Old 02-15-2014, 03:35 PM   #1
alanofoz
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Default Zoom R16, AudioBox 1818VSL

Win 8 has forced me to pension off my old audio interface. So my current hardware setup is a Mackie Onyx 1620 mixer feeding a Zoom R16. The R16 is the recording interface to Reaper via USB2.

This setup seems OK, probably more than enough for my needs. The Mackie's pre-amps are good, the R16 is set to minimum gain so that the analogue quality is mainly determined by the Mackie.

But... I like the look of the Presonus AudioBox 1818VSL, even though I'd probably still use the Mackie's pre-amps & set the AudioBox to minimum gain.

What do people think I might gain from this (apart from the 8 outputs)? Better (noticeable) A-D conversion? Lower latency? Simpler setup if I stop using the Mackie? Anything else?

Would you do it?

Thanks
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Old 02-17-2014, 05:44 AM   #2
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Anyone?
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Old 02-17-2014, 07:32 AM   #3
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Well I have tested both Audiobox 1818 and Scarlett 18i20 and have to say Focusrite seems to be a better choice if you do not need a lot of preamp gain (Audiobox is here stronger).
Seems as the sound gets out more authentic from Focusrite, whereas Audiobox adds more color to it.

My tests were not really good made, so please do not rely on that, plus, I do not know any of your present gear, so your primarly question can not be asked by me.
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Old 02-18-2014, 05:50 AM   #4
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Thanks urednik,

I'll definitely look at the Focusrite, at first sight it looks pretty good.

My concern with the R16 is that while I'm sure it does what it's designed to do very well, I can't tell if it's designed to be better than average quality. I was hoping someone might have some idea.
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Old 02-19-2014, 08:19 PM   #5
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I had an R16. I wouldn't worry about the sound quality. Unless you spend a whole lot more money. And then I'd look at the Steinberg MR816. I've had a chance to play with one a while back and it's just a class better soundwise.

Now, mind you, I haven't checked the newest Focusrites yet.
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Old 02-20-2014, 03:32 PM   #6
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Thanks cyrano,

My own impression is that the R16 sound quality is good. More than enough for my ears. Almost too good to be true. I just have this sneaking suspicion that some of the alternatives could be better. No need to rush into anything then.
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Old 02-23-2014, 05:54 PM   #7
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I sold my R16 for two reasons: weak phantom power and not enough gain. But that's no problem if you aren't using it as a very portable recorder. And phantom power is only a problem with mics that use more than average. I have an AKG451 that needs around 10 mA phantom power. And that's too much for the R16. It needed a minute or so to quiten down. And when a lot of moisture was around, it failed to power that mic.

Sound quality in itself is very good. And it's sturdier than it looks. I dropped mine 15 m from a tree once ;-)
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Old 02-25-2014, 07:15 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cyrano View Post
...And it's sturdier than it looks. I dropped mine 15 m from a tree once ;-)
Begs the question: what were you doing with it up a tree. The mind boggles...
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Old 02-25-2014, 07:31 AM   #9
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How else would you capture the sound of an R16 falling under the force of gravity?
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Old 02-27-2014, 06:44 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alanofoz View Post
Begs the question: what were you doing with it up a tree. The mind boggles...
Trying to record some birds...

Mic cables too short. So I decided to try an obvious solution and move the R16 and mics closer to the birds. But then the birds decided they didn't like the looks of the white R16 in it's plastic bag and they moved a couple of trees.

I also managed to drop a Marantz recorder in the pond years ago. That one survived too, but it took a long while to dry. And it's noise level went up about 6 dB.

But nothing beats recording bats ;-)
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