TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48 Reviews

[brandondrury]

TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48 @ Musiciansfriend



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Is The TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48 The Right Audio Interface For You?
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TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48 Description
The most-complete computer recording solution TC Electronic has ever made, the Studio Konnekt 48 offers a comprehensive array of professional features that make recording, mixing, and monitoring a breeze. All essential recording tools are in one box including world-class TC-powered DSP effects, a wealth of I/O options, monitor management, and many other powerful tools to take your recordings to the next level.

Inputs and outputs The extensive I/O section features 4 IMPACT II preamps and 8 line inputs on the rear panel, so you have 12 simultaneously available analog inputs outputs. Two outputs feature digitally controlled analog XLR connections to your main monitor speakers while the analog output section has 2 independent phones out.

The comprehensive digital I/O section features double ADAT 96kHz SMUX, TOS, S/PDIF, and Word Clock I/O and the digital part is powered by the second-to-none DICE Jet jitter elimination engine.

The extensive I/O section features 4 IMPACT II preamps. With a very wide gain range, any type of microphone can be used with these great sounding mic preamps. Customized headroom ensures high-quality recordings by treating very hot signal levels equal to low signal levels. Phantom power for condenser microphones goes without saying. The phantom power of Studio Konnekt 48 is compatible with all dynamic microphones and it is no problem using condenser microphones and dynamic microphones simultaneously.

The four combo inputs on the front of Studio Konnekt 48 also feature inputs for high impedance instruments such as guitars or basses, and to get the best possible sound quality, there is a separate electronic circuit handling guitar signals. An auto-detecting sensor detects whether you have attached an instrument and selects the appropriate circuit via the built-in relay switch.

With 8 TRS line inputs on the rear panel, the total amount of simultaneously streamable analog inputs is 12. The TRS inputs are balanced and the input sensitivity can be set to -10 or +4 dB.

Analog and digital inputs can be monitored using the high-resolution input display.

On the rear panel, you will also find 8 TRS line outputs. These would do nicely with a surround speaker setup, typically 5.1 (left, right, center, LFE, left surround, right surround). Also, line outs would make sense for sending out separate mixes to external headphone amps, or even to an external mixing desk if needed. They are also perfect for integrating external analog hardware with your DAW based studio.

For your main monitor speakers TC Electronics provided special XLR connections. This balanced stereo output is analog, but at the same time it is digitally controlled. This combines the great analog sound with the flexibility and precision of digital control.

The comprehensive digital I/O section features double ADAT (8 channels, 96 kHz SMUX), TOS, S/PDIF, MIDI and word clock I/O and the digital part is powered by the DICE Jet jitter elimination engine securing the best possible digital quality. 30 channels are streamed to and 28 channels are streamed from the DAW simultaneously.

The two headphone outputs on the front of Studio Konnekt 48 have individual level control and source. The left headphone output has its own D/A converter, while the right one uses the same D/A converter as line out 11/12. The flexible routing of Studio Konnekt 48 even allows you to route two independent signals to each side (left and right) of your headphones. If you're a DJ, you'll like this feature because it allows you to have the main track in one side and the cue in the other-at the same time.

[monopod]

I just bought the Konnect 48 on the weekend and I am pretty impressed so far. I got it to replace the M-Audio Profire 2626 (ok for the money but not what I was looking for), then I tried and after trying a Apogee Ensemble (kind like a toy and overloaded when I was recording losing a great take) and a Metric Halo 2882 expanded (nice, small but bad drivers and didn't work).

The sound coming out of the Konnect interface is pretty amazing. I was listening to a Built to Spill song in Itunes through my headphones and was really surprised at how awesome it sounded. Exceptionally clear and amazing definition.

Seems to be no problems working with Logic pro studio 8. I recorded a couple DI tracks of guitar at home. They sound good.

I have a recording session tomorrow night and will see how I like the Pres and A/D sound. Hopefully this one sounds good as I don't want to change interfaces again. If it doesn't then I will move on to the RME FireFace 800.

[CZ101]

How are you liking your SK48? I'm particularly interested in how the pres/converters stack up against similarly priced or more expensive units.

thanks,
Paul

[monopod]

It's been awhile and I'd thought I'd update my K48. So it's a great interface but has some problems that are less to do with the interface more or less and more to do with the company.

I'll say I really liked this interface. Great features, great sound quality, etc.. I say liked because I don't own it anymore. The reason is I had a problem with one of the xlr inputs that needed to be replaced. It was still under warranty so I sent it back through the place I bought it at and waited. And waited, and waited. I ended up waiting 3 months and no word from TC about the product. I was basically fed up with waiting it to be returned. They were going to even give me a brand new one but it never came in a reasonable time either so I just asked for my money back after being without an interface for 4 or 5 months.

The worst customer support I've had.

That being said there is nothing in that rivals it save maybe the RME Fireface 800 which has some huge draw backs as well.

Summary: great recordings, a bundle of features, great sound, great design but bad customer support.