Quote:
Originally Posted by
alibling
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I'm thinking about expanding my outputs and inputs on my audio interface. For MixBus and front end hardware.
I'm not sure what the best way is.
I currently have a UAD Apollo Twin X.
I am currently playing with 2 scenarios. Maybe you guys can help me decide.
1. I buy an additional UAD Apollo X6 - this is the more expensive option.
2. I exchange my Twin with a X4 and buy an ADAT device for further connections. What do you guys recommend here? I don't need any preamps on the ADAT device. If then I would connect hardware preamps. If I go the cheap Behringer route, will I lose quality here?
Thanks for any suggestions!
I also have considered increasing to add more in/outs, however haven’t made the jump yet. Mostly, for the expense involved against getting by with what I have now. However, I am also waiting to get a clearer picture on UAD’s direction this year before buying / expanding my UAD devices.
Either choice works so it comes down to wants / needs / spend-ability. A few things I was considering:
Apollo X6 may be more expensive in the short run. However, when considering a new X4 (say $1500) + an ADAT device ($200 to $700-ish), the gap gets less. Of course, this isn’t considering bargain hunting or used purchases for either or what you may have now.
The X6 may be more flexible for future expansion needs. It has 2 optical ports for in and out, an additional T-bolt connection and word clock ports. There has been a lot of discussion on word clock vs ADAT optical over the years.
GS thread that keeps reviving:
word clock or clock over adat optical?
Here is a good link on the topic if you haven’t seen it:
https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/pro...1/what-is-adat
A couple reminders going this route that you likely may know. Using ADAT with the Apollo has limits on sample rates used for in/out (8 channels @ 44.1 and 48 kHz, 4 channels @ 88.2 and 96 kHz, 2 @ 192 kHz). Also, Unison plug-ins require Apollo interfaces so other ADAT interface channels won’t have that (both mentioned in the 2nd link above).
I experimented with ADAT in and aggregate device using a Behringer Ultragain ADA8000 and a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. The preamps in the Behringer were better than I expected. However, the 18i20 preamps were better and the UAD Apollo were much better, imo…. especially using Unison preamp plugins like 1073, 1081, Avalon and others. YMMV.
Hope this is helpful!