S/PDIF/ADAT vs. Analog

For the hardware sampler users...

I know a lot of people avoid using the 8-outs on their MPCs (or MVs) and would rather just use the stereo output and track a beat track by track. And since more of the S/PDIF and ADAT outputs on these machines mimic the output signal of the main output, how many of you prefer them over the analog stereo outputs, or vice versa? And why?

I'm just curious. I was thinking of making the switch to tracking the next beat (which I haven't even began to make yet) I do with the S/PDIF output on my MPC2500 as a way of stepping toward getting rid of this old Mackie mixer that starting to give out on me while keeping the XLR combo inputs on my Fast Track Pro open for my mics and not have to switch back and forth between mic and MPC.

I use Adat out of the 5k. Frankly i prefer for the lack of clutter first. It works out for me to run into my RME and leave my 1/4 inch ins on the RME for other outboard gear. Also, it has a really clean sound even when I dirty up the composition / beats or whatever it still sounds hi quality. lot flexibility without a lot of cable clutter.

psr wrote:I use Adat out of the 5k. Frankly i prefer for the lack of clutter first. It works out for me to run into my RME and leave my 1/4 inch ins on the RME for other outboard gear. Also, it has a really clean sound even when I dirty up the composition / beats or whatever it still sounds hi quality. lot flexibility without a lot of cable clutter.

Cable clutter is one of my issues as well. Thanks for the response.

Anyone else?!

I use my digital out because it's sonically better. The imaging and detailed process that you get with digtal I/O is much much better than analog.

'I use Adat out of the 5k. Frankly i prefer for the lack of clutter first. It works out for me to run into my RME and leave my 1/4 inch ins on the RME for other outboard gear. '

lol me too

I brought this thread up again because I have been using all spdif lately for tracking, and just recently I tracked some stuff through analog and I really miss being able to push the output. Especially if you are going through a nice pre. It might not be as transparent or clear as spdif but it gives it some extra malt that sometimes really adds to the track.

I only use the main outs/spdif for quick and dirty jobs.

For recording/tracking out, 8-outs 100% of the time.

Cuts down on time to do everything, 0 sync issues, allows me more flexibility for live mixing, and as mentioned above, I too like to abuse the signal going into the recorder.

I have not noticed a considerable difference between the main out analog/vs digital...the main outs on the 2kxl are already pretty good I think.