virus vs duet: audio interface?

[Joey]

I run my virus through Spdif (fully digital connection) into a motu ultralite, and process some gear through it, usually my waldorf pulse or XT.

I would run it straight through the USB but I don't really ever use viruscontrol.

I find that processing the gear through the virus and then through spdif is much better quality than going through the ultralite's conversion.

I imagine it would be the same if you were using the virus through USB.

I've wondered for a while just how good the converters in the virus TI's really are.

as for leaving it on, I'm sure it wouldn't be bad, but I know I get uncomfortable leaving my gear on if it isnt being used.

[sawtooth]

Originally Posted by Joey

I find that processing the gear through the virus and then through spdif is much better quality than going through the ultralite's conversion.

I have an ultralite, too. I've always avoided using the TI as an interface because while I'm sure the A/D converters are good AFAIK the USB and S/PDIF transfers at 16 bit where the ultralite transfers at 24 bit. I'm not sure how the virus dithers or whatever and I don't think my ears are really good enough to tell the difference, but my attitude's been, why risk it. Maybe I have to rethink that...

[Splat!]

Err.... I don't know if it's just me, but I found a huge difference between the Virus and my M-box2. Thats why, when my M-box crashed I couldn't rely on the Virus, I got a MOTU 8PRE.

Maybe I should give it another try, but I found it quite dull, to be used as an audio interface.
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volcano digital