As much as I like my VS700 system, the lack of inserts is a real issue.  I recently had my ADL600 preamp gone thru at Presonus. It was an initial unit that was sent out with incorrect jumper settings making the settings for mics incorrect.  Now it works like it was supposed to all along.  Of course, it is an all tube preamp with xlrs out. I have spent some time trying to get the signal into my DAW without overdriving the VS700 pre. There is simply no way to get the signal into the DAW without going thru the VS700 preamps.  I can get the signal into it but I have to turn down the ADL so much that I lose much of the organic tube sound. Well, yes... I could spring for a ADC and go that route, but that seems really pricey.  I actually disconnected the VS700 and hooked up my old Mackie Onyx400F. It has both inserts as well as a signal path in several line inputs that bypasses it's pre. Heck, they even had brand new Win7 drivers and a firmware update that worked like a champ. One issue.  I don't think the overall mix sounds as good as the VS700. I guess, I could just use the Mackie for getting direct signal from my mic thru the ADL600 and then use the VS700 for everything else.  However, I also have some nice outboard reverbs that would be nice to use from time to time.  I don't know where I'm going with this...   ideas?
 
(yes, I am using the 20dB pad)

Ha!!

I've tried to access the converters while bypassing the preamps some time ago but I do not have the necessary knowledge.  Maybe an electronic expert could do something about it but that's some serious stuff.

I fear you have no choice but use some external converters, as you already know.  

Just for you to know, the best bang for bucks I've ever come across regarding conversion solution is this: http://www.frontendaudio.com/Sonic-Core-Ferrofish-A16-Mk-II-p/2408.htm

The quality must be very similar the the vs and it will give you 32 I/O (with a second vs700r... damn...)via adat at 44.1/48khz, filling those nasty adat ports. They even do 96khz if you must deal with it. This may be enough to justify throwing +/- 1k$ on those to give you massive I/O flexibility. 

I ordered a new Lynx Hilo today. This will let me use my outboard preamps without using the V700 pre's.  I don't think I will have any issues with the quality.

You can bypass the preamps with any interface that will connect via Digital 2 ADAT. This will give you 8 more channels. Make the VS 700 the master timeclock and slave the second interface to the VS 700. I use a Motu 2408 Mk 3 in stand alone mode. It works flawlessly.

stevee9c6


I ordered a new Lynx Hilo today. This will let me use my outboard preamps without using the V700 pre's.  I don't think I will have any issues with the quality.

Nice piece! I don't think either you'll have issues with the quality!

The Lynx Hilo turns the V-700 from a Cadillac into a Rolls. Mind boggling improvement in audio quality.  I am truly amazed at the step up in quality. 

Hi Stevee
Correct me if I'm wrong but the V700 R has no effect on your sound : It is only your ADL preamp and the Lynx Hilo. The V 700 R is just an intermediary because the (very high quality) conversion stage is provided by the (very high quality) Hilo.

Concerning your outboard reverb /effect, have you find a solution to integrate them ? Maybe, one solution would be to connect them with the External Insert plug-in provided with X1.
But but it seems that there are not many people who speak about it (?)

The Hilo has several different ways of getting the outboard effects in digitally. It works great.
Yes, the V700 has no effect on sound when using the Hilo. However, The V700 Console works just fine with the Hilo. It is very easy to switch between using the Hilo conversion and using the 700R. It is simply loading the appropriate drivers. I use the V700R for my Roland TD20SX kit. I use all 8 inputs and trigger whatever drum samples I am using. It works very nicely. I would love to be able to use everything at the same time but the Hilo has no midi.