I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of luck?

Harry F Lavo wrote:
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of luck?

Mike preamps don't have a return. Mike preamps just amplify.

The thing you want is not just a preamp, but a combined preamp+A/D+D/A
box.

The Mackie Onyx 800R is a combined preamp+A/D box, with a firewire output,
but it has no D/A built-in.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Harry F Lavo wrote:
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of luck?

It seems to me that the Presonus FirePod fits your description. If it
doesn't do what you're looking for, then I think you need to clarify a bit.

--
Eric

Practice Your Mixing Skills
www.Raw-Tracks.com
www.Mad-Host.com

"Scott Dorsey" wrote in message
...
Harry F Lavo wrote:
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and
interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and
duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is
unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of
luck?

Mike preamps don't have a return. Mike preamps just amplify.

The thing you want is not just a preamp, but a combined preamp+A/D+D/A
box.

The Mackie Onyx 800R is a combined preamp+A/D box, with a firewire output,
but it has no D/A built-in.
--scott

Sorry that I wasn't clear in my terminology, Scott, but I do understand that
that is what I want. I focused on the Onyx for awhile, but I just can't see
doubling the price to get an intermediaary I/O box for firewire...bad enough
to have to do it for ADAT.

I'm really shocked as a newbie to digital recording that at this stage of
the art, there is no such thing (apparently) as an integrated preamp/digital
mixer with full duplexed I/O in conjunction with a computer. I don't
want/need a console...just good mic preamps, a means to monitor while
recording, and a means of giving six channels of analog output to a
surround setup. And I can't believe I'm alone.

Sadly, your response tends to confirm my belief...there just doesn't seem to
be such a beast.

"EricK" wrote in message
...
Harry F Lavo wrote:
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and
interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and
duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is
unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of
luck?

It seems to me that the Presonus FirePod fits your description. If it
doesn't do what you're looking for, then I think you need to clarify a
bit.

Thanks for the suggestion, Eric. The Presonus comes close, but I believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix. I believe it lacks D/A
convertors to generate line output beyond the basic two channeel mix. I've
studied the Personus literature and visited their web site. If I'm wrong,
then their marketing needs improved. Would appreciate from anybody owning
this unit confirmation (or not) of this dilemma.

Harry F Lavo wrote:

I'm really shocked as a newbie to digital recording that at this
stage of the art, there is no such thing (apparently) as an
integrated preamp/digital mixer with full duplexed I/O in
conjunction
with a computer.

Pick a digital mixer, accessorize per your needs, and there you have
it!

I don't want/need a console...

So says you Harry, based on how exactly many hours of real-world
recording experience?

just good mic preamps, a means to monitor while recording,

Sounds like a mixer to me.

and a means of giving six channels of analog output to a surround
setup.

All you need there is a DAC, perhaps one with an ADAT input.

"Harry F Lavo" wrote in message
...

"EricK" wrote in message
...
Harry F Lavo wrote:
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and
interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire
in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and
duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is
unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but
most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of
luck?

It seems to me that the Presonus FirePod fits your description. If it
doesn't do what you're looking for, then I think you need to clarify a
bit.

Thanks for the suggestion, Eric. The Presonus comes close, but I believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix. I believe it lacks D/A
convertors to generate line output beyond the basic two channeel mix.
I've
studied the Personus literature and visited their web site. If I'm wrong,
then their marketing needs improved. Would appreciate from anybody owning
this unit confirmation (or not) of this dilemma.


I don't own the unit but I have been in the market and they don't appear to
have aux sends like you desire. The do have a few inserts I believe. But
wouldn't that be enough? If you dont want a console just add some verb with
plugs. Compress to "tape" with the inserts. There you go.


--

-Hev
remove your opinion to find me he
www.michaelYOURspringerOPINION.com

Harry F Lavo wrote:


I'm really shocked as a newbie to digital recording that at this
stage of
the art, there is no such thing (apparently) as an integrated
preamp/digital
mixer with full duplexed I/O in conjunction with a computer.


Check out the MOTU firewire interfaces, the 896 or the 828. And if they
do what you want, don't complain that they're too much money.
=8B

Bob Ross wrote:
Harry F Lavo wrote:


I'm really shocked as a newbie to digital recording that at this
stage of
the art, there is no such thing (apparently) as an integrated
preamp/digital
mixer with full duplexed I/O in conjunction with a computer.


Check out the MOTU firewire interfaces, the 896 or the 828. And if
they
do what you want, don't complain that they're too much money.
=8B

Quality and reliability issues aside
(since I have not used the unit)
How about the Behringer ADA8000 ?

http://www.behringer.com/ADA8000/index.cfm?lang=3DENG

Not sure how close it comes to filling your needs
but it seems to have a lot in one package.

rd

In article .com,
"Bob Ross" wrote:


Harry F Lavo wrote:


I'm really shocked as a newbie to digital recording that at this
stage of
the art, there is no such thing (apparently) as an integrated
preamp/digital
mixer with full duplexed I/O in conjunction with a computer.


Check out the MOTU firewire interfaces, the 896 or the 828. And if they
do what you want, don't complain that they're too much money.
‹

The new Traveler can do this also, if I understand you correctly.

In article , (Harry
F Lavo) wrote:

I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and
interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and
duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed.

I'm not 100% sure I understand the question, but I think the MOTU 896HD
does exactly what you want (I think other MOTU FireWire interfaces may
suit also, but the 896HD is the one I know well).

This can be done with the Digi 002 Rack I believe.

John


"Harry F Lavo" wrote in message
...

"EricK" wrote in message
...
Harry F Lavo wrote:
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and
interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire
in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and
duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is
unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but
most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of
luck?

It seems to me that the Presonus FirePod fits your description. If it
doesn't do what you're looking for, then I think you need to clarify a
bit.

Thanks for the suggestion, Eric. The Presonus comes close, but I believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix. I believe it lacks D/A
convertors to generate line output beyond the basic two channeel mix.
I've
studied the Personus literature and visited their web site. If I'm wrong,
then their marketing needs improved. Would appreciate from anybody owning
this unit confirmation (or not) of this dilemma.

In article writes:

Thanks for the suggestion, Eric. The Presonus comes close, but I believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix. I believe it lacks D/A
convertors to generate line output beyond the basic two channeel mix.

That's what it looks like to me also. You might check out the RME
Fireface 800 (http://www.rme-audio.com/english/firewire/ff800.htm)
This has what you're looking for, but it might be too much (features
and dollars).



--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

Harry F Lavo wrote:

The Presonus comes close, but I believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix.

Looked at the Metric Halo Mobile IO?

--
ha

Thanks for the input, guys. I've got lots to explore. I've stayed away
from the MOTU stuff because of its Apple software orientation, but at this
point I'll be opening it up to be more flexible. You've all been a big
help...as I've come to expect on RAP.

BTW the little custom Shuttle I've put together is a sweetheart. Has a
propritary heat sink and radiator that keeps fan noise to a minimum once it
starts. And with a little finageling, you can get an app drive and a pair
of mirrored SOTA drives in the thing, along with all the I/O you might want
as well as a free PCI slot. Moreover, since I bought the components and
assembled the unit, the fact that it has very good instructions and build
quality was a real plus. If you are putting together or considering buying
a new DAW, consiider one of these, either as component or as finished
workstation (they now sell them fully assembled, and Swee****er sells a few
fully set up with custom configured XP.)

"Harry F Lavo" wrote in message
...
I'm researching/looking for a mic preamp (not separate preamp and
interface)
that includes multichannel returns as well as eight channel firewire in.
What I'd like is to be able to record eight simultaneous channels and
duplex
back a six channel (5.1) channel feed-through output and a two channnel
"mixed" stereo monitoring feed. Either the published information is
unclear
or I am, but I can't determine for most mic preamps what the return
situation is. Most seem to be analog out, and firewire out, but with
limited digital return. Some seem able to return a stereo mix; but most
don't seem to also return multipule channels on a duplex basis. A few
interface only units seem to. Am I wrong? Confused? Or just out of
luck?

In article writes:

Looked at the Metric Halo Mobile IO?

Do they have Windows drivers yet?

--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

Harry F Lavo wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion, Eric. The Presonus comes close, but I believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix. I believe it lacks D/A
convertors to generate line output beyond the basic two channeel mix. I've
studied the Personus literature and visited their web site. If I'm wrong,
then their marketing needs improved. Would appreciate from anybody owning
this unit confirmation (or not) of this dilemma.

The Firepod clearly has 8 analog outputs on the back of it. You can
assign any signal you want to those eight outputs. I see no reason why
this would not work for you.

--
Eric

Practice Your Mixing Skills
www.Raw-Tracks.com
www.Mad-Host.com

EricK wrote:
The Firepod clearly has 8 analog outputs on the back of it. You can
assign any signal you want to those eight outputs. I see no reason why
this would not work for you.

I meant to include this link to a picture of the back panel:
http://www.presonus.com/images/firePod_bk_big.jpg


--
Eric

Practice Your Mixing Skills
www.Raw-Tracks.com
www.Mad-Host.com

In article , "Harry F Lavo"
wrote:

Thanks for the input, guys. I've got lots to explore. I've stayed away
from the MOTU stuff because of its Apple software orientation, but at this
point I'll be opening it up to be more flexible. You've all been a big
help...as I've come to expect on RAP.

The MOTU Traveler has been solid on W2K for me, so far. The Cue-Mix
software works well, just too bad they don't include a Windows recording
software like they do for the Mac.

"EricK" wrote in message
...
Harry F Lavo wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion, Eric. The Presonus comes close, but I
believe
all it has as duplexed returns is the stereo mix. I believe it lacks
D/A
convertors to generate line output beyond the basic two channeel mix.
I've
studied the Personus literature and visited their web site. If I'm
wrong,
then their marketing needs improved. Would appreciate from anybody
owning
this unit confirmation (or not) of this dilemma.

The Firepod clearly has 8 analog outputs on the back of it. You can
assign any signal you want to those eight outputs. I see no reason why
this would not work for you.

I think it is analog output only; do not believe their are DA convertors to
pull it back out of the computer. At least that is my understanding, I
could be wrong. Much of the literature fails to distinquish very well
between analog output and digital duplexed output.

"jackfish" wrote in message
...
In article , "Harry F Lavo"
wrote:

Thanks for the input, guys. I've got lots to explore. I've stayed
away
from the MOTU stuff because of its Apple software orientation, but at
this
point I'll be opening it up to be more flexible. You've all been a big
help...as I've come to expect on RAP.

Thanks for sharing your experience. You are right..if it had included the
software I probably would have looked at it in earnest early on. But I'm
taking a look now.
The MOTU Traveler has been solid on W2K for me, so far. The Cue-Mix
software works well, just too bad they don't include a Windows recording
software like they do for the Mac.

Harry F Lavo wrote:
I think it is analog output only; do not believe their are DA convertors to
pull it back out of the computer. At least that is my understanding, I
could be wrong. Much of the literature fails to distinquish very well
between analog output and digital duplexed output.

You know, now that I look into it a bit more, it is pretty confusing.
Judging from what I've read on the Presonus site, and the couple of
reviews that you can link to, I couldn't say for certain whether or not
those as D/A outs.

I sent an email to their tech support. I'll report back if I hear anything.

--
Eric

Practice Your Mixing Skills
www.Raw-Tracks.com
www.Mad-Host.com

In article writes:

The Firepod clearly has 8 analog outputs on the back of it. You can
assign any signal you want to those eight outputs. I see no reason why
this would not work for you.

I believe that they come from the mic preamps, not from D/A
converters.


--
I'm really Mike Rivers - )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

EricK wrote:
I sent an email to their tech support. I'll report back if I hear anything.

This is what Presonus' tech support says:
"There is no true 'stand-alone' functionality with the FirePod. It is
designed to be interfaced with a computer.

The analog outputs 1-8 are 'post' computer or software stage. In other
words, audio must be assigned to the 8 analog outputs from your
recording software."

So, given that information, if your software is capable of creating a
stereo mix and 5.1 mix, you will be able to output that from the Firepod.

--
Eric

Practice Your Mixing Skills
www.Raw-Tracks.com
www.Mad-Host.com

In article writes:

This is what Presonus' tech support says:
"There is no true 'stand-alone' functionality with the FirePod. It is
designed to be interfaced with a computer.

The analog outputs 1-8 are 'post' computer or software stage. In other
words, audio must be assigned to the 8 analog outputs from your
recording software."

So, given that information, if your software is capable of creating a
stereo mix and 5.1 mix, you will be able to output that from the Firepod.

This is certainly not what it looks like. I have no reason not to
trust what Presonus told you, but with only the web site and the
instruction manual, I wouldn't have thought that.

Do you want to take a chance? I'd say it's worth it, but buy one from
someone who will take it back if it doesn't suit your needs.


--
I'm really Mike Rivers - )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

Mike Rivers wrote:

writes:

Looked at the Metric Halo Mobile IO?

Do they have Windows drivers yet?

They do not.

--
ha