Elektron-Users

I have the Metric Halo ULN-2 currrently. I bought it when most of my music was made with software and only needed to record vocals. However, over the last year or so...I bought alot of hardware synths and need an audio interface with more audio ins. What I don't like about the Metric Halo device is the MIOConsoleX...outside of that it is nice. That said, I am thinking of moving to either the MOTU Ultralite or the RME 400. I do not want to spend anymore than the RME and it is probably the best option for that price. I'd rather spend closer to the MOTU price due to the fact that I need some other stuff. However, how does the MOTU Ultralite compare to the RME or MH units? Are the Mic pre-amps bad compared to these units? or decent enough?

Also, do the MOTU stuff or the RME stuff have an equivolent of the Metric Halo's MIOConsoleX? If so, is it easier to use? I just need basic stuff... I need to record a few sequenced synths (one stereo, one mono) and an MPC drum machine (individual outs...about 3-4..some mono some stereo). Then, I will be recording vocals with a Audio Technica AT3035. I'll be recording with a MacBook into Logic Express 7.2...and just need something that sounds good and will record to multiple tracks via multiple ins...but also has decent mic pre-amps... decent beyond the usual ones that come in dirt cheap audio interfaces or lower end mixers...or something like the Studio Projects VTB-1...closer to the FMR-Audio RNP.

I have a MOTU 828mkII which is basically the same interface as the Ultralite. I bought it because of the pres and the AD/DA converters at a time were I only needed stereo in/out. I'm quite happy with it. I was looking at the Fireface 800 at the time, but ended up getting the 828 because of the price tag being so much lower. I'm guessing both RME and MOTU preamps are somewhere between the VTB-1 and the RNPs. Not esoteric, but nice enough.

Sometimes I get confuesed because of all the routing options it comes with. It's really a digital 8 bus mixer in a 1U rack shape you know. Which I love by the way! It brings so much more flexibility to my setup then I thought possible when spending that little money. I feel like the "CueMix Console" software eases up working with it a lot. I'm not such a big fan of twiddeling with the knobs on the front.

-ingrid

dont want a metric halo 2882 ?

b0unce wrote:
dont want a metric halo 2882 ?

Nope, I don;t want to spend more than $999. I'm not that great at recording anyway so...I won't do anything more than the RME justice. I'm leaning toward the Ultralite since selling my ULN-2 would cover that. Too many wants and not enough cash or time...

I see,

hope it works out for you

I was just curious

b0unce wrote:
I see,

hope it works out for you

I was just curious

I'm sure it is nice...but I just don't want to spend $1350...

you gonna test out the quality of the converters, compared to your MH ones ?

Just out of interest, whats do you dislike about MIOConsoleX? I think its wonderful, it really is very flexible.

I think you will notice a definite decrease in the quality of the pre's and converters by going to a MOTU interface. I have a 2882 and tested it alongside a MOTU traveller prior to purchasing and the difference was like night and day. Remember that the ULN-2 has better pre's than the 2882, so you might end up taking a step backward. Also worth mentioning is that the MH stuff is rock-solid and just works, you can also chain devices if you wanna build 16track or 24track in the future.

Can't really comment about the RME stuff. I've only heard good things about RME though so that would be my choice if you've ruled out the 2882.

good luck!

drxcm wrote:
Just out of interest, whats do you dislike about MIOConsoleX? I think its wonderful, it really is very flexible.



Too flexible...I like simplicity.