Decisions decisions.

[motumike]

So, I'm about to build a home studio in my basement. I've been very lucky in that I'll be setting it up in a room which is 12' x 14'. I've made decisions on mics and acoustic proofing, and placement but my only issue is about the mixing.

I've been thinking of picking up a behringer mx9000 (or yamaha mg32/14fx) to plug in all the mics and then plugging the mixer into motu hardware. The mx9000 is 24 channels while the yamaha is 32. Either way I would be getting a couple of motu "boxes" to act as audio/digital converters.

My dilemma is in choosing them otu hardware. At first I was eyeing the traveller but I decided against it. Then I was thinking alot about the 828 mkII, until I saw the lengthy list of complaints of the 828 breaking down or shutting off or freezing. So then I considered the 8 Pre. Until I recently saw the 896 HD which recently had a price drop at my local dealer. So I'm pretty much confused with what to do.

Any suggestions?

Also, once I pick up one of these, can I use the behringer control box to control the software that comes with the motu hardware.

[marcus77]

As far as I know, the CueMix does not support MIDI control.
Also I'm a bit disappointed by MOTU in general as I'm having trouble big time with my 3 month old 828mk2.
Face the facts:
-motu support is extremely slow (so in case something goes wrong, be prepared for long waiting times)
-there are barely any firmware updates (so far just the traveler-I might be wrong on this one)and the driver updates are also pretty slow (although they usually work fine)
I'm just telling you this because when I was looking for a soundcard, I was SURE that Motu is reliable and serious, but now I'm disappointed.
I don't want you to believe that Motu is crap, but just check f.ex. the RME Fireface 400.Costs a couple of hundred more and has actually less ins and outs in the analog domain, but:
-regular firmware updates and an excellent customer service
(this should prove it:http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=90814 )
-their TotalMix software that is featured on their cards IS MIDI controllable
(I was really surprised that somebody actually offers this)
- I'm pretty sure the quality is a notch higher (AD/DA converters, Preamps,overall components) and that's probably why they offer a 2 year warranty on it compared to 90 days (!!!!) for the MOTU.(i read this somewhere in their Search database,can't find the article anymore because it's so well organized ':?',even if some shops offer you longer warranty)
Well hope to have helped you a bit and sorry if you're more confused than before.
Cheers
Marc

[Jidis]

I'm with Marc 100%

I may be expecting too much, but I feel that with the nature of this sort of device, they should all outlast the useful lifespan of the majority of the other digital technology we're using.

@Marc- That's how I remembered Matthias from RME being in the Nuendo forums. You didn't even have to look for him or mail them. If there was an issue with RME, he was probably already reading the thread and was more interested in resolving it than the customer probably was. Sort of sad when you know the names of the support people from a company who's product you don't even own.

George

[rockitcity]

As far as I know, the CueMix does not support MIDI control.

Cue Mix works fine with my HUI. There's even a "Control Surfaces" setup menu, so maybe marcus77 hasn't used it much?

I've had several MOTU interfaces and not a bit of trouble with any of them. As far as driver updates, well, I haven't seen a need for them running on a Mac powerbook G4 and an imac G5. They work, so no need to change them. I have heard of some PC users having some configuration difficulty, though.

As far as your proposed setup, you might want to reconsider if you really need a mixer at all. You can do all your mixing in the box with a powerful computer. You might just want an 896HD, maybe an 8 Pre, and a control surface with some faders, such as a Mackie Control (or others).

I'd bet a 24" imac Intel machine would make a killer computer for a DP based studio.

Nothing against RME or other interfaces (my only other point of reference would be Pro Tools Mix and HD hardware, for a lot more money), but I've been pretty satisfied with MOTU gear for my home projects.

Bob

[Jidis]

Sorry about the MIDI question. I got too wrapped up agreeing with Marc and forgot.

As Bob mentioned, CueMix does do MIDI, but unfortunately not standard MIDI CC messages (generic faders,etc.). It does a couple of the popular proprietary controller personalities which a bunch of stuff can emulate. Generic MIDI input has been requested by myself and others, but I don't see it happening.

FWIW- Night before last, I had my first major install hassle with the 424 since way back when I got it. When it finally cooperated after a couple very frustrating hours, I was two minutes away from figuring something had happened to it while sitting in a bag for a couple months, or to the 2408. Turns out it likes one particular slot on my board. It started off with noisy, clicky audio, then got to where if I sent audio to it or played with the software control panel, the interface would drop off and give me the flashing lights.

Keep in mind, this is with a board (Asus A7N8X-E) which was very popular back around the time when the original 424 came out. I have a strong suspicion that on my next host upgrade, I'll have no choice but to pay for one of the later cards and cross my fingers.

Future compatibility and longevity should be a major consideration when shopping for an interface.

George

[motumike]

Thanks all for your input. I will be picking up DP 5.1 tommorow. I plan on purchasing a mac pro so I'm not sure I'll have to worry about motherboards and soundcards. The reason i'd like an analogue mixer is because I used to do some sound mixing at school and just generally prefer it. I also want to use the mixer to play gigs. So its not just for recording, but im leaning alot more towards the 896HD and the 8Pre now. I think I will be avoiding the 828mkII. I yet have to check out any other A/D converters, i just was impressed by what MOTU offered for the price. I was also thinking that maybe the behringer control box might be nice. MACKIE seems a bit expensive for my budget. (I have to pay for walls insulation and all that jazz) I'll have to take a look at this RME set up. Any more information is greatly appreciated

Thought i'd mention I have MSi and am very happy with it.

[KarlSutton]

for what it's worth my original 828 & my mkII have worked fine for several years, it must be like at least 6 years for the 828. (When did those come out anyway?)

I prefer a board for mixing too, there is lots of debates on ITB vs OTB, but using what you're comfortable with is most important.

[motumike]

I've done further research and have stumbled onto the m-audio profire and octane 8. The price seems comparable, and ive heard alot about how m-audio is good quality. Im stopping by the store tmrw and would like to pick it all up at once.

[Dwetmaster]

I've been thinking of picking up a behringer mx9000 (or yamaha mg32/14fx) to plug in all the mics and then plugging the mixer into motu hardware.

I would definitely stay away from behringer in my main audio loop.

As Bob mentioned, CueMix does do MIDI, but unfortunately not standard MIDI CC messages (generic faders,etc.). It does a couple of the popular proprietary controller personalities which a bunch of stuff can emulate. Generic MIDI input has been requested by myself and others, but I don't see it happening.

Here's a list of what the MCU sends as MIDI messages they are all MIDI notes & ctrlr

http://members.aol.com/mhigrules/MCMap.htm

You could definitely ( if you have the time and patience) setup your MIDI controller to emulate an MCU.

[motumike]

thanks to all for their input, I have made my decision.

Today I picked up DP 5.1 and an 896 HD. The dealer where I got it from assured me one year support. They have great customer service and after talking to the sales rep for a good hour I decided to scratch the presonus the tascam the m-audio and the edirol stuff off my list. I may upgrade later with a saffire pro but for now I am very happy with the get up.

Instead of an analogue mixer, I think I may go with just a mackie controller later.

Anyways, again, thanks!

[Dwetmaster]

Today I picked up DP 5.1 and an 896 HD...Instead of an analogue mixer, I think I may go with just a mackie controller later.

that's the road I chose and I'm pretty happy with it.

[tedtunes]

read the threads on here about failing inputs on the 896 and the random screeching (nothing to do with clock issues)

if you just need A/D converters as you are getting your preamps from the mixer motu have some other good things especially for that then you arent paying for preamps that you wont use?

is it too late to take it back,
my 896 HD sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
alas its too late for me

[Dwetmaster]

Sorry to hear that Tedtunes. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones because my 896 as been reliable since I got it.

[motumike]

Yes, i think it may be too late, but i chose it also for the outputs. my local dealer assured me that if there is any problems theyll take it back. Half the sales floor uses motu at home, so my worries have been put to rest.