reducing studio workspace

[hardmandez]

hi everyone, ive been trying to not downsize so much but reduce the space the studio takes up and have it all within arms length. i was thinking of getting rid of my spirit sx and replacing it with a multi in sound card and breakout box. anyone done this and have any advice or comments.

[Tomer=Trance]

Rme are good.
check out the multiface and the fireface.

[jasedee]

You need something that has its own mixing app...

For example, the MOTU soundcard I have comes with an app called cuemix console, which allows me to control the level of inputs routed to my main outputs.

So if I have the Virus coming in on Stereo 1/2, and the Motif on 3/4, I can control their levels from within the app, without affecting the level going to tape.

I still prefer to use my mixer though (Mackie 1402), as it is within reach, I get to touch a fader, and not use a mouse, and not have another app open on the screen

[hardmandez]

Hmmm. I've got about ?300 pounds to spend. Are there any decent multi in/out cards about for that price of good quality.

Are you likely to get FX for a card of this price.

With regard to the fader problem I was thinking of getting a dual screen setup, Traktion on one side, mixerapp, etc on the other screen.

Like you Jasdee I usually prefer hardware only but its a pain having to get up everytime I want to change a setting on the mixer. It would also mean I have less cabling to worry about etc.

[Tomer=Trance]

300 pounds is rather low even for 2nd hand. :?
The RME cards do have a mixing application within it (i belive its called total mix) and they come with a pci card and you may also get a cardbus which allows you to connect it to your laptop and go portable.
having said that the Muto 828mk2 is very simmiler and features about the same quality of convertors&flexibility.

not sure if you can find either for less then 500-600 euro on the 2nd hand market.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RME-HAMMERFALL-MULTIFACE_W0QQitemZ7360146296QQcategoryZ23784QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIt em

[Gopal]

The Motu is in a different league to the RME for the simple reason that you can PLUG DECENT CABLES INTO THE FUCKING THING.

I find RME and complete joke for this reason.

That is all 8)

[Tomer=Trance]

what do you mean?

[Gopal]

Actually after checking out the Fireface 800 I take it back. All the RME cards I've seen before were the PCI cards with a stupid loom of breakout cables. I hadn't seen this beast before, would definately be a goody.

Just get a COMPLETELY external soundcard is all I can say. Keep all that D/A conversion etc well away from all that shit (noise) going on inside a computer.

[Tomer=Trance]

well... as i said,quality doesnt come cheap.

[hardmandez]

What about the likes of the Terratec Phase 88, Edirol Fa101 or even the Hercules 16/12FW these look like cheaper alternatives, do;t know much about them though, anyone used these.

[DIGITAL SCREAMS]

Hello Hard....

This reminds me of a thread I started sometime ago 'Downsizing your studio or downsize your mind' LOL :lol: . I think your along the right lines. I much prefer minimalist setups....and after reading Brian Eno's studio page....well what can I say....the KING of minimalism. Look at what he's acheived....

DS

[~+?]

RME all the way, Multiface has not let me down once.. built like a BF109.

[Tomer=Trance]

well i belive they are good,
less quality on the Analog-digital convertors and maybe less expandable but good.
thinking about it,its hard to find crapy products nowdays.
check out the reviews and look for good tech support and good drivers.

[hardmandez]

I expect you are right, Tommer. Most stuff is of pretty good quality these days.

I'll probably go for the Terratec Phase 88R version. It gets decent reviews and doesn't cost the earth. I could probably strech as far as the RME stuff or MOTU 828 but I think I would just be wasting money as its only a hobby.

Thanks for the advice.

[hardmandez]

I see the Delta 1010 is still going strong. Is this still a contender these days?

[Tomer=Trance]

the Emu stuff mainly...