8-channel preamps with ADAT out. - Suggestions?

[fingerace]

Hey,

I am looking for 8-channel preamps with ADAT output to connect to my interface. I want to expand the number of inputs. I need to get two preamps and probably different ones so that I have more sounds to work with.

I am currently looking at the M-audio octane and the Presonus Digimax fs. Both have same price and features.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks

[String7th]

I love my Digimax D8. Friggin Awesome for the price. I've heard The Supreme Overlord Commander talk about his Octane and about how they are HOT prempas, just like the Digimax. Awesome for drums, good loud signal without having to turn up the gain, it keeps the noise floor low.

Had I the budget, I'd get a A/D Converter only, and get instrument specific preamps and channel strips. Unfortunately the only A/D converter I found is Apogee for a whole lot of money, or an Aphex for the same price as my Digimax.

[fingerace]

If I had the budget I 'd go that way too. Get nice preamps specifically for vocals or guitar or drums through an A/D converter.

I know that preamps are somewhat important but I can't get a $2000 A/D converter and another $5000 worth of preamps.

Do you use another Preamp for vocals or acoustic guitar?

[String7th]

Originally Posted by fingerace

Do you use another Preamp for vocals or acoustic guitar?

Absolutely. Right now I use a Presonus Tubepre for some vocals, and sometimes snare. I also on occaision have dug out my little Behringer tube-voiced preamp for really dirty screams. It's got a built in limiter that lets me overdrive the hell out of it.
I would love to get a 1 or 2 channel strips in the $300-500 range, obviously not for the preamps, but for the compression control, drive options, and color that some have. Like the Focusrite Voicemaster would probably add a lot of flavor to snare and acoustic guitar with that "vintage harmonic" thing. And I really want the SSL Alpha 4-channel for overheads.

[brandondrury]

I did a review of the Digimax D8 a while back and I own the Octane. I wouldn't think about it. I'd just get the D8.


Buy PreSonus DigiMax D8 8-Channel Preamplifier | Microphone Preamps | Musician's Friend


Brandon

[fingerace]

I need a total of 16 external preamps. Should I get the same one or go with a different one just for versatility of sounds?

[String7th]

Those 2 would probably sound too similar, actually these 2 are really the only ones in that price range. Go lower and you get the Behringer. Go higher and you're looking at $3000 for the Focusrite ISA828, or something like Grace Design.

This one's about your preference, getting 1 of each would look cool. Or you could go for sleek look of a twin system.

[fingerace]

Yeah, there's nothing else in that price range you are right. Two different ones should be better I think. At least it will look cooler as you say, and I can pretend to hear a difference.

Thanks for your help String7th. You sure know your gear.

[String7th]

Originally Posted by fingerace

Thanks for your help String7th. You sure know your gear.

I sure do like to pretend that I know.