Upgrading Digi 003 Rack...

[jetaspirin]

Hello,

I was wondering what people would recommend for upgrading a Digi 003 Rack with ProTools LE, it's been a couple of years since I recorded a project and this had 8 channels, I'd like to get 8 more channels and maybe leverage what I have but I think I need to upgrade, Protools and I might be better off having something else...I'd hate to throw away what I've already paid for, but I can probably sell it on Craigslist and recoup some of the costs for the Digi...

I usually record at home and then take to a bigger studio which uses Protools HD to mix...so I'd like to stay in Protools

Any recommendations on a course of action is appreciated...

Thanks!

[digitaldrummer]

why not add an 8 channel A/D converter on the ADAT connectors? I have an 002rack and thats what I did to get to 16 channels. If you still want more you can use the SPDIF connector for another pair.

Mike
_________________
www.studiodrumtracks.com -- Drum tracks only $50!
www.doubledogrecording.com

[jetaspirin]

I was going to do that, but was wondering what units people would recommend that would be compatible with Digi 003 rack....and perhaps have a better clock which could work to override the Digi 003 clock.

[The Scum]

I'd second the recommendation for an external ADAT conversion box. Compatibility isn't a huge issue with ADAT interfacing...it either works or it doesn't.

I've used a MOTU 2408 mk2 in that capacity for years.

If you really want something with a superior clock, too, look at Lynx, Apogee or maybe an RME ADI-8.

If you need mic pres on the thing as well, Presonus and Focusrite both make several candidate devices.
_________________
"What fer?"
"Cat fur, to make kitten britches."

[digitaldrummer]

I actually have an RME. it's the ADI-8AE I think. but since my 002R is BLA modded, I let it clock. Before I had that done I used to use the RME as the clock and it was an improvement over the stock clock in the 002R.

the only downside to the 002/003 and the ADAT is that it cannot do SMUX, so its limited to 44.1/48KHz sample rate. that's one thing that has me considering moving to an RME UFX or UA Apollo (if they get Windows drivers) some day.

Mike
_________________
www.studiodrumtracks.com -- Drum tracks only $50!
www.doubledogrecording.com

[Bro Shark]

I chose a Motu 8pre over other units for these reasons:
-Each channel has its own mic pre
-Each channel has its own 48v and -20db pad switches, located on the front panel
-price

It does the job fine.

[jetaspirin]

Is it worth getting the Digi OO3R modded by BLA? Was thinking about that route too...I have some good external pre's...

[Dakota]

[jetaspirin]

BLA offers two separate upgrades for 003, which one, there's a Tweak Head and Signature Series, the Signature Series is about $500 more, is that worth it? Can any one give any testimony as to how this compares to Apogee stuff...or other converters?

[jetaspirin]

Anyone have any opinions on upgrading Digi 003 to a Black Lion Audio, either the Tweak Head Mod or the Signature Series?

Vs. getting some other DAW? If some other, recommend some?

I'm looking to upgrade my whole system, my options are:

1) Upgrade the 8 channels of Digi 003 to BLA and get 8 channels of something else

2) Upgrade Digi 003 to BLA and get another Digi 003/002 and upgrade that to BLA, hence 16-channels of BLA

3) Sell Digi 003 and get another DAW alltogether...

Someone on here must've gone through a similar thought process...

[Spindrift]

[Bro Shark]

[digitaldrummer]

interesting that after releasing software that supports "everything" (Pro Tools 9) they now won't support it? I wonder if that means it won't actually work? they did do that with the Mbox 1, but that was when it was tied to the software... it's hard to keep up with their release cycle though.
_________________
www.studiodrumtracks.com -- Drum tracks only $50!
www.doubledogrecording.com

[sdelsolray]

The Digi003 clock is fine. Try some null tests with it and any other clock of AD converter you choose. You'll find files null at least -60 to -70 dB below RMS levels and the only difference left are found in high frequencies.

If you want to add more channels, add an 8 channel un it with ADAT connectivity.

[Dakota]