Output 48 tracks

[mharter]

Hello folks!

I am putting together a multimedia project that requires output of 48 tracks to 48 powered speakers plus a MIDI track to control some other devices. The sound quality needs to be descent, but it does not need to be of super high quality.

I have looked at using two 24 i/o units, but it makes for an expensive purchase.

Do you have any suggestions as to the best hardware for this? I can go with Mac or Windows at this point.

Thanks a lot!
Matt

[glamacchia]

Regardless of what platform you choose - if this is a corporate gig / mission critical I would get a turnkey solution and have them demo it BEFORE you buy.

FYI the 24 io sonically is fine. Maybe some of my hi'r end AD's and digital MIC pre's sound 'better' because they are adding to the sound in the analogue stage but what goes in is what comes out of the 24io. I never noticed a difference when clocking to an external clock source, so I would say the clock in the 24 io is fine.

The software, Audio Desk, that comes with the 24io does not support MIDI. (Or at least it didn't 6? years ago) The software / Hardware route you go is what you need to be sure will work with 2 24io's. Digital Performer which you can 'upgrade' audio desk to is MAC only but does have MIDI support.

[BradLyons]

What is the application here? I mean, is this for say a themepark event where you have foley effects taking place at various locations and intervals? Are each of these tracks to have THE SAME content? I mean, are they identical but just feeding different speakers? What exactly is it you're doing? That will help us better understand the issue.