motu 2408 mki - opinions?

[EasyGo]

I'm being offered a chance to buy a MOTU 2408 MkI with PCI card for $200. I did a bit of snooping online and on this board, but I'm pretty clueless.

I have a Tascam TSR-8 and an Athlon 1.3 Ghz PC running Windows 2000 (or XP). I'd like to transfer basic tracks from the 1/2" machine into digital, then record overdubs straight through the card. I am demoing Cubase SX and CoolEdit, but have not yet committed to a DAW application.

Should I buy the MOTU and just record at 16 bit? Or should I save for a 24 bit card? I could see spending $600 on a card, perhaps.

I'm a musician turned amateur recordist looking for semipro results.

Thanks,

Don

[fireproof]

I would not get the 2408 mk 1
it is only 16 bit and has -10 rca inputs
you should get a used mk2. it will blow the mk1 away... balanced in/outs and 24 bit

Adam

[JES]

The 2408 mk I is 20 bit, not 16 bit. I have no idea how well the Windows drivers work, but it's still my main audio interface for a Mac and the convertors sound fine. If you're not using all balanced gear, it won't make a difference if the ins are balanced or not. $200 seems like not a steal though. You could probably get a mk II for not much more, or you could go with another more PC-oriented recording interface.

That said, I'm totally happy with my 2408 (will eventually upgrade to nice convertors, but one thing at a time. . . .) and I think they sound as good or better than other 20 bit convertors (like ADAT).

Best,
--JES

[EasyGo]

Cool, thanks for the replies.

Yeah, the fact that the MkI has -10 RCA ins kind of appealed to me, cuz my deck and mixer are also -10 RCA.

Don

[JES]

Sounds good then. THe one thing negative I'll say about it is that the SPDIF in/out doesn't work with all spdif gear. I had to interface a TC Electronic M One XL through the analog ins and outs. But you know what? It sounded just fine that way.

Happy to answer any other questions you have. Other than that one issue, I've had ZERO problems with it, and I bought it right after it came out in 1998. I think it'll serve you well once you get the windows drivers configured right.

Best,
--JES

[fireproof]

Hey
remember that you cant plug your deck right into the motu rca's unless every track you recorded on it is at 0db or less which is very unlikely.
get the mk2 you will be compatable with 24 bit sessions if the need arises

Adam

[EasyGo]

you cant plug your deck right into the motu rca's unless every track you recorded on it is at 0db or less which is very unlikely.

Ahh yes, thanks for reminding me of that. I had that problem with my old crappy video game sound card. I suppose the playback of the deck could be adjusted to playback under 0db, but having a +4 capable card would be better for sure.

Thanks for everyone's opinions!

Don