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trokchonchon « Good unit for everything (except MIDI) »
Published on 10/31/13 at 16:44I bought it for the quality (overestimated at the time) of its preamps, for the software integration with Steinberg DAWs, for the two digital inputs, which meant 24 potential recording tracks.
I use it to record sound on the move with a laptop.
I have used it with good mics, synced with a joemeek twin q (with converters) with the hope of someday getting a 4-710 twinfinity.
I do all processing afterwards, in the box.
I have used the soundcard with different PCs and a Mac and never had a problem.
UTILIZATION
The driver is very stable, I only use it with Cubase or Nuendo, it was conceived for that and I can't really say anything about the compatibility with other DAWs.
It can take 16 tracks without coughing with a modern computer.
Zero latency with direct monitoring (without going into the DAW), making the DSP's software compression and reverb very practical. I haven't tested the new firmware with guitar amp simulations.
GETTING STARTED
Problem-free installation. Oh, right, but I didn't quite get how to install the DSP VSTs on my computer, which doesn't bother me because I don't use them, except for direct monitoring to avoid having latency. They are not that great fro mixing or post-production.
Clear and comprehensive manual, it's a simple unit.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for only a year. I used to have a MOTU, which was pretty good but fragile, and the preamps are not as good, in my opinion.
Here I have some headroom, it's nice, I can use it with a shure SM 7 or a ribbon mic or even low-level sources.. But it's not like they are majestic, but they are better, in my view, than the MOTU and even RME preamps.
Another good point is that the pots are rugged and more reassuring than on competing products. I have the impression of being able to make detailed adjustments.
The cons::
Not the best as a DI for bass or guitar, I don't know why. It's not awful, but a bit aggressive.
It's very good to have two headphone outs, but the volume they provide isn't too high so it might not be enough for a drummer. It's better to reamplify one of the stereo outputs on the rear of the unit.
And that's it. It's obvious that I'm comfortable with this product. Put it inside a backpack over the shoulder with a bag full of mics on the left hand, a pack of cables on the right hand and you got yourself a practical and small mobile studio.
If it breaks soon I'll take my words back, but if it holds two or three more years I would buy it again.
I use it to record sound on the move with a laptop.
I have used it with good mics, synced with a joemeek twin q (with converters) with the hope of someday getting a 4-710 twinfinity.
I do all processing afterwards, in the box.
I have used the soundcard with different PCs and a Mac and never had a problem.
UTILIZATION
The driver is very stable, I only use it with Cubase or Nuendo, it was conceived for that and I can't really say anything about the compatibility with other DAWs.
It can take 16 tracks without coughing with a modern computer.
Zero latency with direct monitoring (without going into the DAW), making the DSP's software compression and reverb very practical. I haven't tested the new firmware with guitar amp simulations.
GETTING STARTED
Problem-free installation. Oh, right, but I didn't quite get how to install the DSP VSTs on my computer, which doesn't bother me because I don't use them, except for direct monitoring to avoid having latency. They are not that great fro mixing or post-production.
Clear and comprehensive manual, it's a simple unit.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for only a year. I used to have a MOTU, which was pretty good but fragile, and the preamps are not as good, in my opinion.
Here I have some headroom, it's nice, I can use it with a shure SM 7 or a ribbon mic or even low-level sources.. But it's not like they are majestic, but they are better, in my view, than the MOTU and even RME preamps.
Another good point is that the pots are rugged and more reassuring than on competing products. I have the impression of being able to make detailed adjustments.
The cons::
Not the best as a DI for bass or guitar, I don't know why. It's not awful, but a bit aggressive.
It's very good to have two headphone outs, but the volume they provide isn't too high so it might not be enough for a drummer. It's better to reamplify one of the stereo outputs on the rear of the unit.
And that's it. It's obvious that I'm comfortable with this product. Put it inside a backpack over the shoulder with a bag full of mics on the left hand, a pack of cables on the right hand and you got yourself a practical and small mobile studio.
If it breaks soon I'll take my words back, but if it holds two or three more years I would buy it again.