In search of a soundcard...

[Moon]

I've been looking out to buy a new soundcard for a long time. After reading a lot and searching the net, I've narrowed my choices down to the following:

- TC Electronics Konnekt 48
- Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

I'm also evaluating to use these sound interfaces stand alone in combination with a RME HDSP internal card (as adat intercae): in this way, I have the garantuee of stability, no hiss interference and very low latencies which are important when using the setup live.

I know TC Electronics had a lot of problems with their drivers, but these should be sorted out. On top of that, using the unit standalone, I don't need the Konnekt drivers. Same goes for the focusrite which can be used stand alone with the latest software.

The new setup should replace my i88x from yamaha. I desperatly want to get rid of the mlan drivers (which is blocking 16 midi ports) and would like to have a soundcard with the same audio quality as my Emu 1820m.

Any advice ?

[kara]

The never ending story  It's about a year that Moon is looking for a soundcard 
I just hope you find one BEFORE the next gig 

k

[Moon]

The never ending story  It's about a year that Moon is looking for a soundcard 

Actually, it's more like 2 years now 

I don't mind spending a large amount of money on a soundcard... but it will has to last quiet some yeras so I've better pick a good one !

P.S.: Been thinking about a Lynx card too... but decided not to get divorced any soon... 

[folderol]

I think you should team up with the Moody Blues. I believe thay are still In Search Of A Lost Chord

[Moon]

I think you should team up with the Moody Blues. I believe thay are still In Search Of A Lost Chord

 

Oh boy, I really need to take a decision here...

Come to think of it.... it took me less time to choose my wife and belive me, she's more expensive than a soundcard...  

[impablomations]

Soundcards have the added bonus of a volume control and mute button, whereas wives..........

I can safely type this as my girlfriend has now gone home. lol

[folderol]

Boy! Are you two living dangerously

[Moon]

OK, the decision has been made. After reading a couple of recent posts on different forums, I decided to order the TC Electronics Konnekt 48. It looks like some owners of RME's fireface 800 are even more happy with the Konnekt 48.

So expectations are highly set. I hope to get the Konnekt by the end of next week and can't wait to test this one thourouhly...

I'll keep you posted on my experiences with this one...

Moon

[Moon]

I'll keep you posted on my experiences with this one...

Looks like it may take some time to come back on this one... 3 weeks delivery time     Bump...

[impablomations]

I've just been checking out the specs on the Kontact.  I now need a new keyboard after I drooled so much   

[Moon]

Here's how the story continues.

I've recieved the Konnekt 2 weeks ago. After installing it, I had the follwoing impressions:
- outstanding sound quality
- Superb Pre-amps
- Installation goes without a breeze

So far, all expectations are met....

...but...

- LDPC latency 2 to 3 times higher than my i88x
- Lowering latencies resulteted in audio drop-outs
- Analogue line ins 5-12 give a max level of -18 db
- Projects with a couple of active VSTi's could not run without audio dropouts, even at higher latency settings

I did several test on svereal PC's with the same result on the latency issues. 
I did use Texas Instruments based Firewire cards, so I thought I would be safe... but unfortunatly not...
TC Electronic confirmed the -18db issue: it's designed like this (?)

My conclusion: a beautifull device with impressive specifications and features, but unfortunatly some shortcommings on the driver and the analogue ins...

Dissapointed... I've returned the unit... and realised that untill now I under estimated my Yamaha i88x. Despite a few shortcommings, the i88x is a very usable and stable card that can hold it's position against more advanced and modern soundcards. I'm sticking with the I88x and will think twice before a soundcard upgrade.

Don't get me wrong, The Connect 48 is a great device, but's it's not doing 'it' for me...

Eventually, I'll end up buying a PCIe RME soundcard, but untill than... i hold on to my current i88x and never curse again on the mlan driver which beats other brands by miles ahead....

Moon

P.S.: A word on Thomann : they did take the device back and honour the 30 days money back guarantuee. For those in Europe, I can only recommend their online shop.