Best A/D 192 Converter & Mic-pre combo around 2K

Finelytuned · Post by **Finelytuned** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:39 am

Plesase help me make a decision with my limited funds

I've done the research and here are my best 3 choices:
Aphex 1100mk II
Api A2D dual 312
Benchmark AD-Pre-1

I really need a better mic-pre AND
I want a better D/A converter than what I've got in my
motu 896HD. I need a combined unit(budget sake) and that's why I eliminated the Apogee or other units.

I value your opinions and if you've got better ideas than my choices,
I would love to hear from you.

Thanks!
Finelytuned
Kissimmee,FL
finelytunedaudio@mac.com

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:16 pm

Michael,

Welcome to the forum. What will this be used for? Do you need two channels, or one good channel? What microphone(s) are you currently using? Do you need both A/D and D/A? Your thread is titled A/D, but later you state D/A.

Finelytuned · Post by **Finelytuned** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:43 pm

Thanks for your reply.
I definitely require two channels. I'll be cutting another of my own CD's
(jazz- soul) as well as some other artists, plus some jingle work.
mics are AT4050, Rode NT5. I meant A/D mainly. Focusrite Trak master mic pre. Event bi-amped tuned reference 8 monitors

running DP 5.13 with motu 896HD mac G5. Problem is my ears are THIS BIG and what I'm getting in the end is no where close to the detail and imaging I want to ear. Any help greatly appreciated.

airtime · Post by **airtime** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:35 pm

maybe get yer earing checked?

just kidding . . .

wayne

sdemott · Post by **sdemott** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 7:57 am

for about $1600 you can get a Metric-Halo ULN2+DSP. It's only 96k, but if you read Dan Lavry's white paper on sampling theory you'll soon realize anything over 65k is a waste and it's not a big deal.

What you do get are 2 pristine preamp channels (in the same league as Millenia) with superb A/D D/A (in the same league as Apogee or the Digi 192 I/O). All in a package that is portable and pretty much bullet proof. With support from a company that is the best in the business. Not to mention the +DSP plugins are superior to any plugins you'll buy and the 80-bit summing mixer will improve your mixes, should you take advantage of mixing inside the interface rather than inside DP.

This is the same unit being used for a lot of classical location work - it's top notch all the way around.

I own 2 Metric Halo units: one ULN2 and one 2882.

If you absolutely want the 192, these will not be options. But, as I said, read Dan Lavry's white paper on sampling theory. It will be an eye opener from one of the best minds (ears?) in the audio biz.

YouTube · Post by **James Steele** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:52 am

sdemott wrote:What you do get are 2 pristine preamp channels (in the same league as Millenia) with superb A/D D/A (in the same league as Apogee or the Digi 192 I/O). All in a package that is portable and pretty much bullet proof. With support from a company that is the best in the business. Not to mention the +DSP plugins are superior to any plugins you'll buy and the 80-bit summing mixer will improve your mixes, should you take advantage of mixing inside the interface rather than inside DP.

I guess I wasted $1700 on my Millennia HV-3C then? You don't work for Metric Halo or anything right? It's obvious that you're a big proponent of their interfaces and that's great... but it's hard for me to swallow so many absolute superlatives in one sitting.

sdemott · Post by **sdemott** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:47 am

James Steele wrote:
sdemott wrote:What you do get are 2 pristine preamp channels (in the same league as Millenia) with superb A/D D/A (in the same league as Apogee or the Digi 192 I/O). All in a package that is portable and pretty much bullet proof. With support from a company that is the best in the business. Not to mention the +DSP plugins are superior to any plugins you'll buy and the 80-bit summing mixer will improve your mixes, should you take advantage of mixing inside the interface rather than inside DP.
I guess I wasted $1700 on my Millennia HV-3C then? You don't work for Metric Halo or anything right? It's obvious that you're a big proponent of their interfaces and that's great... but it's hard for me to swallow so many absolute superlatives in one sitting.

Hey - I just love them. And those aren't just my comparisons - visit 3d audio (www.3daudioinc.com) and check out what some of the bigwigs in the classical recording world are saying about these things.

I hate to see people not investigating all the options and looking at companies that may not be as well known. Sometimes you can eat your cake & have it too.

I also hate the marketing guys that try to convince everyone they *need* feature XYZ (like 192k sampling rates) when physics, better ears & minds (like Dan Lavry or Bob Katz) prove otherwise.

Finelytuned · Post by **Finelytuned** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:37 pm

Having made note of all your comments, I did read up on the Metric Halo ULN-2. and the reviews. I did read Dan Lavry's article too.
I have heard before that 192khz is all hype and now I have begun to rethink what I really require to get the best audio quality in my budget. Very likely NOT 192 sampling. ( a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down)

So now I've got more info to make a better decision.
However I still require a A/D converter and mic pre.
I'd hate to blow money and end up not finding the perfect fit for my needs
when the perfect piece might be right under my nose. UGH!

That's why I turn to you guys.
All your thoughts and comments are GREATLY appreciated.
I'm all ears for any other suggestions!