Re: Audio interfaces

[Mark Sottilaro <sine@zerocrossing.net>]

BIG issue with the 828 is that you can ONLY monitor 2 of it's inputs via 
hardware.
It's weird.  You can monitor them all via software in DP3, but there's a 
small bit
of latency if you're running plugins.  What I did/do is to use a 
Soundcraft FX8
mixer that has an output for each channel.  It's bigger and seemingly 
flimsier than
the Mackie I was using, but it does the job and it's been totally reliable 
so far,
but I only use it in the studio.  I'm not sure if the 896 fixes that issue.

Mark

Mike Feeney wrote:

> I saw that Mackie unit too.  That looked pretty cool.
>
> Bias's Deck software is available for OS X now, which I was considering.
> But I think I've been convinced to go with the MOTU unit.  Everyone 
>seems to
> say there's no real comparing the two.
>
> Are the MOTU 828's 8 outputs pass-through, or are they affected by the
> volume controls?  Just trying to work out the best way to use it in a 
>live
> setting so that I can still use my mixer to control the live sound while 
>not
> necessarily affecting the recorded mix.
>
> Also, do I understand correctly that you can record up to 8 tracks
> simultaneously, but can only monitor (hear) two of them?  That is kind of
> confusing me in the literature I can find.
>
> Thanks for the input.  I really appreciate it!
> Mike
>
> on 7/18/02 10:11 AM, bruno kleinefeld at brunoklein@ideastudioweb.com 
>said
> somethin' like:
>
> > hi mike
> >
> > I have a MOTU 828: a very good product under many aspects.
> >
> > I don't know nothing about compatibility with OSX. I use 9 on all my 
>Macs.
> > Wich audio-sequencer software would you use with it?
> >
> > I don't think that DP3 is running on OSX. Not yet, at least,
> > and, since I use the 828 with DP3, I don't know nothing about the
> > ASIO drive for the 828.
> > But I assume that the 828 is working much better with DP and MOTU
> > resident drive.
> >
> > Above all there's another issue you should consider. MOTU 828 and
> > Tascam US-428 are not comparable. The USB is much slower so with the
> > U-428 you can record just two tracks simultaneously. The MOTU can
> > record up to 8. This make a big difference, don't you think...?
> >
> > anyhow I've seen that MOTU and Mackie have just announced a new
> > controller for DP3
> >
> > check this url
> > http://www.harmony-central.com/Newp/2002/Mackie-Control.html
> > don't know about prices.
> > Could be a perfect upgrade for a system based on one or more 828!
> >
> > ciao
> > b:k
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> I'm looking for the going opinions on a couple of audio interfaces.  
>I've
> >> got a new G4 iMac (800Mhz, 512Mb RAM) and recently ditched my old PC 
>on
> >> which I did all of my recording.  So now I need an audio interface.  
>I've
> >> got cash burning a hole in my pocket.  =)
> >>
> >> I've can get a used MOTU 828 for about the same price (or less) as a 
>new
> >> Tascam US-428.  So let's pretend price isn't a factor.  Here are my 
>thoughts
> >> so far...
> >>
> >> The Tascam looks cool, and I like the tactile controls for mixing.  
>However,
> >> I'm concerned about latency.  I'm NOT a recording genius, so if I 
>don't have
> >> to mess with control panels/drivers/trial and error to deal with 
>possible
> >> latency issues, I'll be happy.  Plus I don't do anything with MIDI - 
>it just
> >> confuses me.  So that's extra functionality I won't need.  BUT it has 
>OS X
> >> drivers available, which is my primary OS.
> >>
> >> The MOTU 828 by its very nature would be less likely to have latency 
>issues,
> >> but I can't find any information regarding its compatibility (or 
>planned
> >> compatibility) with OS X.  Anyone know anything about that?
> >>
> >> Portability:  I plan on using these for recording gigs as well, but I 
>don't
> >> have a rack case.  I have a mixer with its own case, but no room for
> >> additional rack units.  I'd like to upgrade to a better road case, 
>which
> >> would allow the MOTU unit to fit in.  Plus I would just feel better 
>lugging
> >> the MOTU around in a case than an unprotected Tascam unit sitting on 
>the
> >> seat of my car or some such.
> >>
> >> What are your thoughts?  If you have experience with these units, I'd 
>love
> >> to hear pros and cons.
> >>
> >> Thanks!
> >> Mike
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> on 7/17/02 11:31 PM, Gary Lehmann at 
>healthquestrecruiter@earthlink.net said
> >> somethin' like:
> >>
> >>>  Hoo boy--it gets weirder--
> >>>  I just used Raymond (thank you Sean!!!) to write the DirectMIDI 
>patches for
> >>>  the PMC-10--haven't gotten too far (haven't actually 
>recorded/listened to
> >>>  any audio using the pedal, just pressed buttons and watched 
>colourful
> >>>  lights) but one thing I notice--
> >>>  The record/multiply/insert thingie works with DirectMIDI!
> >>>  So if I just HAVE to do the blues I can use these commands.
> >>>  Sorry if I seemed ungrateful or hysterical previously . . .
> >>>  Gary
> >>>
> >