I have been looking to add more Analog inputs to the studio. (at least 8 Stereo)
I have an RME UFX and I was just going to buy another Interface to get the inputs. It was suggested to me that I should just use the Adat connection of the UFX and get an A/D converter rather than a full blown interface.
The problem is I can’t really find any. I’m looking for a high quality yet fairly simple 19" box. (essentially a patch bay with digital output connection).
RME actually do one but I suspect it’s much more than what I am looking for and the price is horrifying.
Is anyone else doing something like this?
What do you use?
well, there aren’t quite a lot products like those you look for on the market.
you mention, you’re searching a high quality conversion, but without additional connectivity like usb/FW…
The Q-Adat is good, but it doesn’t compare to the conversion of your RME.
And yes, RME’s converters cost a lot of money, but they are good.
I checked some AD/DA Converters last year, had some units by Behringer, Motu, Focusrite and SM Pro Audio in my studio.
Honestly i have to say, the Q-Adat is a workhorse, it sounds… okay, but not high end.
The behringers are quite cheap, but i didn’t like the sound, the midrange tends to distort on some signals.
Motu 8Pre and Focusrite OctoPre are almost the same, but have added USB/FW, they cost a bit more, but soundwise i liked them mor ethan Behringer and SM Pro.
If you need the converter just for adding inputs; go for the Q-Adat and you’ll be fine.
If you search for high sound quality you’ll have to save some extra cash and look for the MOTU/Focusrite stuff.
ADA8000 from Behringer (i know) is actually pretty great. been using one for years and it sounds very nice to me. any quality concerns could be addressed with an upgrade from Black Lion Audio. i might do that myself one day but it’s really quite good for the recordings i’m doing.
believe it or not Tascam have a totally brilliant 7000 something. It uses very high quality opamps.
Metric Halo are the BEST converters out there for a couple of reasons.
I have a 2882 which is now 13 years old which is about to be upgraded for the 2nd time with a high speed DSP card and incredible track counts, near zero latency
You can pick up a second hand ULN2 for about $800 (probably cheaper) and the 2882 a little more.
Hi Guys
Thanks for all your suggestions.
I ended up getting a Ferrofish A-16 Mk2. (I had never heard of them before).
A bit pricey but exactly what I am looking for. Also a few shops were selling the UFX with the Ferrofish as a pair and reports are they work very well together.
Problem solved. Thanks again
