Auido Interfaces

[mr_es335]

Good day,

1. I have a great deal on two audio interfaces, 1) an ADA8200 or 2) a Focusrite 18i20 [2nd gen].
2. I would be using either with an RME HDSP9632 via ADAT.
3. The use of headphones is required...which both provide...the Focusrite being a bit more convenient.
4. Also, being a neophyte, feedback is always a concern...so having immediate access to a Master/Monitor control would be a welcome feature - again which the Focusrite has.
5. I really like the simplicity of the ADA however.
6. I require 3 Hi-Z inputs - the Focusrite has two...so a DI is required.
* With the ADA, I do have 3 DI's
7. Lastly, if I do opt for the Focusrite, what is the preferred setting for the Monitor - as the overall output levels will be set in SAC?
* Should this control be set to 10?

Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks for the assistance...always appreciated!

[mr_es335]

Anyone care to "chime-in"?

[cgrafx]

the ADA8200 doesn’t have headphone support, just eight inputs and outputs.

I’m not sure how the routing in the focusrite is configured/controlled but you may not have access to the headphone outputs through the ADAT interface. If you connect through he USB interface it would definitely show up as another set of outputs independent of the eight line outs.

I’m guessing there is a way to change the routing via software that would allow you to assign the headphone outputs to mirror two of the other line outputs as a stereo pair. this routing may be restricted to a specific pair like 1-2 or 7-8.

you would definitely want to make sure you check that i. the user manual before you purchase.

As for output level, there isn’t any specific output volume number, just set the master gain in SAC to something near unity, and turn up the volume until it is loud enough.

[mr_es335]

Philip,
Thanks for the reply...we can always count on you to provide us here with practicable information! Thanks for this!

You stated, "The ADA8200 doesn't have headphone support, just eight inputs and outputs."
* I am well aware of this...but I could use a breakout cable with the HDSP9632 for headphones. Just not as convenient as the 18i20.

You stated, "I'm guessing there is a way to change the routing via software that would allow you to assign the headphone outputs to mirror two of the other line outputs as a stereo pair. this routing may be restricted to a specific pair like 1-2 or 7-8."
* You are correct...I have configure the 18i20 to be used as a standalone interface..so the USB is no longer required and i will the employ the ADAT in's-and-outs.

You stated, "As for output level, there isn't any specific output volume number, just set the master gain in SAC to something near unity, and turn up the volume until it is loud enough."
* This helps me out a great deal...thanks!
* By-the-way, is "unity" and "unity gain" referring to the same functionality?

And for interest, can there be quick access to master output volume using the ADA? What is quickest way to control feedback - if-and-when such should occur?
* Something akin to a "kill switch"?
* As noted, the 18i20 does have a Monitor level control on the front panel.

Thanks again, Phiip!!

[mr_es335]

Hello,

Firstly, pardon the "typo" in the title...not sure how to fix that one? Dyslectic anyone!
Secondly, anyone are to chime-in with regards to the unanswered questions.

#1: Also, being a neophyte, feedback is always a concern...so having immediate access to a Master/Monitor control would be a welcome feature - again which the Focusrite has.
#2: And for interest, can there be quick access to master output volume using the ADA?
* What is quickest way to control feedback - if-and-when such should occur - using the ADA
* Something akin to a "kill switch"?
* As noted, the 18i20 does have a Monitor level control on the front panel.

Thanks!

[cgrafx]

* By-the-way, is "unity" and "unity gain" referring to the same functionality?

Yes, Unity Gain (setting any of the faders, (in this case the master driving your headphones) to 0db)

And for interest, can there be quick access to master output volume using the ADA? What is quickest way to control feedback - if-and-when such should occur?
* Something akin to a "kill switch"?
* As noted, the 18i20 does have a Monitor level control on the front panel.

Hit the mute button on the master output in SAC

Attach one of the following devices. They all offer mute options. I use the X-Touch extenders when I want to have physical controls.

Behringer Monitor1
https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0C9G

Behringer X-Touch One
https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0CAP

Behringer X-Touch Extender
https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0CCR

[mr_es335]

Philip,

Thanks for the updates...appreciated!!

[mr_es335]

Hello,

So, I have opted for the ADA...if for nothing else, for the sake of sheer simplicity!

I also discovered, that as long as TotalMixFX has the focus, the Function keys F4 to F8 apparently control the Snapshots.
* So. the first Snapshot is "Off", so that takes care of the feedback issue.

For the headphones, for the amount of time that I will actually be using headphones, I can use the BO9632CMKH breakout cable.

So again, thank you Philip for your assistance and suggestions. Much appreciated indeed!