Need to get 32 analog channels into X2

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gbarrett
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2013/01/03 21:51:23 (permalink)

Need to get 32 analog channels into X2

I'm being contracted to design a simple, efficient and affordable system for a local church. They currently have a 48 channel splitter snake and some Presonus Digimax FS modules that someone had used at some point, but they don't have any interfaces to get lightpipe into a computer. In the past, I've used multiple Motu Ultralites to get the job done as they can be "stacked" on the same firewire interface. I'm not finding any docs on being able to stack multiple USB devices, even on different busses. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

A real musician knows the difference between the music and the notes.
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    tomixornot
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/04 03:21:41 (permalink)
    I was recently searching for an interface upgrade that support 2 ADAT.. my finding narrows down to 2 :

    Motu 896mk3
    8 onboard input (all with pre)
    + 16 input via (2x ADAT) = 24

    -> 4 more input to Motu via AES/EBU (stereo) and S/PDIF (stereo) ..max at 28

    RME UFX
    12 onboard inputs (4 pre, 8 line)
    + 16 input via (2x ADAT) = 28

    - 2 more input to RME via AES/EBU (stereo) ..max at 30

    I'm not sure about AES/EBU interface.. (high end price ?).

    Both short of your 32 ins requirement. 

    If you download the RME manual, you will find that it's possible to add up to 3 similar interface to the PC or MAC USB. But there will be 3 Total Mix software instances - one for each interface, and they won't interchange data.

    My local RME distributor did say it's possible to run up to 3 RME on PC.. Perhaps 2x RME in your case.. but it's better to see a really working demo, and if Sonar really sees all of them ?

    I must add, I do not have any experience yet using them.


    EDIT : How about Behringer X32 ..?

    post edited by tomixornot - 2013/01/04 03:27:21

    Albert


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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/04 07:04:51 (permalink)
    2 MOTU 24 I/0 and the PCI/e card.     48 channels analog.

    3 MOTU 192HD and the PCI/e card.    36 channels analog.

    Roland Digi Snake LAN system.           48 channels analog.




    It's a church with an existing 48 channel splitter snake? In one of the highest per capita income counties in the country?

    They probably don't need anything affordable.

    Set em up right so they can spread the word.


    :-)


    best regards,
    mike



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    gbarrett
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/04 10:09:24 (permalink)
    Yes, it's in a very rich place and I used to work there a few years ago producing TV, leading worship, etc., but they over extended themselves after I left and they can barely afford payroll.  My son is involved there as a volunteer and the leadership trusts me to make this happen.  The guy who replaced me really hurt the church in many ways.  That, with the economy has the in a bad spot.  It's a big church with HUGE debt and little resources.  They're just trying to be able to make DVDs that sound decent. It's really sad.  When I resigned we were on national TV twice a week doing full music and concert specials, and now they can't get a decent mix for audio.  The equipment that I used when I was there has disappeared so they are having to start over.

    A real musician knows the difference between the music and the notes.
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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/04 10:30:58 (permalink)


    That's discouraging to learn of.

    I think it is technically possible to run multiple USB I/O if they all use the same ASIO driver but you will have clocking issues that may or may not manifest them selves as something audible. You will also use up more CPU headroom than if you had a decent I/O controller. 

    Firewire doesn't daisy chain very reliably in Windows... but it does make for a good single controller. It seems like most fire wire solutions max out at 24, plus maybe a couple more channels.

    If you use a 8ch analog firewire unit with another 16 channels of ADAT in or something like that, you still have minute timing or sync issues bwteen the ADAT and analog in and the dynamic range of the ADAT in is less than the analog in. Minor issues, but it seems like it's easy to avoid by simply avoiding using 3 ganged units to do one job.  

    The dedicated PCI-E cards that break out dozens of analog I/O is the practical way to end up with 24+ I/O that are all similar in dynamic range and easily locked to the same clock.

    I hope you find a practical solution that can help out with the circumstance.

    all the best,
    mike




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    gbarrett
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/04 22:38:32 (permalink)
    I'm going to suggest the MOTU 2408 system. It will give them 8 direct inputs and the ADAT inputs from the Presonus modules already there. They want me to overhaul their entire AV system so this will be a bit of an expense, but you can't do quality for cheap. Doesn't work. The last worship leader took a bunch of the toys with him, and transferred the software licenses to his name. We'll see how nice the companies will be when I try to get the licenses back to the church. The church does have the receipts so I'm hoping it won't be a big deal. It is kinda cool, however, to be in a position to help my son develop his own area of ministry. He's not the worship leader, but he is the assistant. I served at that church for 15 years and left in 2006 on very good terms. It's nice to be asked to help sometimes, ya know? By the way, I'm the worship leader for another church about 30 miles away. I took a full year off from life then moved to Colorado to serve there for a few years. Now, I'm back in South Florida. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it!

    A real musician knows the difference between the music and the notes.
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    bbdude
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/06 12:24:53 (permalink)
    You might also want to consider the RME HDSPe RayDAT. This will cost you about $850. This is a PCie card with exceptional low latency, TotalMix H/W DSP mixer, and good RME drivers. This supports 4 ADAT I/O => 32 AtoD and 32 DtoA channels (all from external ADAT units like your Presonus Digimax FS).

    The one additional consideration : If the only existing ADAT units you have are the Presonus Digimax FS, you would need one of your ADAT units to be something with DtoA outputs, since the Presonus Digimax FS only has AtoD inputs.

    So, you coiuld use something like 3 Presonus Digimax FS and 1 Behringer ADA8000 8 Ch AtoD + 8 Ch DtoA. The Behringer ADA8000 will cost about $200.

    Good Luck.


    Bob the bbdude

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    Freddie H
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    Re:Need to get 32 analog channels into X2 2013/01/07 05:20:41 (permalink)
    High End alternative

    SSL Alpha link MADI (you can use the ADAT channels too and the MADI in same time give you total of 48Ch of HARDWARE physical in and outputs on one BOX)
    http://www.solid-state-logic.com/music/xlogic%20alpha-link/



    with RME MADI FX ( You can connect up to 3 BOX's, SSL MADI Alpha links on one card. Give you 144ch of HARDWARE physical in and outputs)
  • 194 input- / 196 output channels = 390 channels
  • 3 x MADI I/O (2 x optical + 1 x coaxial) http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_hdspe_madi_fx.php
    post edited by Freddie H - 2013/01/07 05:25:45


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