A Little Guidance?

[solar]

So I am rethinking my Home Studio. This is what I currently have:

Mac Pro 8GB RAM, 2-150GB Raptors(samples), 2 80GB Raptors(boot), 2 300GB raptors(recording)
1 -1296 (original)
1 - 2408 MK3
PCIe 424
and some software.
1 MC Control
3 MC Mixes
1- Peavey VMP-2 Mic Pre
2- Envoice Mindprints

I just recently sold alot of gear. I just had too much, way more than I needed ie; 3-2408's and a Tascam 4800, I could run 64 tracks. But actually never did. Business has been slow and I am finding that I am recording more of me and only occasionally others.

I want to start building the studio up to 12 mic pre's in addition to my 4 that I have right now. I am going to be going with 500 series modules (API type - though not neccessarily API). This time around I am looking to go more high end than last time.

OK so the question:

I want to get a good but versatile converter. I would like apogee, but is it worth it? I was considering the HD192, but every post I read that compares it to other gear always puts it down at least in respect to RME, Apogee etc. Are the HD192 converters any good? I was also thinking of 1 or possibly 2 Firewire 896 HD's. I also really like the CUE FX feature (wish they would do that with there PCI gear, I have never figured out CUE MIX) How are the converters on the 896? Compared to the HD192? Or even to my 1296? IF I get 2 896HD's, will I be able to record all 16 channels at the same time? I like the idea of the 896HD as I can basically get 2 for the price of one HD192 and I can actually go mobile with it, if need be. Also it comes with 8 Mic pres. Are they any good? I could actually use those as I am building my 500 series arsenal.

As a side note: Would the mike pre's of the 896HD color any of the 500 series as I will most likely be going through the XLR inputs of the 896 ( I don't have to but I just prefer that connection over 1/4").

I will be mixing ITB so I do not need a high track ouput, Although I do see summing boxes in my future (so 8-12 outputs will be fine).

Well I hope it's not too many questions.

Thanks for any and all replies.

[jasedee]

I think you are obsessing too much over converters...

They are not a magical solution. If you are using good microphones, through nice preamps, in a beautiful space, and most importantly, you are a great musician (with a great instrument), then any old converter should do the job...

But first and foremost, I would concentrate on the above. Those are the things that will make the most difference, not converters.

What mics are you using by the way? What types of instruments are you recording? How are the acoustics in your space?

If/when you buy 500 series style preamps, they will/should go line level in to your 896HD bypassing its mic pres, so don't worry about the 896HD mic pres colouring the 500 series pres.

Is Apogee worth it? Some say they sound great for rock records, and are not so great for more natural acoustic style recording. Do you get what you pay for? Probably not. There are many other highly regarded converters out there, and all are VERY expensive.

A friend recently played me some recordings, recorded through a TC Konnect 24D. It was the most amazing thing I've ever heard. The thing is, he was recording amazing talent, in a beautiful room, with high quality DPA mics.

Probably didn't answer your question, and hopefully I don't sound too preachy, but yeah, I reckon nail the important stuff first.

[solar]

I actually feel that same way - regarding the converters. That's why I want to start building up with better mic pres, and also I totally agree with you about the mics. As stated I sold a lot of gear that I just wasn't using much and as far as mics, I now have an AKG C3000, AT 4033, 2 sm57's and 2 sm58's. There was a time I was just buying mics (decent ones) for paying gigs, so that I could get the recordings going. I would usually rent mic pres, then I bought my 4800.

I am currently working on the acoustics of my control room and 1 iso area. (just recently put wood floors throughout the house so working on strategic baffles). Recording everything from VI's to rhodes, bogners to guitar rig, DW's to Drumcore.

So I guess maybe I should be asking:

How is the HD192 compared to the 896HD? I know they are different animals (firewire vs Audiowire) But will I get 16 channels of input via 2 896's if I need to? I may still occasionally record a full drum kit, so would definitely need at least 10 channels. I really like that I could actually go mobile if need be. Maybe I should start a thread HD192 Vs 2 896HD's pros and cons.