#1 thing on my wish-list

[wfhscoyotes]

I want a FireWire interface with 8 simultaneous channels of audio (im talking 8 mic pre's, or if its only 8 1/4" inputs it should be cheaper) that is intended for ProTools LE.

Let me put it this way, I want the ProjectMixIO minus the control surface. It's simple, it works with protools LE, it has 8 simultaneous inputs.

I feel strongly that M-Audio (preferably b/c they are cheaper) or Digi should come out with this product. Here are some other spec's that i'd like, just simple stuff for the average home studio:

-8 Mic pre's
-Trim/gain control knobs
-ADAT lightpipe I/O (just a bonus, i dont REALLY need it)
-4 line outs (2 phone, 2 L/R monitors)
-2 FW ports for linking multiple units

It's very basic and simple. M-Audio's ProjectMix sells for $1250, if it didnt have the control surface i'd expect to pay about $500, yes? Same price as a FirePod or the 8pre, and basically the same thing but PT LE compatible!

What say you?

[Smithcok]

Well, the 002R and 003 are basically exactly what you have listed, minus the linking capabilities. (But they do have the digital ins for "expansion")

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Digi002R/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Digi003R/

[michaelhoddy]

Well, the 002R and 003 are basically exactly what you have listed, minus the linking capabilities. (But they do have the digital ins for "expansion")

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Digi002R/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Digi003R/

..And you can't use Digi software separately from Digi-approved interfaces (which includes the Mbox and Digi 002/003m as well as a few M-Audio pieces) anyway.

If you want more preamps, your best bet is an 002 or 003 and some kind of external 4-channel pre or 8-channel preamp-to-lightpipe box like the PreSonus DigiMax.

[wfhscoyotes]

But thats just it. I dont want to have to buy $2500 worth of equipment. Not even $2000 or $1500. I just want one unit under $1000 with 8 mic pres that is LE compatible.

[Smithcok]

They are almost 1000, just like 200 bucks over.

Ebay will definately have 002R's up for cheap, with the arrival of the 003.

[TimOBrien]

If you insist on using ProTools, you have to use Digidesign ProTools-approved equipment.

They do that so they know everything will work.

You have to decide if ProTools is that important to you and either go with their stuff or use something else.

[Smithcok]

I used to be really "against" digidesign's policy of only using their equipment with their software. However, after working in MOTU, Logic, and Digidesign systems, I am really starting to like the combo. This especially applies in HD, where I think the digidesign hardware is just stellar.

How much under 1000$ were you going for?

[JrummerJ]

I know you want ProTools LE, but if you can settle for M-powered then there is a pretty good combo that I have been thinking about. Start with the M-Audio Lightbridge, which is M-Powered compatible, and allows the connection of up to 4 ADAT lightpipe sources. Add an 8 channel preamp (with ADAT of course) such as the Presonus DigimaxFS and you are set. Combined cost of the hardware is $1K. You'd have to get M-Powered, but it seems like a very versatile setup to me since you could add additional ADAT units and you are not locked into Digi or M-Audio preamps, only the lightbridge.

Thoughts?

J

[zerotalent]

Basically you're asking for something that doesn't exist so I would rethink your setup. Why do you want to go with Pro Tools LE in the first place. If you can use another piece of software then the field opens way up. As you said there are several boxes that will give you 8 pres going in that will run around $500. The only thing with that is you will have to buy some DAW software which will be about $500. At that point you're around the same cost as an 003 rack which comes with Pro Tools LE software (which is what you wanted to begin with). For what you want to do I don't think you'll get into it for under $1000.

[wfhscoyotes]

The point of this thread was to get Digi or M-Audio to CREATE something like this because i know it doesnt exist.

[Smithcok]

I dont really get it though.
We have all listed a bunch of stuff that fits your needs in a variety of ways.