is there such a thing...

a better line inputs? it seems that most interfaces are geared towards better mic pres but ive never heard anything about enhancements done to the line inputs.

if there really is no change in the construction of line inputs then why buy an expensive interface? better converters maybe? maybe a mixer combo with the ability to control your daw? it just seems like an awfully wierd choice to make without dropping alot of cash on an interface that SAYS this unit has enhance ad da converters or whatever. most in the price range of 0 to maybe 7 800 dont mention that unless its aimed at mic pres.


i know this is a strange post and it only came about cuz ive been debating on sticking with pro tools and getting a new interface or going the hardware route... i couldnt really see myself buying an 003 rack just to use the same line inputs system as my mbox...

any ideas on knowledge on that end of the scope?

j rhodes wrote:better converters maybe?

Yep, pretty much. I'm no expert but check out the Black Lion Audio mods for a better idea of various improvements. http://www.blacklionaudio.com/content.php?p=8

Actually Black Lion upgrades everything except the actual AD and DA converters.

The issue is that most gear has perfectly acceptable converters. Its the analog electronics around them (resistors, capacitors and opamps, power supplies, etc.) that are the letdown. Those are the components that Black Lion upgrades.

So the answer is: Yes and wait til you hear the difference...

I have a black lion modded interface (MOTU 828mkII) and I love it. Black Lion is probably the cheapest route to getting a really good quality audio interface.

ive heard of them b4 but never went that deep... ive heard of them upping digidesign products so i may go that route... thnxs for the input guys...

p.s @mp3 how do those motu interfaces fair? are they mac only?

j rhodes wrote: are they mac only?

no they are pretty much good on everything. I think you can even use those on some linux builds.

word! well this changes alot... i always like the motu joints for the amount of inputs they come with at the cost of a mbox pro... then the choice would also include buying pro tools 9 which i have no desire for fn choices

828mkII has been rock solid for me. With the Black Lion mod, I'm set, I have no desire for another interface ever.

what do u use as a daw?

Live.

I also use a blm motu828 best thing ever.

there it is then i might go 4 an digi 002 w the mod and keep pt 7.4 or revamp my ish for that motu setup...id like to try another daw like sonar or live...

Well if you upgrade to PT 9 then you can use any interface you want. Switching to another DAW, on the other hand, is a HUGE pain in the ass.

mp3 wrote:Well if you upgrade to PT 9 then you can use any interface you want. Switching to another DAW, on the other hand, is a HUGE pain in the ass.

is switching the only option when getting the new version? could it maybe possible to install version 9 and keep the current version installed? hard drive space is cheap these days anyways... or is it possible that they dont allow for several versions to be installed?

^^ i think u cant have more than one version installed... when i upgraded from 7.3 to 7.4 it made me uninstall the older version... BUT since there is a difference in version (v7 and v 9) that could be something to try... with a demo, lol.

if i could id rather keep PT... i dont want 9 and if i can get 8 i will i just dont like the cost of their interfaces... there's so many options out there... upping to PT9 just for the use of another interface would probably put me over budget...

idk i could probably swing it by saving longer but you all know how shit can take over your mind while u wait... u find yourself sitting on the toilet, finished pooping 10 mins ago but you cant stop thinking about how something will look or sound once you get it... yeah try denying that youve never done that, lol

j rhodes wrote: but you all know how **** can take over your mind while u wait... u find yourself sitting on the toilet, finished pooping 10 mins ago but you cant stop thinking about how something will look or sound once you get it... yeah try denying that youve never done that, lol

Oh I know the feeling very well. Its called G.A.S. Gear acquisition syndrome. The best remedy is to not let the music stop. Keep reminding yourself about all the heat you made with your current setup, and keep making more heat with that setup, while you save up for your next upgrade.

I have no problem personally with getting more gear or upgrading what I have, if there is a need (e.g. not being able to achieve a respectable sound quality) or a justifiable want (e.g. adding an external filter or EQ to my setup because I don't like my sampler's internal filters/eq's) within limits of course, but if I let that stop me from making more music then it becomes a problem.