Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3.

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bayn
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2005/06/08 01:17:35 (permalink)

Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3.

This is the first of two posts I am hoping will provide me with the last two pieces of objective information I need to finalize the specs for my DAW upgrade. I'll post the second one right after this one, in a separate thread, as it's a very different subject.

My current system:
Pentium 4 C 3.2GHz
2GB DDR400 dual channel
more than enough storage
M-Audio 2496 PCI
Behringer Eurorack UB1622FX-PRO console (all analog)
Alesis Q6.2 synth
MXL 2006 XLR condensor mic
Home Studio 2004

Why I'm upgrading:
I'm upgrading for the next generation of hardware, and planning to migrate to Sonar 4 now that I think I am atleast relatively familiar with rudementary Cakewalk software.

What I do currently:
2 analog 1/4" lines to the Behringer from the synth, and the mic into the XLR on the Behringer. Analog RCAs out to the 2496. Real simple. Doesn't sound as nice as I'd hoped - despite throwing everything but the kitchen sink at it - especialy now that I'm taking digital audio production in school and am a little more aware of what I'm doing (I'm DEFINITELY nowhere near savvy at this yet though! Advanced novice to early intermediate you might say).

What I want to do:
I want to get a new synth with digital I/O, keep the entire recording chain digital from the synth to the interface to the software - with the exception of the mic of course. I want one of the cards mentioned in the subject, because they are the ones within my price range and which seem to offer reasonable performance gains (though I'm a bit iffy on the Gina - it looks on paper like it'd be on par and maybe worse than the 2496, but like I said I'm no expert so who knows?)

What I'm asking:
For my simple set-up (the complexity all comes about in the software ), what do you guys/gals think would give me the best sound - taking into account that I want to go digital, and taking my mic into consideration. I value good separation and "width" in my music, and I like a soft, warm texture between tracks in even my fuzziest most, I dunno, "abrasive" sounding songs - the energy of the loudness is still there, but it's as if the edges impacting on one another are smooth and analog-ish sounding - just need better quality than what I'm getting now (alot of it could be the behringer too, I don't know). I know for my money I'm not gonna get the best or anything - I'm just asking for what the best improvement over the 2496 would be given the aims outlined above. Keep in mind I need a digital in, and a way to go back out dogitaly to the card as well (though I guess that's one advantage of firewire right?)

All opinions, especialy varied, experienced, opposing ones are extremely welcome and appreciated.

Thank-you very much. Now on to post #2.
post edited by bayn - 2005/06/08 01:20:25
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    urock
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    RE: Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3. 2005/06/08 21:53:41 (permalink)
    For some pros and cons on the 1820m and some other audio interfaces check out this ongoing thread (starting toward the middle):

    http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.asp?m=461369

    Best,

    urock
    post edited by urock - 2005/06/08 21:55:46
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    bayn
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    RE: Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3. 2005/06/08 22:07:12 (permalink)
    Much thanks!

    I hope in time I become as capable of being helpful as people have been to me.
    #3
    bayn
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    RE: Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3. 2005/06/08 23:18:31 (permalink)
    After reading that thread, doing some research, and then reading several more threads, the Lynx cards sound like they'd be awesome. The thing someone said that sticks in my mind was it sounds so smooth that "it doesn't even sound digital." That sounds perfect for me. The DMA optimization they have sounds nice too. What do people think?

    My only questions are:

    What's the difference between the LynxTWO and the LynxL22, other than price? Their site represents them as having more or less the same specifications. Are there any substantive differences that could impact upon me?

    EDIT: Is it just the lack of composite video genlock in the L22?
    post edited by bayn - 2005/06/08 23:22:43
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    johndale
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    RE: Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3. 2005/06/09 01:10:25 (permalink)
    Go to this LINK. It will tell you all you need to know...............JDW

    http://johndalewilson.com



    #5
    bayn
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    RE: Upgrading - my options: FA-101, 1820M, Firewire 410, or Gina G3. 2005/06/09 02:18:38 (permalink)
    Oh I see, it says TWO/L22. I guess that signifies the only substantive difference is the video genlock. Awesome. Thanks yet again for everyone's help. My only two questions answered in but two days. I love it when message boards are like this, and everyone helps eachother. I've seen it in other threads too, even the people working for cakewalk get into the act and help out - quickly no less. This is how a forum for a product should be conducted. I only hope when I've learned more I can help others too.
    #6
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