reducing studio workspace

[hardmandez]

hi everyone, ive been trying to not downsize so much but reduce the space the studio takes up and have it all within arms length. i was thinking of getting rid of my spirit sx and replacing it with a multi in sound card and breakout box. anyone done this and have any advice or comments.

[Tomer=Trance]

Rme are good.
check out the multiface and the fireface.

[jasedee]

You need something that has its own mixing app...

For example, the MOTU soundcard I have comes with an app called cuemix console, which allows me to control the level of inputs routed to my main outputs.

So if I have the Virus coming in on Stereo 1/2, and the Motif on 3/4, I can control their levels from within the app, without affecting the level going to tape.

I still prefer to use my mixer though (Mackie 1402), as it is within reach, I get to touch a fader, and not use a mouse, and not have another app open on the screen

[hardmandez]

Hmmm. I've got about ?300 pounds to spend. Are there any decent multi in/out cards about for that price of good quality.

Are you likely to get FX for a card of this price.

With regard to the fader problem I was thinking of getting a dual screen setup, Traktion on one side, mixerapp, etc on the other screen.

Like you Jasdee I usually prefer hardware only but its a pain having to get up everytime I want to change a setting on the mixer. It would also mean I have less cabling to worry about etc.

[Tomer=Trance]

300 pounds is rather low even for 2nd hand.
The RME cards do have a mixing application within it (i belive its called total mix) and they come with a pci card and you may also get a cardbus which allows you to connect it to your laptop and go portable.
having said that the Muto 828mk2 is very simmiler and features about the same quality of convertors&flexibility.

not sure if you can find either for less then 500-600 euro on the 2nd hand market.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RME-HAMMERFALL-M...cmdZViewIt em

[Gopal]

The Motu is in a different league to the RME for the simple reason that you can PLUG DECENT CABLES INTO THE FUCKING THING.

I find RME and complete joke for this reason.

That is all

[Tomer=Trance]

what do you mean?

[Gopal]

Actually after checking out the Fireface 800 I take it back. All the RME cards I've seen before were the PCI cards with a stupid loom of breakout cables. I hadn't seen this beast before, would definately be a goody.

Just get a COMPLETELY external soundcard is all I can say. Keep all that D/A conversion etc well away from all that shit (noise) going on inside a computer.

[Tomer=Trance]

well... as i said,quality doesnt come cheap.

[hardmandez]

What about the likes of the Terratec Phase 88, Edirol Fa101 or even the Hercules 16/12FW these look like cheaper alternatives, do;t know much about them though, anyone used these.