Grace Design m108 vs RME Fireface UFXII vs Grace Design m801mk2

[EmilieM]

Hi everyone,

does anyone have experience with the Grace design m108 and the RME Fireface? How do they compare sound wise?
I am looking into getting one of the two, to get a very clear and authentic sound for voice, with four mic inputs.
Are the preamps of the Grace better than those of the RME?

Also, what about the Grace Design m801mk2? No audio interface in there, so how does it compare to the m108 and why is it so much more expensive?
Does an external mic pre like this one make a massive difference sound wise, compared to the sound of the RME interface for example?

[jnorman34]

One of my professional friends in Seattle uses the grace 108 and loves it. It is not quite as facile as an interface as the RME UFX. My preference is the RME, as it is an industry standard with rock solid drivers and near perfect customer support reputation. Both units have excellent preamps, and no I don’t think you can hear any significant difference between them.

[bjohn]

One drawback to the Grace m108 is that you have to use a dsub breakout cable to get analog outs for your monitors (although I think Grace sells an optional card that includes two analog outs for monitors). It has a great reputation, though, and I've long been tempted to get one myself. People who prefer colored preamps sometimes complain that it sounds cold and sterile, but those who strive for accuracy and clarity tend to praise it for those qualities.

[EmilieM]

Originally Posted by bjohn

One drawback to the Grace m108 is that you have to use a dsub breakout cable to get analog outs for your monitors (although I think Grace sells an optional card that includes two analog outs for monitors). It has a great reputation, though, and I've long been tempted to get one myself. People who prefer colored preamps sometimes complain that it sounds cold and sterile, but those who strive for accuracy and clarity tend to praise it for those qualities.

I see, thanks for your input. And so the accuracy and the clarity would equal that of the RME... or would it be even better...?

[bjohn]

Originally Posted by EmilieM

I see, thanks for your input. And so the accuracy and the clarity would equal that of the RME... or would it be even better...?

As Jim said, at this level of excellence I don't think you'd be able to hear a difference between them but I haven't used them myself so I'm relying on what I've heard/read from others.

[EmilieM]

Originally Posted by bjohn

As Jim said, at this level of excellence I don't think you'd be able to hear a difference between them but I haven't used them myself so I'm relying on what I've heard/read from others.

I see, it makes sense.

[EmilieM]

Originally Posted by jnorman34

One of my professional friends in Seattle uses the grace 108 and loves it. It is not quite as facile as an interface as the RME UFX. My preference is the RME, as it is an industry standard with rock solid drivers and near perfect customer support reputation. Both units have excellent preamps, and no I don’t think you can hear any significant difference between them.

Awesome. So no difference in sound between the preamps, that helps! Thanks.

[beingmf]

Originally Posted by EmilieM

Are the preamps of the Grace better than those of the RME?

I for one would never compare RME preamps to a unit like the Grace. Please define "better"!? To my ears RME preamps always sound a little vanilla, lifeless, anaemic ‒ a character that many people equal with "authentic" or "HiFi". Nothing you could NOT use for a professional recording though. The Grace OTOH is "clear", but also full sounding and has more "depth", no matter what signal/source you throw at it.
If the differences are subtle or not, is up to you (:

[EmilieM]

Originally Posted by beingmf

I for one would never compare RME preamps to a unit like the Grace. Please define "better"!? To my ears RME preamps always sound a little vanilla, lifeless, anaemic ‒ a character that many people equal with "authentic" or "HiFi". Nothing you could NOT use for a professional recording though. The Grace OTOH is "clear", but also full sounding and has more "depth", no matter what signal/source you throw at it.
If the differences are subtle or not, is up to you (:

I see. Yes, getting people's feedback in terms of how they perceive things -these preamps for that matter- is the point here.
Since I myself have never tested these preamps, unfortunately, I am enquiring about people's perceptions of how they think they compare: in terms of clarity -which indeed, does not mean deprived of vibrancy- and transparency to the source or what we would call natural-ness?-, since these qualities are what these preamps are known and praised for. And that again, doesn't mean without depth if depth at the source there is.

A loyal reproduction of a three dimensional sound, I should say. This was my enquiry, beingmf: which preamps deliver this the best.
Anyway, you did give me what I was asking for -even though the way I experience vanilla is anything but lifeless and anaemic-, so thank you.

[beingmf]

Originally Posted by EmilieM

Anyway, you did give me what I was asking for -even though the way I experience vanilla is anything but lifeless and anaemic-, so thank you.

Haha, indeed I looked it up in the Urban Dictionary before I posted if the term could be somewhat "difficult" They came up with "unexciting, normal, conventional, boring".

[EmilieM]

Originally Posted by beingmf

Haha, indeed I looked it up in the Urban Dictionary before I posted if the term could be somewhat "difficult" They came up with "unexciting, normal, conventional, boring".

Hahaha, that's funny! The urban dictionary has never tried my vanilla dessert -which blends marvellously well in my coconut/chocolate mix and adds an intense subtlety to it-. But of course, I use analog vanilla, the actual vanilla beans, vs some synthetic processed emulation...

Ok, well that says a lot about how you experience the RME preamps. I see. The Grace would then sound "better" to me, if more vibrant and deep -and therefore natural?-

[jnorman34]

There are some audio files here - https://georgievsound.com/gear-compa...oustic-guitar/
where you can listen to the differences between RME preamps vs grace lunatec v3 and prism Lyra. All three are what are considered “clean” preamps, designed to give you the closest possible rendition of what you put in. If you are looking to “color” your sound in some way, you should be considering preamps that are based around transformer or tube circuitry ( and get ready to throw down some serious money).

[beingmf]

Originally Posted by EmilieM

But of course, I use analog vanilla, the actual vanilla beans, vs some synthetic processed emulation...

Recently I also started to substitute vanilla with Tonka bean. Very nice if it fits