anyone using DI's to track their 3000?

allo all

at the mo I'm getting my head around the best way to track my 3000.

have a RME FF400 interface, a old mono valve pre, and thats kind of it in terms of tracking...

I have a Allen & Heath AHB System 8 24 channel mixer which I'm about to sell and put towards some decent pre's/DIs.

one of my ideas was to track all 8 channels via one of these DAV 8 rack pre
http://www.davelectronics.com/bg8.htm

OR

a mini Neve 542/Studer/Calrec/Neve 8 channel mixer

but was also wondering if anyone uses DI's in the chain too? esp when going to balanced inputs?

OR

could just track through the stereo outs (that SOME claim to have better quality than the individual outs), via high end Stereo DI or Pre like API...

thoughts?

I go in at line level on an Ensemble, using the Hi-Z inputs for any melodic samples or bass. I think if you can afford to go the pre route, you'll get a much tastier sound. I wouldn't sell the A&H though. That's a great mixer.

I live in a 1 bed flat, and the System 8 is like 1.5meter wide, it needs to go... if I had a bigger yard it would be less of an issue.

its got a decent warmth, but has some minor noise I can hear and low headroom, and its pre's are not that useable - thing I like most is the EQ, but I don't like to EQ while tracking. also, I have a patchbay so routing isn't an issue.

IF I had the cash I'd get a lil mixer like ones mentioned above (or a Toft) AND the pres - but as I don't, and as I mix ITB, was thinking just get some good pre's and have simpler chain - mind you the small Studer consoles have really good pre's so thats an option... but doubt will have money for repair bills at later date so would rather get something new.

you track via all 8/10 outs?

Yeah, I hear you on size... I collected a spirit soundcraft from a mate and used it for less than 6 months. The PSU by itself had the footprint of a medium sized telly.

Yes, I'm currently using 10 inputs (8 analogue I/O + 2 S/PDIF). I've got a few synths and sampelrs so input configuartion is changing all the time but usually, the MPC takes up 6 channels. But I'm lookign to get a Behringer ADA8000 to expand the number of inputs to 18 (not sure if I can run ADTA and S/PDIF together - I know it can in theory but in practice...)

If I had the money, i'd be looking at a lunchbox set up with some nice flavoured APIs. But the Ensemble is a great convertor for the money and I'm happy with the results. I tend to get it right in the MPC before tracking and only maybe positioning tracks in the box with very little EQ.

you finding any sound difference in the stereo outs vs individual outs?

yeah as said, the mixer is way too big, and have decided I want warm AND low noise, which = £1k+

I'm currently selling off some stuff to help fund the above better signal path OR my dream synth the Oberheim OB-Xa

I know at some point I'll need better converters than the RME FF 400, but for now I'm happy to use them, know peeps with lot of high end outboard that manage with the FF just fine, although things can obviously be improved on.

Similar deal to you, I have samplers, synths, outboard comps/effects - but am thinking I'll patchbay them or run them direct into the RME.

I think the RME convertors are good.

I've not noticed a better sound tracking via the stereo outs. I think the idea that the sound is better is probably down to the summing to L/R and the internal mixer. I've not noticed a difference as I do the mixing in the box anyway. I liek the freedom of adding effects to single sounds without compromising the rest of the mix.

I track mainly via the individ. outs but to save on channel, I might group percussion together on 2 channels and pan accordingly in the MPC.

A favorite to track through is the API A2D.
It's only 2 channels but you get the API sound and nice converters in a single unit.
Has built in DI's but hitting the pres' is what sounds best.

They were a steal of a deal when they were first released, I got mine for $1600 back in 07'.

If you want to get some DI's buy them in pairs so you can do stereo when necessary and buy both types.
When I say both types I mean neutral ones for feeding into a mic pre and colored ones to use for their sound.

I also use an A2D...awesome piece of gear, but a bit up there in price. Then again, if you're looking at 8 channels of Neve pre's then it's a drop in the bucket.

I think getting D.I's is a waste of money. Your already at line level and the RME converters are good enough.
Pre amps are only going to be any good if you get ones that overdrive/colour the sound nicely , as again your already at line level and dont need the amplification to get a good sounding clean recording.
I'd recommend putting your money into eq,compression or something else that will give more colours.

thanks for help guys!

I've already got comps, EQ is on the list though.

have a old valve mono Pre thats cool (for drums), but as I want to record friends on the guitar I was thinking I would get DI (stereo) and track MPC/ASR/S950 through them too (IF I could notice a difference) Been looking mainly at Radial Duplex, have heard people say DI>pre>interface is good for tracking MPCs

the API A2D sounds cool, second hand price isn't to bad considering they are converters that can plug into interface too and not just a pre, the A2D gets a LOT of good feedback from users.

That it does...also, if you don't get gouged when you get your A2D, you WILL make your money back if you have to sell, maybe even make some.

ntalec wrote:Has built in DI's but hitting the pres' is what sounds best.

I hear this a lot during forum surfing - people's pres that have built in DIs are said to sound better if you use external DI and hit the Pre via that - not exactly sure why they would build DI input if this is the case, but I hear this again and again!!!