one interface to replace three components...

[nuno1959]

Hi guys

i currently have a 27'' iMac 2013 connected to a Cambridge Audio DacMagic via optical + a FiiO Qogir E09 headphone amp, the lot then plugged into my Roksan Kandy K2 amp/B&W floorstanding speakers

On the other hand when i record my bass or guitars i use my Zoom B3 which besides being an effects box is also a USB audio interface

The whole thing sounds rather nice to be honest but, since my FiiO has developed a flaw & Amazon is refunding my purchase + i have someone who would buy my DacMagic for a reasonable price, it would be a golden opportunity to upgrade all these bits & bobs AND reduce the number of cables & wall warts at the same time, without spending a gazillion £,$ or € & preferably while getting a better audio quality

The Interfaces i'm considering as replacements are :
1 - Apogee Duet 2
2 - TC Electronic Impact Twin
The headphones i use are Sennheiser HD215 & as a replacement for my Zoom B3 effects i have a TC Electronic Nova System which despite being aimed at guitars, i have tweaked to provide REALLY GOOD quality effects for my active basses - both Spector ReBops in 4 & 5 string

Any help/suggestions would be MOST welcome & if it's class compliant even better !?

Thanks in advance for your patience

 

[Fernando Costa]

I need to replace my old interface. Many studio technicians recommend me a Apogee Duet 2.

 

[nuno1959]

Olá Fernando

& Thank you for your input ;-)

i must say a friend of mine has a Duet & while it sounds GREAT, there are a few things that bother me about it..
In the meantime a few people on other Forums where i basically posted the same question, have brought to my attention something which seems EXTREMELY interesting & even cheaper than the Duet WITHOUT audio quality loss at all : the SPL Crimson

& the more i read about it, the more i like it !! Regardless what i get, i'll make sure to post back my findings

Obrigado e fica bem

Nuno

 

[Fernando Costa]

Olá Nuno, this Crimson has a lot more features than the Duet, is in another category. I really enjoyed and I research on it. Isn't cheaper than the Duet, is a little more expensive but with many more features. Seems like a good choice.

All the best

Fernando

 

[nuno1959]

Oi Fernando

A little late BUT… after using the SPL Crimson for a while, i must say i'm thrilled with it's audio quality & ease of use.
Another feature i particularly like is the fact that w/ Mac OS X it doesn't need installing any drivers - unless one needs to use the higher sample rates
If curious have a listen at a few mixes i recorded with it & GarageBand, the basses used are 1 Spector ReBop 4 Zebrawood w/ EMG BQC pre & EMG 35DC pickups , a Spector ReBop DLX 5 string w/ Emg 40TW pickups, the effects a TC Electronic Nova System tweaked for bass & that's it
Mind you in the website the files posted are .mp3 & i ASSURE you that at home through my stereo it sounds MUCH BETTER but still + i'm NOT very good at recording or mixing & still the SPL sounds AWESOME !!

Enjoy ;-)

Invalid Link Removed

http://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-24990.php

Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed

 

[FFTT]

Take a look at the new Motu 16-A

If you want to stay with USB the Duet is a decent basic entry level interface.

To go seriously pro, you're looking at something like the new Lynx HiLo

FireWire is being phased out in favor of Thunderbolt, so keep that in mind as you build your system.

 

[nuno1959]

Take a look at the new Motu 16-A

If you want to stay with USB the Duet is a decent basic entry level interface.

To go seriously pro, you're looking at something like the new Lynx HiLo

FireWire is being phased out in favor of Thunderbolt, so keep that in mind as you build your system.

Thanks for your suggestion FFTT - appreciated !!
But… i already went ahead with the SPL Crimson, it's USB & i couldn't be happier about it !!
It just sounds SUPERB, is super easy to use, built like a tank & being within my budget + a 3 year warranty made it irresistible ! ;-)

Check these out :

Invalid Link Removed

http://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-25526.php

Invalid Link Removed

One problem w/ GarageBand, SOMETIMES : you launch the app, record something & there are pops & crackles in the sound !
Solution ? Launch app, record 4 seconds & listen to check if it's happening - if it's not, delete & go ahead doing your thing
If it does, quit the app, re-launch & you're set to go !

I haven't yet researched/understood why this happens but the solution being SO simple, i can live with it
In Logic ( & i guess other ''Pro'' DAW's.. ) it does't happen

 

[FFTT]

I thought I had blown one of the tweeters in my MSP7's because I was getting cracking
and it turned out to be a dirty connection in the interface monitor output jack.

I'm just barely functional in Logic.
The sound library and virtual outboard gear are worth the cost to me.

I had to take lessons at the Apple Store One To One training to get up and running.

 

[gfen]

FireWire is being phased out in favor of Thunderbolt, so keep that in mind as you build your system.

There are Thunderbolt to FW adapters, so if you're opened to use it's possible that you may stumble across someone upgrading to rid themselves of a FW device. Their loss could be your gain.

 

[FFTT]

There are Thunderbolt to FW adapters, so if you're opened to use it's possible that you may stumble across someone upgrading to rid themselves of a FW device. Their loss could be your gain.

There's a huge difference between FireWire to Thunderbolt connectivity and actual Thunderbolt bandwidth.
A FireWire interface will only yield FireWire bandwidth even if connected through a Thunderbolt adapter.