Sync Adat SPDIF Query

geoffd99 · Post by **geoffd99** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:49 am

Hi all
I have a technical query to do with external interfaces.

I have :

a main desktop PC with Pulsar with SPDIF & Adat.
A laptop
An interface, that can do spdif and adat (eg Motu 828 - not quite bought yet, hence this query)

If I use an interface between my main desktop PC (Pulsar card) with SPDIF output (to record onto into the laptop, using the laptop as a 'recorder').

Can I also use the ** same ** interface for adat lightpipe INTO the desktop PC, (ie use it as an analogue/digital converter, for synths).

This will all be working at same time, the analog synths into the Adat Motu 828, into the Pulsar, out again via SPDIF on the Motu 828 into the laptop.

Or will I get master / slave sync problems? How should it be set up?

PS now I have a Fostex VC8 for AD into the adat of the Pulsar.
Should I keep this, and just get a high quality interface for the laptop, without adat (loads of choices)

Thanks
Geoff

Post by **garyb** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:59 am

maybe, i don't know about internal routing in the motu. it'll certainly work if you use the pulsar sp/dif, but then you might just keep the fostex....

geoffd99 · Post by **geoffd99** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 12:11 pm

Yes this is th esimple option. But the Fostex is not that great an AD DA, is smears the sound very slightly (compared to going in via Pulsar or Luna inputs) which is to be expected (I hope given the comparitive cost!).

The Motu 828 is supposed to be excellent audio AD DA quality. But I have just see the M Audio 1814 firewire, which does same things for 200 UK pounds less.

Maybe buy one on a 'return' policy, since it is hard to check these things out, except in one own's studio.

Post by **garyb** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:59 pm

for the $$$, the motu is the worst option imho. it works fine and there's no reason not to use it, it's just that for that money, i expect better sound. it's pretty typical for musicians to be gear lemmings(whatever he bought i buy and that's the best thing..).

marcuspocus · Post by **marcuspocus** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 12:35 am

RME fireface, why spend money on other than the best there is actually. Is there a big difference in price between motu and rme?

geoffd99 · Post by **geoffd99** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 3:14 am

In the UK, the Motu is 550 £, I think the RME is about £900, so there is a big difference. Also the M-Audio 1814 is even cheaper at £340, it has 4 in/out analogue plus adat, & midi. I might get the M-Audio online, if it sounds rubbish, replace it.

I will be using whatever I get to record via spdif and also playback via spdif (from the pulsar card), so the actual AD DA is for live work only.

Assuming this all works ok!

darkrezin · Post by **darkrezin** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:20 am

Price reflects quality of converters... if you're doing this to get better converters, then it's pointless buying something cheap. MOTU has a good reputation but the converters aren't going to be as good as the RME. M-Audio is (you guessed it) a lot worse than either.

darkrezin · Post by **darkrezin** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:22 am

Incidentally, if you're going to use SPDIF, why don't you get a high-quality 2-channel converter like an Apogee Rosetta... they sound lush.

Post by **garyb** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:04 am

there's a good idea...

geoffd99 · Post by **geoffd99** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:59 am

I have thought of just a converter - but my aim is to use the laptop as a standalone digital recorder and playback, via SPDIF (24 bit 96k, if CW will do it); not use it normally for audio (analog) playback.
But if I just got an spdif in/out for the laptop, isn't it all digital so no change (if not dithered). The the DA would still be in the Pulsar 2 card (for playback).

[My system never gives a 100% clean recording when looping back onto itself, I have tweaked etc, and since I want to use the laptop in rehearsals, this seems the way to go]

I once had an M-Audio Quattro which was mid quality sound and useless drivers... and the Harmony Central user reviews of the M-Audio 1814 are VERY bad... I have also looked at the Presonus Firebox (or pod) which does not do Adat but has high quality.

There are new ones out soon - Focusrite Saffire & Emu 1616m cardbus - although I want to firewire the interface into an Imac as well as the laptop for occasional recording there too.

All very complex... or is it shopping therapy plus ectasies of indecision???

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: geoffd99 on 2005-04-26 07:19 ]</font>

darkrezin · Post by **darkrezin** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:20 am

Have a look at the Apogee Mini-Me USB preamp/converter.