MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it?

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rodreb
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2015/05/03 10:48:30 (permalink)

MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it?

A replacement for my Echo Audiofire 12 may be in my near future. I'd like something with 16 line inputs. From what I have seen, that pretty much means a MOTU 16A but, I haven't heard much feedback from anybody about them (good, bad, or otherwise). Anybody using one??



ROD

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#1

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    Anderton
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 10:53:02 (permalink)
    Haven't used that specific interface, but my experience with MOTU has been generally very good. There's a myth that their interfaces are more Mac-friendly than Windows-friendly, but that hasn't been true for a long, long time.

    The first 3 books in "The Musician's Guide to Home Recording" series are available from Hal Leonard and http://www.reverb.com. Listen to my music on http://www.YouTube.com/thecraiganderton, and visit http://www.craiganderton.com. Thanks!
    #2
    mgh
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 11:31:39 (permalink)
    rodreb
    A replacement for my Echo Audiofire 12 may be in my near future. I'd like something with 16 line inputs. From what I have seen, that pretty much means a MOTU 16A 




    not necessarily. an 8 input interface with ADAT will give you 16 channels - admittedly not line inputs but most preamps are dual mic/line input these days...for example Motu 8pre x 2 will be about half the price of the 16A...

    Memorare debut album 'Philistine' available now http://blackwoodproductio...philistine-digipack-cd
    #3
    submarin
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 11:41:22 (permalink)
    Well I can proove that this myth is true cause my 828mk3 which I use on the road has terrible drivers..
    Actually wanted to sell it many times but it is unique with all the functions it has..

    i7 4770, 32 GB Ram, W8.1 64bit, RME Digiface, 3x RME Adi DS, Uad2 Quad, , Sonar Platinum, Cubase 8 pro, Reaper , Ableton Live
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    #4
    FCCfirstclass
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 11:44:33 (permalink)
    Take a look at the Roland Studio Capture.

    Win 10 Pro x64, 32Gb DDR3 ram, Sonar Platinum, Cubase 9.5, Mackie MCU Pro, Cakewalk VS 100, Roland Octa-Capture,  A 800 Pro, Carver M-1.5t amp & C4000 pre amp, various mics, drums and brass instruments.
     
    And away we go!
    #5
    rodreb
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 11:48:21 (permalink)
    Craig: Yeah, I remember the old idea that MOTU catered to Mac but, I, too, had heard that was no longer true. I don't know much about the quality of their converters/overall sound, or their driver quality/stability with Sonar.
    mgh: I wonder if there might be stability issues with using two interfaces together as compared to having everything in one? Don't know, just wondering.



    ROD

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    #6
    mgh
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 11:51:39 (permalink)
    You only use one as an interface the other is in essence just pre amps.lots of people use adat I'm sure they could reassure you

    Memorare debut album 'Philistine' available now http://blackwoodproductio...philistine-digipack-cd
    #7
    rodreb
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 13:55:12 (permalink)
    So, I guess, judging from the responses, nobody is using the MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum.
    Submarin seems to have issues with the drivers for his 828 mkIII.
    Does anybody use any MOTU interface successfully with Sonar Platinum?
    The idea of 2 MOTU 8 Pre's would save about $400 over the 16A so, that's a thought, too. 



    ROD

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    #8
    submarin
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 14:34:21 (permalink)
    I won´t judge on the newer models, maybe windows drivers got better, with the 828 it´s definately not so cool.
    I also have a RME Foreface UC and this thing runs fantastic on my Lenovo Laptop..

    i7 4770, 32 GB Ram, W8.1 64bit, RME Digiface, 3x RME Adi DS, Uad2 Quad, , Sonar Platinum, Cubase 8 pro, Reaper , Ableton Live
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    #9
    mgh
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 15:30:56 (permalink)
    the MOTU was just an example-  you could choose, say, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 plus Octopre, RME have options and there are cheaper alternatives from the likes of Behringer and Alesis, and then there are more expensive options like Allen and Heath...

    Memorare debut album 'Philistine' available now http://blackwoodproductio...philistine-digipack-cd
    #10
    js516
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/03 18:46:49 (permalink)
    I use the older pcie based 24io and 2488mk3. From my experience, windows driver quality lags behind the mac drivers by a few versions. Thier new thunderbolt based system had recently received windows drivers which donot support avb connectivity to the pc, where the mac drivers had just received this capability.

    Joe Sera
     
    Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3, AMD FX-8320, Corsair 32GB 1600 Ram, MOTU AVB on USB3, AMD Radeon R7-200
    #11
    BRuys
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/06 00:54:26 (permalink)
    js516
    Their new thunderbolt based system had recently received windows drivers which do not support avb connectivity to the pc, where the mac drivers had just received this capability.

    They also don't support ThunderBolt connectivity on the PC.  USB2 only.  I have had excellent results with a MOTU 2408 Mk3 and a 24I/O, but the PCI/PCIe stuff has now all been replaced with this new ThunderBolt stuff.  As the PC may never get it's act together with TB, I'm afraid that's the end of the line with MOTU for me.
     
    The fact the TB still isn't supported properly in the PC world is going to come home to roost for PC DAWs, as new TB interfaces are going to push many PC DAW people back over the fence to Mac.  MOTU's TB/AVB stuff looks awesome, but would be severely crippled on the PC.
    #12
    rodreb
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 18:18:02 (permalink)
    Man!All my DAW recording life, it has been a struggle trying to find a suitable interface that just plain works on  a PC running Sonar. At least 16 inputs to accommodate my preamps and mixer. Doesn't seem like it should be so tough. Just seems like, no matter what I think about, there are horror stories from people that have had problems. The temptation to go back to tape looks pretty inviting sometimes.... Nah! I lived many years with tape and, it has it's own set of headaches. Guess I'll just keep searching.
     



    ROD

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    #13
    bz2838
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 19:11:21 (permalink)
    rodreb
    Man!All my DAW recording life, it has been a struggle trying to find a suitable interface that just plain works on  a PC running Sonar. At least 16 inputs to accommodate my preamps and mixer. Doesn't seem like it should be so tough. Just seems like, no matter what I think about, there are horror stories from people that have had problems. The temptation to go back to tape looks pretty inviting sometimes.... Nah! I lived many years with tape and, it has it's own set of headaches. Guess I'll just keep searching.
     


    Try RME

    Purrrfect Audio:  Intel i7 7700k (Kabylake), 32Gig DDR4/2133, Windows 10x64 Pro, USB RME Babyface, Sonar Platinum Current
    #14
    BRuys
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 19:42:22 (permalink)
    The real issue with multi-channel audio interfaces is that:
    1. They are expensive
    2. Driver support can disappear in as little as 5 years
    3. You are left with a device you can't upgrade to the next version of Windows (no new drivers)
    4. The computer interface goes end-of-life
    I have already had many interfaces, including Gadget Labs 8*24, M-Audio 1010, and now MOTU 2408 Mk3 and 24I/O.  That is thousands of dollars in obsolete hardware.  The reality is that keeping your hardware up to date is going to cost you a lot of money if, like me, you need enough channels to record full bands, full drum kits, etc.  There is really no escape from this.
     
    I always chuckle when people moan about the cost of upgrading Sonar - honestly, that's the cheapest part!
    #15
    rodreb
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 20:59:10 (permalink)
    BRuys: Exactly! That was one nice thing about analog, once you bought it, it was what it was. No need for constant updates, worrying if it will still work with a new mixer or whatever.



    ROD

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    js516
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 21:19:07 (permalink)
    Yeah, if you don't count the maintenance costs. I for one don't want to pay for a cap job on an analog console.

    I can't complain. I got 10 years out of My 24io/2408mk3. I'm hoping to hang onto it until avb matures, maybe it will have a bit more longevity.

    Joe Sera
     
    Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3, AMD FX-8320, Corsair 32GB 1600 Ram, MOTU AVB on USB3, AMD Radeon R7-200
    #17
    rodreb
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 21:39:27 (permalink)
    Yeah, everything's got it's upside and it's downside. I've had my Audiofire 12 for a long time. Before that, I had an Aardvark Q-10 for a long time. It's time to update and get more inputs. Twelve inputs ain't bad but, really need 16 at least, 24 at best. The UA, Lynx, etc. stuff is kind of out of my budget so, just trying to figure out something I can get. I was hoping some folks might chime in with what they are using that works.



    ROD

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    #18
    BRuys
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    Re: MOTU 16A with Sonar Platinum? Anybody using it? 2015/05/07 21:41:16 (permalink)
    Drivers are the real issue.  One day, we have to get to the point where everything is class-compliant, so even if the manufacturers stop updating their drivers, we can still use the hardware (even if it has a bit less functionality).
     
    All the audio interfaces I've had to dump were 100% sound electronically, Imagine if I had to throw away my TV or Stereo because the company went bust or lost interest in the product?  Keeping equipped to record bands is an expensive exercise.  At least I don't have to throw away my expensive microphones, preamps, instruments, etc.
    #19
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