Toneport UX8 as audio / midi interface?

[Gasp100]

So, let's say you already own the AxeFX and you don't think the new version of POD HD will eclipse what the AxeFX offers... at the same time, you just sold off your audio / midi interface in hopes of finding enough scratch for an 11R to have "the best of both world's" to quote Hannah. But you find, you're a little short...
How would the UX8 match up in a pinch? Seems like any purchase after 4/2010 includes an automatic upgrade to Pod Farm Platinum??? Not sure what that means
Anyway, more than enough I/O, seems like compatibility would not be an issue with Reaper, rack mountable which means I could move my AxeFX out of the rack and be "prepped" IF I ever jam/gig again lol.
My main question are:
How does something like the UX8 fare for audio/midi interface? I would probably use SPDIF out from the AxeFX to cut down on more DA/AD conversion, but there will be times I would be hitting the pre's for acoustic guitar, vocales, bass, etc...
How about the guitar tone options... what level are we dealing with here? Up to par with the X3 stuff, or is the UX8 actually a different best altogether? Do you think Line6's tools that utilize the internal processing power of your PC will be able to access stuff included with the new HD series in the future?

[Gasp100]

Anyone???
This review (from 2008) seems quite positive: http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...1897084&page=3
He mentions in here that the UX8 uses the same converters as the Apogee Ensemble and Focusrite Saffire. Also, he mentions two spare "pads" where it's possible more DSP chips could be dropped in for future processing? I guess I doubt L6 would consider any more major upgrades to this line seeing as the HD series is right around the corner, but you never know.

[kiki_90291]

The UX8 has no MIDI

[Gasp100]

I see... that's kind of strange, but I actually have an external midi interface already that's working with AxeEdit rock solid so it's not a deal breaker.

[kiki_90291]

Not sure what the upgrade path will be for PodFarm (you get the Platinum version with the UX8, if I recall correctly - not sure what they'll do when the HD series comes out). I believe the algorithms are all X3 in the current version. Craig Anderton has an extensive review of the UX8 over in the pro reviews section of the Harmony Central forums - that should answer all your questions re latency, guitar tone and preamps. (go here: http://acapella.harmony-central.com/....php?t=1897084)


They are a pretty screaming deal right now - looks like they are closing them out for $300. Note that the leaks on the HD suggest 10 channels of recording, so I'm guessing the HD series will have some pretty significant audio interface capability . . . no way to predict the preamp quality, though (or the number of ins - they could just have a bunch of channels on an spdif in . . . )

[Gasp100]

Originally Posted by kiki_90291

Not sure what the upgrade path will be for PodFarm (you get the Platinum version with the UX8, if I recall correctly - not sure what they'll do when the HD series comes out). I believe the algorithms are all X3 in the current version. Craig Anderton has an extensive review of the UX8 over in the pro reviews section of the Harmony Central forums - that should answer all your questions re latency, guitar tone and preamps.

They are a pretty screaming deal right now - looks like they are closing them out for $300. Note that the leaks on the HD suggest 10 channels of recording, so I'm guessing the HD series will have some pretty significant audio interface capability . . . no way to predict the preamp quality, though (or the number of ins - they could just have a bunch of channels on an spdif in . . . )

Yes, the Anderton review (linked in an earlier post) pushed me over the edge. I guess I won't be getting the "HD" modeling anytime soon, but as I stated earlier I'm comfortable with the AxeFX as modeler/FX for guitar. But having the options from Pod Farm Platinum will still be really cool including the mic pre simulations, bass sims, etc...
I will probably never record more than 4 tracks at a time and most likely 99.99% only one at a time. I can dedicate inputs 1&2 for guitar/bass plugged in direct with the GearBox (Pod Farm) stuff applied on times when I don't want to fire up the AxeFX. Then use ins 7-8 if I want to use analog ins from the AxeFX or use spdif ins to keep it all in the digital domain.
Technically I could always choose to record a dry track and reamp through the AxeFX... THAT would be pretty interesting.
I bought one from Musicians Friend. At worst I have the 45 day return policy - I figure I could use it for a month until the HD series hits and starts getting some feedback. If it's all that I could return the UX8 and save up a little to get into the HD stuff.