$10k for 16 tracks

[Denyle_Guitars]

I'm feeling lately that it's time for a major recorder upgrade. I'm leaning towards (option 1) a Mac Pro/Logic/Lynx Aurora 16 package but I'm still shopping around. Option 2 would be a Macbook Pro/Rosetta 800 x 2/Symphony Mobile. That might be pushing the budget however and the 16x line is too expensive. Anyone have any thoughts on any off these pieces?

[bluestarbass]

personally I like option 1. Cheaper and debateably better. I really like the lynx aurora converters alot. If someone asked me that whats the best 16 track in and out setup I could get id suggest a mac pro with an aurora 16. Personally im not a logic user, but thats a totally personal choice. Good choices to pick from though, Id go number 1 though.

Also something to look at, I'm more or less in the same boat as you. I also looked at the newish SSL converters. I think it was gonna end up being around 3 grand for 24 ins and outs. If you needed more thats the way to go. The general consensus was that they didnt sound as good as the auroras though.

[elambo]

I'd suggest a desktop Mac for serious recording. While a MacBook Pro can handle it, the MacPro doesn't drop a sweat (sweat a drop...). It also adds PCI, more I/O, and potential for a LOT more memory, which is nearly a given.

You're ruling out ProTools HD?

[Denyle_Guitars]

The SSL isn't going to be a huge improvement over what I'm using if the specs mean anything at all. The extra 8 channels could be useful but not really necessary as everything goes through my console.

I hadn't really considered PTHD. I'll look into it but I suspect the HD1 core & a Mac would eat up my budget with nothing left for converters. It's going in a private studio so there's no real need for PTHD just for the sake of having PTHD.

OT, does anyone know if a Xserve can be configured with the non-server, single user OS? That might be an alternative as space is a premium.

[E_A]

I've had Lucid, SSL, Apogee Rosetta, and Lynx converters over the years. The
Aurora 16 was a definite step up. I still have the Lucids for my mobile rig but really the Aurora had better clarity than all the others.

[Kenny D]

I purchased a complete PT HD-2 PCI system on eBay for $5200. I then bought a Mac Pro with all the memory I needed for about #2,000. I have a 96i I/O (24 ins, 2 outs) and a 96 I/O (8 ins and 8 outs) for about $1000 each. You could also get a 192 I/O for the same amount (16 ins 16 outs - I think). I typically record up to 12 tracks at a time just on the drum kit. My system has more inputs than I will ever need.

One thin about a PT TDM system is that it does not use up your computers CPU power. I can get 128 tracks of audio and MIDI simultaneously without breaking a sweat. I run one PPA 911 (http://www.pacificproaudio.com) firewire 400 external drive and have never run out of horse power.

One other thing to consider: portability. I know that you don't think you will ever want to ship your files out to a pro studio but if you do, PT is the way to go. My next project will be mixed and mastered in Memphis (I am in Idaho) and I can send my PT projects to any major studio in the world.

Just a couple of thoughts.

[Dickie Fredericks]

Oh man if you only had 7k more in your budget then you'd have option #3 and you'd be my hero.

http://www.mercenary.com/raclpro.html

Blows away any PT system period.

[James Dawson]

OT, does anyone know if a Xserve can be configured with the non-server, single user OS? That might be an alternative as space is a premium.

Just perform a clean install of Leopard. Its just another computer but make sure it has a video card/output. (I can't imagine it being offered without some sort of video card).

[loudboy]

ADAT HD24-XR, w/Audio Upgrades mods. 24 I/O. This machine compares VERY favorably w/Radar, according to the Radar inventor. Also, Craig Calistro, who knows aout this stuff, says that the only bad thing about this box is that he doesn't sell it. <g>

Used MOTU 2408 to lightpipe it into your DAW. Doesn't matter what model, as all you're using is the lightpipe.

Under $3000, and will rival anything out there, sonically. Set up properly, it's bulletproof, as far as stability. Also ortable, as you can take the HD24 anywhere as a standalone unit.

[elambo]

I hadn't really considered PTHD. I'll look into it but I suspect the HD1 core & a Mac would eat up my budget with nothing left for converters. It's going in a private studio so there's no real need for PTHD just for the sake of having PTHD.

I use PT-HD in my personal studio and it has nothing to do with the name or attraction it creates for outside clients (which I don't have). It sounds great, works great, is great. Fast, very little CPU usage, and an industry standard when you need to move sessions to other studios.

For $10k you should be able to find a MacPro, PT HD1, and a 192 IO. I wouldn't pay list price for any of this (except the Mac, which is more or less price controlled). As someone else has said, eBay can have some great deals.

[jdogjent]

Logic is so much better than pro tools it's not even funny.