pluggin VST
  
  
  
  I say yes to the coupling of 3 cards

  Getting Started

  Manual just a bit ...
  
  To install again, well take into consideration the requirements necessary technical hardware side ... (wearing fire texas, driver update ...)
  
  Config need to spend time, but ultimately very complete ..
  
  Routing:
  
  for each output, you can assign the sound from the input (dry), a stereo aux send, output software, the general mix .....
  
  
  
  But like any project, it shall first make its specifications before launching without thinking ...

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 1 year now
  
  I like (once understood routing) its potential
  
  With experience, yes ....
  
  However, price not even the most pro Matoss
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• 11/04/09

  Rotull's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  - What technical specifications motivated your choice?
  
  
  
  The number of I / O and analog numrique, price, pre-amps, the possibility to transport thanks to Firewire!
  
  
  
  - For what purpose?
  
  
  
  Home collection's outdoor studio!
  
  
  
  - What is your config?
  
  
  
  TravelMate 7720 Laptop: Intel Core Duo CPU T9300 2x2, 5Ghz
  
  4056 Mb Ram
  
  3x500Gb HDD
  
  Vista Pro 32bit
  
  
  
  - Which instruments or Systmes (console, prampli, DTD ...)?
  
  
  
  I use it with a Tascam DM-24 and an amplifier Arcam digital / analog!
  
  For now I'm in a pretty simple config Analog but I test the ADAT and S / PDIF and everything is spot on!
  
  I record the voice, instrument and sound recording to MD!

  Utilization

  - Installation is it without problem?
  
  
  
  yes, it's done in minutes!
  
  
  
  - Have you experienced any incompatibility?
  
  
  
  No!
  
  
  
  - The configuration gnrale is easy?
  
  Yes, the software provided (routing, setup) is all that more simple, instinctive and practical!
  
  
  
  - The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
  
  
  
  As a textbook physics, there is a book of "quick boot" sufficient installation, if you want most is on the CD provided. Pdf

  Getting Started

  - The drivers are stable?
  
  
  
  Yes, four months, not a single bug!
  
  
  
  - What software do you use most often?
  
  
  
  Nuendo 3, Sound Forge 9, Plugins vst: native instrument, Blue Cat, Arturia, Korg ...
  
  
  
  - How many tracks you get record / playback simultanment?
  
  
  
  As for the time records: 8 Analog + 2Adat 96.000Khz in 32 bit and everything is perfect.
  
  Read: 32 tracks + instrument. vst (noon) and all is well!
  
  I use it both for recording for Fast Fashion

  Overall Opinion

  - How long have you use it?
  
  
  
  + / - Four months
  
  
  
  - What is the particular feature you like best and least?
  
  <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the +</span>
  
  Pramplis of quality, easy to install, I / O, Analog / Digital, low latency, price, StandAlone
  
  
  
  <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Le-</span>
  
  The knobs in faade (there are plastic and do not be rsistant area) but hey, we'll see!
  
  
  
  - Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
  
  
  
  Not really, from a "static audio ad/da2000) that the levels of connectivity to resamblait strong but in the silent years in Ralite Lumire!
  
  
  
  - How do you report qualitprix?
  
  
  
  Trs Well, I also wanted the prciser pramplis "Octane" trs are really well made (for the price).
  
  
  
  There was no problem in the firewire or the drivers, installing ft easy!
  
  
  
  In conclusion, I highly recommend this sound card in the report qualitprix!
  
  increasingly it is recognized by Protools!
  
  
  
  New Info on November 4, 2009:
  
  -----------------------------
  
  
  
  Just to say I am always satisfied with TRS!
  
  Except the knobs which (as prvus) are really bad quality and catch a game over time!
  
  I will try to change them and say what is a time!
  
  
  
  Despite the default, has remained a trs trs right choice!
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• 05/22/08

  spot00's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  What technical specifications motivated your choice?
  
  firewire card with 8preamp octanne 2PORT and adat.
  
  the card comes with Ableton Live Lite 6, 2cables Firewire (6 pin> 6 pin to 6 pin> 4-pin), is a "whip" with MIDI ports and spdif wclock.
  
  
  
  For what purpose?
  
  home studio
  
  
  
  What is your config (motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?
  
  tour
  
  2.2 ghz core 2duo
  
  2GB RAM
  
  Maxtor 400GB hard drive raid
  
  win xp pro.
  
  6 pin firewire port
  
  
  
  test also
  
  a laptop
  
  2.2 ghz core 2duo
  
  2g ram
  
  150GB hard drive
  
  4-pin firewire port
  
  win xp fam

  Utilization

  Installation is no problem it?
  
  nickel it stuffs the cd, it installs, you plug the PC restarts the 2626, windob detection and running.
  
  
  
  Have you experienced any incompatibility?
  
  no no
  
  Gnrale configuration is easy?
  
  bin as this is my first "big board" I ram a chouilla but the "m-audio control panel" and well done, but is in English.
  
  
  
  The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
  
  the "quick guide star" is not too useful and the manual is in English.

  Getting Started

  The drivers are stable?
  
  yes, no crashes yet in win xp pro sp2
  
  
  
  Are they often put day?
  
  the map is still very new so hard to say.
  
  
  
  What software do you use most often?
  
  cubase.
  
  
  
  What you get lag?
  
  according cubase about 6 ms
  
  
  
  How many tracks you get record / playback simultanment? ...
  
  8 for now, I have not yet preamp adat.

  Overall Opinion

  How long have you use it?
  
  2 days
  
  - What is the particular feature you like best and least?
  
  the flexibility of input output, assignable at will
  
  - Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
  
  emu 0404, alesys Multimix firewire 16.
  
  - How do you report qualitprix?
  
  very good, I have not seen anything better for the same price!
  
  - With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
  
  yes definitely.
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• 04/02/08

  fabricegoubin's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Usage: making sounds in the studio.
  
  
  
  Buying a portable station complte April 2, 2008:
  
  
  
  - Mac book 2.4 Ghz, 2GB, Mac OS 10.5.2
  
  - ProFire 2626
  
  - Pro Tools 7
  
  - Micro kit Salmieri
  
  - Accessories (cables, feet, MIDI controllers, etc.).

  Utilization

  Piloting of the card by the computer without problem.
  
  Internet connection required for loading drivers on 10.5.2

  Getting Started

  BIG PROBLEMS ON THIS ISSUE:
  
  
  
  * Not fault M-Audio
  
  
  
  * No software is used to control the card multitrack recording on Mac OS 10.5.2 (except soft Ableton Live, but hey ... the FULL version, recording the multi ncessaire is 299 euros - good joke !).
  
  
  
  PRO TOOLS does not run on 10.5.1, let alone 10.5.2.
  
  The card is currently not functional multitrack with a soft quality when we had the awkwardness of the OS updater or buy a brand new computer.

  Overall Opinion

  The 2626 card is not functional so far in multitrack recording with a soft quality of work on a config. Apple update (April 2008).
  
  
  
  ...
  
  
  
  (Erratum: nikel it works with Garage Band, the most advanced audio software on a Mac (!) Is the only laxative I've found to dbloquer the situation).
  
  
  
  ...
  
  
  
  The map looks really great (the home tests are convincing) 8 pramp octane, cheap, not boring: a future standard.
  
  ... Just some problem of arrhythmia between Digidesign and Apple.
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