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[msmith92]

So, I want to start improving on my current studio gear. I can only really afford to make small changes here and there (like $1,000 every once in a while).

My current setup is using a motu 2408mk3 and a motu 1296 into my Dual G4 mac (which still runs great).

I use a presonus digimax into the 2408mk3 via the lightpipe option. I use an octopre (analog out) into the 1296. I also have a Voicemaster pro which goes analog into the 1296.

The 2408mk3 is the main hub. From the 2408mk3 I chose to use the spdif out going to my Presonus Central Station which feeds to my monitors and headphone amp.

The questions:
I've been wondering what to do about improving what I have. Here are my options:

Mod the 2408mk3 and 1296 through Black Lion Audio. They only offer the analog stage now and for both to be done it'd run me $620. Then i'd have enough left to get their Micro Clock $275.

Another option:
Get a new High End Synchronizer. Big Ben or similar.

My dilemma:
I think any of the above choices would be an improvement on my sound. What I don't know, due to my lack of knowledge, concerns other upgrades to my gear.

What if I want to upgrade my octopre to fit a digital out card? or even the voicemaster pro. Does that benefit me? the black lion mods would only be useful if i'm in the analog stage right? going digital would bypass what they do? oh, and how about me going spdif out to the central station after the mod? Is that defeating something?

I'll stop here. I've thrown out a lot to be answered.

Oh and I'm in a band and we record drums and bass and keys live so that's the reason for needing so many inputs.

[BradLyons]

Well one thing I always tell my clients is don't try to build your whole studio at once.....meaning, think of it as a long term goal. WHAT can you buy today that will fit into the whole spectrum of where you want to be down the road, NOT buy today what you want right now so to speak. In other words, Rome wasn't built in a day.

The 2408mk3 has good converters, the 1296 is certainly better. Adding a good clock will allow both to run at their optimum electronic and audio design, that's what really good clocks do. However, I don't know that this would be your best upgrade.

Your question is how to improve what you have, yes? While I can't give you exact answers not knowing exactly everything about what you're doing....I would like to make a suggestion.....while the TR8 monitors you have are certainly good, they don't put you into the "pro level". I would like to suggest possibly looking into something like ADAM A7's or DynAudio BM5A's. These monitors will allow you to hear everything that is going on with the gear you have, which ultimately allow you to get more out of what you have and what you are using already.

[msmith92]

Well one thing I always tell my clients is don't try to build your whole studio at once.....meaning, think of it as a long term goal. WHAT can you buy today that will fit into the whole spectrum of where you want to be down the road, NOT buy today what you want right now so to speak. In other words, Rome wasn't built in a day.

The 2408mk3 has good converters, the 1296 is certainly better. Adding a good clock will allow both to run at their optimum electronic and audio design, that's what really good clocks do. However, I don't know that this would be your best upgrade.

Your question is how to improve what you have, yes? While I can't give you exact answers not knowing exactly everything about what you're doing....I would like to make a suggestion.....while the TR8 monitors you have are certainly good, they don't put you into the "pro level". I would like to suggest possibly looking into something like ADAM A7's or DynAudio BM5A's. These monitors will allow you to hear everything that is going on with the gear you have, which ultimately allow you to get more out of what you have and what you are using already.

Hey Brad. Yeah, I guess I forgot about my monitor situation. I've gotten so used to the events, I sort of focused on the actual system. Maybe the Adam's and a Big Ben or is the BB overkill for my current setup?

How do you feel about the Central Station? I'm going spdif from the 2408 and into the CS. Do you think that conversion is better or should I just go analog out of the Motu into the CS?

Oh, and I record our band live drums, 2 guitars, bass, keys. So, for the initial base tracks I'm doing around 13-14.

[BradLyons]

I do like the Central Station, I use two of them myself. The built-in A/D converter is actually quite good. But let me throw you a curveball here. While the BigBen is excellent, sometimes the answer isn't just getting a clock---but getting a better converter. The BigBen will do an amazing job of re-clocking the internal clocks of the gear you have, but it doesn't technically make anything sound better. All a great clock is doing is allowing that converter to perform to its optimum performance that the internal clock is taking away from.

Rather than spending money on just a clock, let me suggest the LYNX AURORA 8. This is an 8ch AD/DA converter that is truly stunning, excellent high-end detail. It's a different sound from the Apogee stuff, it's not as "warm" but is really more about clarity instead. Although it doesn't really have a "cool look" to it, it sounds phenominal. You could connect into the 2408 via ADAT Optical, BNC into the 1296 to clock it and then analog out to the Central Station. This would buy you another 8-channels of AD and DA converter, but also upgrade your DA converters allowing you to hear EVERY detail PROVIDING the choice of your monitors. So IMHO,if you can swing it either now or over time, a possible solution "might" be the ADAM A7's and the Lynx Aurora 8 converter.

[msmith92]

sounds like a great plan! i think that's what i'm working towards then. thank you. i'll be sure to contact you when i'm there.