MOTU 2408 MKIII PCIe???

[Biskopen]

I have installed Logic Pro (what a GREAT program!!!), and am currently running it through my Digidesign 002R.

 

I have been reading the specs on the MOTU 2408 and it states that it runs DSP on the card, much akin to a HD Pro Tools card. That will offer me a better working environment for my Mac Pro, allowing me to run Logic better and with less stops (the DAE engine).

 

I am running 3 Focusrite Octopre´s with ADAT which would plug directly in to the MOTU. Surely this would be a better setup?

 

Anyone?

[greeneye]

Biskopen, don't know the answer to your question but I'm curious as to how the focusrite micpres sound that you have. I was contemplating buying the octopres or buying the Trident S20. Are you happy with the Octopres?

 

Thanks

[delboh]

The MOTU you mention does not process the audio on a DSP chip in the way that a Digidesign TDM system does. What the MOTU PCI card handles is the IN/OUT routing and monitoring using a software "mixing desk" application that runs alongside Logic. The actual audio processing is still done by the computers processor. The onboard ADDA conversion in the 2408 is not highly regarded nor is stability of the internal clock but with the external ADAT converters you describe it might be worth considering. You will be able to run Logic using Core Audio and the MOTU drivers. DAE will not be necessary. I have used a 2408 with external ADAT converters as a home system for a while and cosider it to be an adequate budget solution. Do not expect it to rival a Digidesign TDM system.

[Biskopen]

Biskopen, don't know the answer to your question but I'm curious as to how the focusrite micpres sound that you have. I was contemplating buying the octopres or buying the Trident S20. Are you happy with the Octopres?

 

The Octopres are very good. I love the idea of the on-board compressors, however they do not have a PAD which I miss a lot. Otherwise, excellent sounding.

 

Our studio has an HD6 / ICON system, so I am aware of the audio quality difference regarding TDM systems, but although the audio quality of the 002R is good, I am considering the MOTU system which would then allow me to drop the LE system.

 

I am not happy with the DAE faults that pop up constantly. I have experienced this with other LE systems i have owned in the past, both on PC and Mac platforms. The M-Powered system I have just sold was far better regarding latency, but did not favour my Mac Pro Firewire.

[marcel72]

I have a rig like this (PCI-424, 2408mkIII, a couple Apogee Rosetta 800 A/D D/A boxes running ADAT lightpipe to the 2408) and I like it a lot. Delboh is right, not like TDM, runs native. Little more latency than the Digi at times, but with the a-new, a-big, a-fast computers, I don't find I have problems. I am not, however, recording live off the floor band sessions with a whack of tracks in record mode simultaneously and a big monitor mix, which is where TDM really comes into its own.

 

Works great for straight mixing and overdubs, tho.

 

Sure beats 30k for a Digi rig...

 

Best, Marcel

[Biskopen]

30K....? Try 80K..... 6 x cards, ICON desk, 1 x 192KHZ and 3 x 96kHz i/o units.....

 

Hehehe....!

 

I have decided to stay with Pro Tools for the audio mixing anyway, and to run Logic Pro for the fantastic MIDI it offers.

 

Thanks for the help guys!

[marcel72]

30K....? Try 80K..... 6 x cards, ICON desk, 1 x 192KHZ and 3 x 96kHz i/o units.....

 

This has always been my beef with Digi... They're still comparing their systems (price wise) to a 2" Studer deck and an SSL 4000 G+, not realizing that Apple/Apogee, IZ and others are sneaking up behind them... Serves them right I guess.

 

Try this, if it's appropriate:

 

http://logicprohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=254

 

Although I get the sense that this is an A room vs. B room situation in your case.

 

Best, Marcel