Hi!
 
I'm thinking about adding 8 more I/O channels via ADAT to my system for flexibility.
 
I came across the ART TubeOpto 8 but an 8 channel tube amp for this price (550 EUR) makes me wonder if that is serious gear??? However, some folks in this forum have already recommended 2 channel ART gear for being good value for less money ...
 
So, is anybody out there actually using an ART TubeOpto 8?
 
I also had a look at the Focusrite OctoPre MKII Dynamic and even the Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56. I've spent considerable time contemplating over the various different options these pre-amps provide, but before I go out and order all 3 for a test and send 2 back, I hope to get some suggestions from you guys.
 
Your input is much appreciated.
 
Rob
 
 
 
 

Hey Rob,

The Focusrite will sound better than the ART unit.
That said, you might want to wait a bit... as the ADA-8000 mkII will be released soon.
Yes, it's  Behringer unit...  
The ADA-8000 was actually a very good piece for the cost (especially when it was released).
If the mkII unit follows suit, it'll be great bang-for-the-buck.


The Digimax FS is yet another option.

If you have Lightpipe I/O on the computer covered you might want to look for a used Frontier Design Tango24.

Of the 8 channel converters I've tried I think the Tango24 is the best sounding reasonably priced device on the market.

The Behringer ADA-8000 is remarkably good for the money.

I did not like the ART TubeOpto at all.

The Focusrite stuff sounds really good, but is priced a bit higher than the other's.

I have three Tango24s, and will probably get one more before I make the leap to higher sampling frequencies. (Lightpipe is limited to 24 bits and 48 kHz.)

I would stay clear of the m-Audio Octane units, even if they look like a good buy. 

While they sound really great, they have a known design defect that the manufacturer won't, or can't, fix. For the first 20 minutes or so after power up they have a really annoying hum on the channels that have low impedance mics on them; it's nasty! It even cross-feeds into the channels that have higher impedance mics on them. 
I have 32 channels of these and I have to let them warm up before I can hit "record" which is annoying. 

I'd like an Audient ASP008!

SvenArne


I'd like an Audient ASP008!
 
 
+1

Jim Roseberry


Hey Rob,

The Focusrite will sound better than the ART unit.
That said, you might want to wait a bit... as the ADA-8000 mkII will be released soon.
Yes, it's  Behringer unit...  
The ADA-8000 was actually a very good piece for the cost (especially when it was released).
If the mkII unit follows suit, it'll be great bang-for-the-buck.


The Digimax FS is yet another option.

The new Behringer adat : http://www.soundonsound.c...lat.php?Number=1003447


I was talking to my local Focusrite rep... he did mentioned a new Scarlett coming soon, but he didn't say much.. :)

I have an original ADA 8000. It has served me well. 

I have a saffire pro 40, and a 2 channel Art (TPS II) which I have been happy with both. I am (hopefully) adding the ADA 8000 to give me 8 more channels for Christmas (if Santa is good to me). Though it occurred to me that I will need the cable to connect them which I did not specifically ask for... crap!

FYI, i went for the Focusrite OctoPre MKII Dynamic as it provides optional compression and also 8 OUTs which come quite handy for routing options. Just got it racked up. Seems like a good unit, curious how it'll perform when used for tracking drums ...