Building mix studio - interface/convertor suggestions

[Captjono]

Hi all,

I'm new to the world of the Turtlerock, but have been reading around and am sure you'll be able to help.

I'm converting my backroom project studio into something at a much more professional level.

The new set up is centered around an SSL AWS900+ SE with Quested S8R monitoring.

I'm about to acoustically treat the room as well, etc...

I'm probably going to get the new Pro tools and am after a new interface/convertors to use with it. (I also work in Logic)

Up till now I've been using a MOTU 828 with a Benringer ADA8000 - so that's one thing I'm keen to upgrade!

I understand that it is always a case of get the best you can with the money you have but I was hoping for some suggestions.

Ultimately I was hoping to have up to 24 channels out to the console...but for now 16 will do.

I was thinking about something like an RME Fireface 800, and try and find a 2nd hand Apogee Rosetta 800 (to use smux outs).

I'm not keen on spending much more then $4000 but am open to any suggestions! Would prefer the ability to connect via smux to be able to work at higher sample rates.

Any thoughts???

Thanks heaps,

Jon Normand

[Chinagraf]

Check out the SSL Alphalink. 24 analog in/out + another 24 adat or AES depending on which model you choose. Does SMUX throught the adat i/o's. Much better than the RME. I have both. I use the RME to feed a reverb rack, and have 22 units of comp/eq haging off the SSL's (+ 2 out to a monitor switcher). Works great, I just have all the outboard as plugins in Cubase. Would be the same for Tools.
Angus Woodhead on here was selling a set of Alpha's cheap, he may still have them. If not and you need to get a new price speak to Ron at Turramurra Music he does good prices.
If you're in Melb you're welcome to drop by and check them out.
CHeers.

[Captjono]

Great suggestion...

Unfortunately I'm using a mac laptop so that limits my options for MADI interfaces.

I've just found the - RME MADIface (which runs from an express card slot)

Is there a better option...

Sorry...I should have mentioned I'm on a laptop!

Any other suggestions?

[Alistair]

This maybe a silly comment, but if you're going to spend that kind of money and space for the SSL, I'd probably strongly consider a Mac/PC rather than laptop to run with. Processing power is a hell of a lot cheaper in desktops, and with that many connections you'll probably want everything set up semi-permanently.

[Captjono]

Thanks for the suggestion Alistair...

Unfortunately, I can't justify a computer upgrade as well at the moment...as much as I would love to!

The laptop runs fine for me at the moment ant everything except for the laptop is very much semi-permanent.

Actually...I use a separate monitor and put the laptop down on the ground to the left of the console with the lid closed...so I kind of use it as a desktop already.

But I totally hear your point...hopefully I'll be able to upgrade to a macpro soon!!!

For now...my Macbook Pro will have to do (and do nicely!)

Thanks again!

Jon

[The Tasmanian]

You can run the RME Madiface with the SSL on your laptop

[Alistair]

Yeah, fair enough. I'd just be loath to drop a lot of money on FW converters in the probable event that you'll upgrade to a desktop and some sort of PCI based system in the future.

Maybe two Audiofire 12's to get the job done cheaply, and with good resale you won't lose too much if you upgrade in the near future. I'm pretty sure the AF12's run at 192khz, and you can find them for pretty cheap from the US. If you're worried about clocking you could always grab a BLA Microclock which you'll probably always have a use for.

Congrats on the setup too, must be exciting!

[Chinagraf]

What Chris said, providing you have the express card slot. Which I don't. Which shits me. If you don't the other option is the something like the profire lightbridge and smux.

[Captjono]

You can run the RME Madiface with the SSL on your laptop

Yup...I understood that, I was just wondering if there were any other options other then the RME.

But it looks to be the best/only one.

So I'm thinking that the Alphalink and the MADIface might be the most cost effective for the quality.

I am indeed excited about the set up. In fact the reason I (or my company) purchased the AWS900 was to move into a new studio I was intending to build around a church building...

Those plans are still in the works, but until that happens I'm keen to get some mix work at home. I'm also going to offer a 'virtual engineer' service to do session editing and the like.

Thanks again for all the replies.

[Kurt]

Apart from not having "That Name" written on them, is either M-Audio or Echo stuff an actual quality upgrade from the MOTU/be!@#$%^& set-up ol'mate has now? I'd be surprised if there's any difference in either build or sound quality.