Input and output upgrade

[RJ801]

Hi everyone! So I’m feeling pretty good about my skill with production. The question I have for everyone is, what would people recommend for input/output and ad-da? I’m have some out board gear and it’s a pain to connect everything through the few in-outs available. Something that will last more than a few year, minimal noise, no eco system restrictions, and something that doesn’t cost more than $2500. Thanks

[Sam Spoons]

Anything from RME has to be the first on your list though any but the very cheapest audio interfaces will get the job done.

But, tell us more about what you have now, your outboard gear* and workflow, and how much I/O you think you need going forward.

* For example a patchpay may be a better solution than an AI with a huge I/O count, or it may not, tell us more...

[Martin Walker]

I agree about RME - when I lasted upgraded my audio interface I was well pleased both with the sound and driver performance of my Fireface UC - RME really do offer top notch USB 2.0 performance due to them writing their own driver software rather than relying on generic versions written by another company.

[RJ801]

I have a clarett plus 2, sure you guys know the limitations it has as far as in/outs. I like the sound of this interface and been looking at RME because I’ve heard great things about them. I have a WA73 preamp and RNC 1773 for now. I will be adding outboard gear as I go along. Next will be something for the mixbuss, to get some outboard flavor either a compressor or a color box just so everything runs through some circuits. I loooovvvee the sound of quality tube gear so probably got that route after I get A RME. Is there any particular RME that anyone would suggest? I see older models going on sale for like $800 with everything I would need for now or is it best to spend extra money and get the newer ones?

[RJ801]

I agree about RME - when I lasted upgraded my audio interface I was well pleased both with the sound and driver performance of my Fireface UC - RME really do offer top notch USB 2.0 performance due to them writing their own driver software rather than relying on generic versions written by another company.

[James Perrett]

Is there any particular RME that anyone would suggest? I see older models going on sale for like $800 with everything I would need for now or is it best to spend extra money and get the newer ones?

I'd echo the RME recommendation. I'm on my second one now after using the first for nearly 20 years. However, in your first post you mention "no eco-system restriction". While RME interfaces are fully compatible with Apple and Windows, if that phrase means that you might want to use Linux then you need to choose carefully as not all RME interfaces are fully Linux compatible.

[Arpangel]

I have a clarett plus 2, sure you guys know the limitations it has as far as in/outs. I like the sound of this interface and been looking at RME because I’ve heard great things about them. I have a WA73 preamp and RNC 1773 for now. I will be adding outboard gear as I go along. Next will be something for the mixbuss, to get some outboard flavor either a compressor or a color box just so everything runs through some circuits. I loooovvvee the sound of quality tube gear so probably got that route after I get A RME. Is there any particular RME that anyone would suggest? I see older models going on sale for like $800 with everything I would need for now or is it best to spend extra money and get the newer ones?

My opinion.
I had a Focusrite Safire interface, I loved it, it had a great sound, you’ve got a Clarett, which should be a lot better than my Safire and I understand why you like it, Focusrite stuff has a great sound all round.
I "upgraded" and bought an RME UCX, if you like the Focusrite sound you’ll notice a difference, some say the RME is more "accurate" but it will be different.
I couldn’t get used to it, and went back to my Focusrite, RME have very stable supported drivers, plus Total Mix, which you will either love, or hate.

[The Elf]

Everyone hates TotalMix at first. Once they understand it they love it. Some never seem to get to grips with it, and remain hating it. It needs some time and patience to understand, but that time and patience will pay back manyfold.

I've taught the basics of TotalMix many times. Typically it takes 5 minutes for the penny to drop, then 15 minutes of practical examples to acquire a 'street fighter' level of competence. And that's all most people need.

TotalMix is a major reason to go RME, especially when using outboard hardware, since patching is flexible.

[RJ801]

Thanks for everyone who responded to the questions I posted. The RME might be next on the list, or at least give it a test run and return if doesn’t work for me. The total mix looks like something that would work, since complex routing is right up my alley. Thank again for the input everyone. Until next time, take of yourself and others.