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Post by lpedrum on Sept 12, 2014 11:51:09 GMT -6
I'm looking to upgrade my converter interface before the end of this year. I currently use a Steinberg MR816 and it has served me well. But I now own my own mic pres and want true line inputs (the MR816 can't fully bypass its pres.) and the ability to do more hybrid mixing. I know the choice largely comes down to dependability, application, and workflow, but I'm curious about what RGO users think of actual conversion quality.
The units I'm considering are the Apogee Symphony, the Mytek 8x192, the Lynx Aurora, and the Metric Halo Lio. Am I right to think that all of these have equal quality of conversion? Determining the good from the very good when discussing converters seems to be all over the map. What say ye?
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Post by svart on Sept 12, 2014 12:26:35 GMT -6
I think what matters most these days are the features of the box and if they fit your needs, rather than absolute specs.
The devices you listed are well above the "good enough" threshold. Once above that, the "quality" of the conversion matters much less and the usability of the device matters much more. I mean, it doesn't matter one bit if the converters are the best in the world, if you needed 10 and the box only has 7, or if you need SPDIF I/O but the box only has ADAT..
I'd say, figure out what you features absolutely must have and list them, then factor in your possible growth for 5 years.
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Post by lpedrum on Sept 12, 2014 12:37:12 GMT -6
I think what matters most these days are the features of the box and if they fit your needs, rather than absolute specs. The devices you listed are well above the "good enough" threshold. Once above that, the "quality" of the conversion matters much less and the usability of the device matters much more. I mean, it doesn't matter one bit if the converters are the best in the world, if you needed 10 and the box only has 7, or if you need SPDIF I/O but the box only has ADAT.. I'd say, figure out what you features absolutely must have and list them, then factor in your possible growth for 5 years. Good advice. I'd throw in options too. Right now I'm on a Mac, but who knows in five years. I'm intrigued that Metric Halo will soon upgrade to include Windows. It does all come down to what I need and how I work. But honestly the opinions on actual conversion vary widely--more so than any other piece of gear. That's why I'm looking for knowledgable opinions on conversion, because after this next purchase I really don't want to think about it anymore! |
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Post by svart on Sept 12, 2014 12:53:55 GMT -6
I use the SSL Alphalink MADI setup. It's more expensive to get into at one time since you need the DSP card and the converter box together, but it's cheaper than building a piecemeal system over time. It also is a bear to set up because it's pretty complex, but once it's up, it's rock solid. You can use the ADAT version through an ADAT interface card, although you can't use the DSP mixer software that way.
When I spec'd out my future, I wanted a setup with a set and very low latency, which meant DSP based.. I also needed 24 analog I/O because my mixer is 24 I/O. I also found that a software/DSP mixer would be handy for making submixes for headphones, and the extra ADAT outputs could be used to drive a cheap ADAT/Analog converter for headphone submixes, giving me very low latency headphone returns in any combination of bussing. that was before I even bought it. Nothing else came close to the functionality that I would get from that setup, even though it was more expensive than others of the time.
So that's what I mean, see if you can plan it out beforehand, so you don't waste money later.
Everyone has an agenda when it comes to opinionated replies on conversion quality. Some folks make money on upgrades, so they naturally suggest that everything sucks unless they upgrade it. Some folks like certain coloration from some converters than others and will suggest those, while even more (especially on GS) will suggest stuff simply to get attention and "me too" credits with their peers. Others will have good honest reports but might get lost in the "internet noise".
That stuff mostly never happens here thankfully.
Just look at it this way.. If you can't buy it at GC, then it's probably good enough!
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Post by jeromemason on Sept 12, 2014 13:14:56 GMT -6
The Symphony is where I'd go if it were me. Expandable, great conversion, superior clocking and reliable. They have a lot of options and I've never had an issue getting them on the phone for something.
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 12, 2014 20:50:27 GMT -6
I'm looking to upgrade my converter interface before the end of this year. I currently use a Steinberg MR816 and it has served me well. But I now own my own mic pres and want true line inputs (the MR816 can't fully bypass its pres.) and the ability to do more hybrid mixing. I know the choice largely comes down to dependability, application, and workflow, but I'm curious about what RGO users think of actual conversion quality. The units I'm considering are the Apogee Symphony, the Mytek 8x192, the Lynx Aurora, and the Metric Halo Lio. Am I right to think that all of these have equal quality of conversion? Determining the good from the very good when discussing converters seems to be all over the map. What say ye? BTW - are you aware you can bypass the onboard pres by going 1/4" into the insert, but only clicking the cable in one click (halfway)? lpedrum |
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Post by lpedrum on Sept 13, 2014 10:50:41 GMT -6
I'm looking to upgrade my converter interface before the end of this year. I currently use a Steinberg MR816 and it has served me well. But I now own my own mic pres and want true line inputs (the MR816 can't fully bypass its pres.) and the ability to do more hybrid mixing. I know the choice largely comes down to dependability, application, and workflow, but I'm curious about what RGO users think of actual conversion quality. The units I'm considering are the Apogee Symphony, the Mytek 8x192, the Lynx Aurora, and the Metric Halo Lio. Am I right to think that all of these have equal quality of conversion? Determining the good from the very good when discussing converters seems to be all over the map. What say ye? BTW - are you aware you can bypass the onboard pres by going 1/4" into the insert, but only clicking the cable in one click (halfway)? lpedrumYes I am John, and that's what I currently do. But being a drummer too I also need to track a full kit from time to time, and there are only 2 inserts on the MR816. So I'd like to upgrade the converters and have a minimum of 8 line inputs. |
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Post by jontheriffer on Sept 13, 2014 11:58:59 GMT -6
I was in a similar situation as the op. I have a Presonus 1818VSL that I bought to use live but never did. I bought an Audient ASP880. Better conversion and you can hit the converters direct through the DB25 inserts. The preamps are pretty good and I clocked the Presonus to the Audient to improve the d/a until I can get something else.
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 13, 2014 12:03:01 GMT -6
What about Apollo 16? Still a lot cheaper than symphony with 16 channels
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Post by lpedrum on Sept 13, 2014 14:14:14 GMT -6
What about Apollo 16? Still a lot cheaper than symphony with 16 channels This is where conversion evaluation gets a bit fuzzy. Some folk rave about the Apollo but many claim that the conversion is not on the same level as a Symphony Lynx, or Mytek. At least that seems to be the general consensus online--but it's almost impossible to quantify any of this. Same thing with the Orion--most say its a step below the ones I'm considering. |
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Post by tonycamphd on Sept 13, 2014 14:20:44 GMT -6
What about Apollo 16? Still a lot cheaper than symphony with 16 channels This is where conversion evaluation gets a bit fuzzy. Some folk rave about the Apollo but many claim that the conversion is not on the same level as a Symphony Lynx, or Mytek. At least that seems to be the general consensus online--but it's almost impossible to quantify any of this. Same thing with the Orion--most say its a step below the ones I'm considering. find a place that lets you demo, or buy one, try it out, return, rinse and repeat 8) |
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 13, 2014 19:56:42 GMT -6
What about Apollo 16? Still a lot cheaper than symphony with 16 channels This is where conversion evaluation gets a bit fuzzy. Some folk rave about the Apollo but many claim that the conversion is not on the same level as a Symphony Lynx, or Mytek. At least that seems to be the general consensus online--but it's almost impossible to quantify any of this. Same thing with the Orion--most say its a step below the ones I'm considering. Well, that's probably true. |
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Sept 14, 2014 7:37:57 GMT -6
I'd go Symphony. It's a top shelf converter that you can use forever and be satisfied. When you first plug it up and run audio through it, you won't believe how much you've been missing all this time. Spend the money. It's worth it. Conversion is and probably always will be a hot button topic about how much it matters. I've proven it to myself time and time again. It matters a lot.
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Post by lolo on Sept 14, 2014 8:19:43 GMT -6
Maybe RME... Or new Motu line. Read on the other site some folks reckon the conversion is really good. Prob too early to tell
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Post by lpedrum on Sept 14, 2014 18:08:56 GMT -6
I just read today that all Metric Halo units are on sale until the end of October, including the LIO 8 for $2400. Combined with the fact that they are currently working on an upgrade that will allow USB and Windows use in the future, that may give my what I need now at a good price and flexibility down the road if I veer away from Mac. Reading the Apogee site, it seems to be saying that the Symphony can only be used with Protools on a Mac. Is that correct? I currently use Cubase.
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Sept 14, 2014 18:25:49 GMT -6
No that means it's mac only (per say). I use Cubase with the Symphony everyday. Or Logic or any daw on a mac. You can even use the Symphony as a standalone converter through an RME MADI card on a PC if you like. But if you use it as an interface, it will only work with mac drivers.
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 14, 2014 18:50:54 GMT -6
Not totally sure on the Symphony...I just read where the Quartet is compatible with Windows. BTW - I've always heard people say the Metric Halo stuff is great...
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Sept 14, 2014 19:21:20 GMT -6
MH is great but I would never buy an interface unless it was compadible the day I wrote the check!
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 14, 2014 19:24:41 GMT -6
I will say this about Apogee...I think Maestro suuuux. To me, it's confusing...Of course, I ain't the brightest bulb in the house however. Once I compared the RM DA with the Symphony, I have to say I fell a little out of love with it. Now, that being said - nothing else compares to it's modularity and quality in one box at that price point.
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Post by swurveman on Sept 15, 2014 8:07:42 GMT -6
If I had to do it over again, I'd rent a few A/D converters and spend one day with each one rerecording a song I'd recorder with my old A/D converter. Then, I'd pick the one that sounded better.
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Post by jimwilliams on Sept 15, 2014 10:01:55 GMT -6
If I had to do it over again, I'd rent a few A/D converters and spend one day with each one rerecording a song I'd recorder with my old A/D converter. Then, I'd pick the one that sounded better. We have a winner! |
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