Status LF distortion issue: FIXED The latest firmware update disables the Dynamic Range Enhancement of the DAC chip which caused the issue. The side effect is that the dynamic range of the X8 OUT is reduced to 111 dB(A). Here is a link to the update process: support.arturia.com/hc/en-us/articles/16633731726236-AudioFuse-X8-OUT-Firmware-Update-process According to Arturia, the update process does not void your warranty. If you don't feel comfortable to open up the device, you can contact Arturia Tech Support to arrange an alternative solution. All newly produced X8 OUTs will already come with the new firmware installed.
I'm really uncomfortable with your take on the LF distortion - the more i think about it the more it bothers me. This isnt a 2 channel interface used for monitoring music, its an 8 channel expander used for creating effect loops. If it isnt ok for effect loops on bass guitars and bass synths and bass drums - its just not ok, period. Any update to the behaviour will invalidate your noise testing, likely reduce the dynamic range, and a pinned comment certainly wont be enough. (just to be clear - i wouldnt criticise your work if i didnt respect, and value it, and recommend it regularly - that would be wasting both our time. I very much appreciate what you do)
@@mycosys Mostly agree, but "effect loops" is certainly not the only way the device is intended to be used. Another common use case is for extra monitoring / playback outputs for other musicians in a live setup based around a DAW (most commonly Ableton Live). In that use case, the distortion might not matter at all.
Hey Julian, great video! Could you do a review of the Allen & Heath CQ18T? It´s a mixer that Allen & Heath has marketed both for live and studio applications and I would love to hear your take on it. Thanks!
I have both. The Ferrofish is a far better piece of gear than the ADA8200, but you can buy like 8 ADA for the price. You get what you pay for. Everything though the Behringer sounds like it is a much more shallow depth of feel. I used to use it for aux stuff like organs and synths, maybe distorted guitars... stuff that doesn't need a ton of range. The Ferrofish kills it for acoustic instruments. I just bought a Arturia x8 in but havent compared them. I expect it to be closer to the fish but the spec. I will also say my ADA seems to induct some sort of digital chatter that sounds like modem noise from time to time. its way down at like -80 dB but it is there. it's probably just badly shielded.
I've used a couple different ADA8200's and the older ADA8000. They all had problems with audio going to only one output bleeding into the other outputs. Might not be a problem for some, it was a problem for me. Also the preamps are a bit noisy and the ADA8200 at least outputs a loud noise burst when turning on.
@@ejmikk Yes Crosstalk is an issue with the ADA8200 for sure. THe preamos are about as good as any sub $200 interface, but thats about it. I NEVR use the preamps in them, have just used them for A? conversion, which they do but with meh results.
I always love your objective take in these videos! Are you planning to take a look at the Antelope Audio Zen Quadro, as it has new pre-amps compared to the zen go you reviewed a few years ago? Or is it too similar? I recently got one and I'm super happy with it, but would love to see how it compares to the zen go.
Your content is so good. I've referred to you reviews for a lot of my purchase decisions, as they're some of the most detailed and reliable ones online. Can you do a review on the Neumann Mt48? I'm kinda surprised you haven't so far, cos that thing seems kinda amazing AF
Excellent review as always! Could you please review the Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP 8x8 AD/DA Converter? Seems like a great device but I'd love to hear your take.
Hi Julian, what do you think about measuring also the slew rate, IMD, impedance, crosstalk of the interface preamps in addition to the measurements you already do?
FYI - Arturia sent me a firmware update to fix the issue on the X8 Out. There is a USB-C port behind to front panel, as Julian previously mentionned in the comments.
Anytime I'm touching the subject of conversion, I'm thinking if there's more to it than dynamics, THD and frequency response. All of those measurements are done with static signals after all.
And to add to my own comment from a month ago: I compared the X8IN to my RME interface (a fairly new one). And imho there's a big difference in conversion. Big enough to make me return the X8IN and save for a better converter.
your videos tutorials are very good especially because you show the internal circuitry and internal PCB's of the interfaces so go on like that !! About concerning this Arturia unit uses inside Polymeric Capacitors which are NOT good for Hifi Audio equipments thus don't know why most of expansive (like RME, Universal Audio, Apogee, and so on...) brands uses those cheap polymeric capacitors (and cheap op amp too..)which degrade the signal (in terms of micro dynamics, slew rate, reality sound, fq responce, musicality.. etc..) and not using for example Nichicon or Wishay or Wima or Elna Silmic etcetera capacitors .....
Good afternoon. Please make a video on how to remove the voice of the second interlocutor from the microphone of the first when he is silent. In the conditions that they are sitting next to each other. except by hand.
Thanks for this. I have been looking to get these. The X8 out issue is a concern though. How can they fix it when there is no way to update the hardware as there is no usb port or anything to fix the firmware?
@@JulianKrause Ahh cool. I didn’t notice it in your picture of the interface opened up. I hope that they can fix this issue as that is a deal breaker. Otherwise I have to look for something else.
Moin! Ich hab wieder ein interessantes neues Interface entdeckt: Das PreSonus Quantum ES2 Hast du das schon auf dem Schirm? Ich finde den Formfaktor und die Tatsache, dass man einen digitalen Regler hat, sehr ansprechend.
For many years, most budget options for 8 A/D converters were based on mic preamps. There are so many options out there, mainly because most of these solutions came from outboard mic manufacturers. I’m glad people have finally realized we need solutions for line signals. This shift likely relates to the growing popularity of electronic instruments. The list of budget 8 mic preamps with ADAT out is nearly endless. I suggest searching for "8 mic pre with ADAT out" instead of "A/D converter with mic preamp." Additionally, any audio interface with standalone capability (i.e., routing mic input to the ADAT output without needing a computer) can function as an 8 mic pre A/D converter.
Great review thank you! I'm looking for the simplest interface to use for ADAT in since I'd like to use the Arturia X8 in for all AD conversion. Any suggestions on a no-frills interface that takes ADAT in and won't cause too many headaches? 🤣
I've just discovered a deal-breaking (for me) flaw with the X8 IN. Whenever it powers on and doesn't detect a WordClock Signal immediately, the sync source will default back to internal. Since I'm powering the unit on simultaneously with my whole rack (including the audio interface), I have to switch the sync source every time I power on. Imho that's a big blunder by the dev team (who frequently changes that setting anyways?). I emailed them about this, let's see what they'll reply. If there's no solution on the horizon, I'll return the unit.
Update: Arturia emailed me with a link to instructions and a new firmware that fixes this issue. I cannot test this, though, as I returned the unit. So to anyone running into this problem: email the Arturia support.
@@JBrm I'm pretty interested in this as I will use with an RME UCX2 as you wanted to using the UCX2 word clock as a source! Would you please share the link for the new firmware? I will buy this interface in January and I will need this fix definitely. Thank youuu
My only issue with these is price. They should each be about $100-$75 cheaper for 8in OR output only devices. Ferrofish Pulse 16 is $1100 new for 16 in and out over ADAT, and I see them used for under $900 all the time. They arguably hove more features as well. So basically unless you only need 8 of a single direction the Ferro fish is a better piece of gear. As soon as you buy 2 boxes yo are knocking on the door of a better piece of gear that does twice as much. That said... I did buy one just to Expand the analog Inputs of my VST synth rig. My x8 in is feeding a MOTU Ultralite AVB and that mut everything on that side of the room onto my AVB network. MOTU AVB stuff is for some reason hard to find right now and going for new prices used (goodluck finding a 8A anywhere used for under 800) so this Artura box did me right in this case.
So it's about the same price as the Ferrofish 16 per channel. Making a stand alone device that offers half the connectivity for half the price is actually a great achievement. There is nothing in the market comparable to this price bracket, only the new Audient...
I would have to borrow to buy that, that will make me unhappy until it is paid off. Not to mention my wife who would make my forever very short if she finds out that I did that to buy it. 😂😂
For the price - it better be good. RME prices keep becoming more and more ridiculous, meanwhile good value alternatives are available for people who just need the job done well.
@@SDX9000 RME prices have remained consistent over the years. If you compare products within the same tier, the Fireface UC/UCX still costs around the same as the older models, like the Fireface 400, and the FF802 is similarly priced to the 800. Nothing much has changed in that regard. Sure, they now offer higher-tier products like the ADI-2/UFX/MAD-AVB/DANTE, but they also have budget-friendly options like the Babyface Pro, which costs less than the internal PCI cards without Mic inputs and DSP FX. Moreover, since their driver support is practically endless, RME interfaces are actually cheaper in the long run. Many people have been using the same RME interface for over 20 years, which is unheard of in any market or profession. This long-term support also makes their second-hand market very attractive.
Not a fan of the fact that these devices have Word Clock in, but not out. If the 16Rig had 2 WC outputs, that would be fine. But for both of these accessories to be clocked properly with BNC Word Clock, I need a separate clock/distributor.
@@russtheguitarist On second look, too bad the "X8 IN" doesn't have ADAT input to sync its clock as a "slave". Most audio interfaces don't have BNC WC at all (like RME babyface) so they will be forced to slave their audio interface clock to the "X8 IN" clock. Not ideal...
Actually it's one of the least expensive options out there, not many line level A/D aimed at low budget. Most users will only need the in or out unit, 300$ for 8 analog channel expansion is relatively very low price.
@@Chaos-Dynamics The SP8 is great value, but it's 200 euro more than the X8 IN. Most people have enough unused outputs, they don't need to pay for more, nor the mic pres, we have enough 8 mic pre's already. This is what is great about it, you don't pay for things you don't need!
I had no idea Audient made a 8-ch converter. And the price is very reasonable. Thanks for mentioning it, I've had very good luck with my Nero so far...
@@electricwhiterabbit because 25dB beyond human hearing vs 28dB beyond human hearing matters heaps. Yes in theory the numbers are slightly better. You can use the line inputs, which yes go through the same THAT6266 balanced ADC driver, but its a lot more than a mic preamp. If you do want those features, i'd argue the ASP 800 is a lot more interesting then these. Though slightly more expensive than the pair it has a LOT more going for it. The DAC issue on bass would be an absolute dealbreaker for me - being unable run effects loops on a bass synth would be .... just no. Any update to its behaviours will also invalidate the current noise tests and likely reduce the dynamic range.
@@mycosys The X8 IN has far better specs than the SP8. The dynamic range is much better as well as the distortion specs and the frequency response. I don’t want/need mic preamps and that is what is hindering the SP8’s quality hence why it is cheaper. Also the SP8 inputs can only handle +18db input where the X8 in can handle +24db input. The SP8 out is okay but still not as good as the X8 out. The dynamic range and distortion of the X8 Out is better. If they can fix the issue with the ESS chip at low frequencies, that will help huge. The ASP800 again still has worse specs than the X8’s. Again the ASP800 has mic pre’s. I don’t want or need them. I just want line in/out. The other issue with the ASP800 is that it has DB25 for the 8 outputs. So you have to spend even more money to buy or make a DB25 cable to TRS female jacks just to use that. No thanks. The X8’s are great value. What if someone just wants 8 or 16 inputs? You need to buy 2 SP8’s which is more expensive. I also like that all jacks are at the back of the x8’s. I don’t want any jacks on the front like the SP8 has.
DC power supply splitting is a dumb idea, they would have to double the power (amperes) output of each 15V AC-DC adapter and each customer would have to pay the difference even if they won't use it to power more than one device. Also, that will create a potential for ground loops.
Hey, I checked the power consumption and for the X8 IN it's about 7 Watt and for the X8 OUT it's about 4 Watt. The provided power supplies can handle up to 30 Watt according to their specs. It should not be an issue running two X8 with one power supply. I agree, that running the 16 Rig with the same supply would not be such a good idea. The power supplies do not have a ground pin and with the in- and outputs being balanced, there should be no issues with ground loops.
Most power supplies that come with products are rated 3 to 5 times higher than the required power. Additionally, it’s incorrect to say there's a "potential for ground loops" when the ground isn't shared. It might be wise to familiarize yourself with the basics of electronics before using terms like "dumb" otherwise it could reflect poorly on you.
The 16Rig is fantastic. But as far as these things go? - who wants these stubby things that can’t be rack mounted? - let alone ADAT, one of the worst audio things ever created.
@jollyroger65 The market for expanding audio interfaces with more channels is still 99% based on ADAT. How do you think the "16Rig" can be expanded? When you say it's the "worst audio things ever created" it only reflects your lack of knowledge.
lol long ago I originally invested into tascams TDiF world feeling it was the better way to go opposed to Alesis and their bulky vhs adat recording systems. But like Betamax despite being better it still lost the war - now tos is EVERYWHERE and tdif is absolutely NOWHERE. I could have had some amazing old gear still compatible with modern equipment but it’s become obsolete junk while having to reinvest in different systems.
Status LF distortion issue: FIXED
The latest firmware update disables the Dynamic Range Enhancement of the DAC chip which caused the issue.
The side effect is that the dynamic range of the X8 OUT is reduced to 111 dB(A).
Here is a link to the update process: support.arturia.com/hc/en-us/articles/16633731726236-AudioFuse-X8-OUT-Firmware-Update-process
According to Arturia, the update process does not void your warranty. If you don't feel comfortable to open up the device, you can contact Arturia Tech Support to arrange an alternative solution.
All newly produced X8 OUTs will already come with the new firmware installed.
I'm really uncomfortable with your take on the LF distortion - the more i think about it the more it bothers me. This isnt a 2 channel interface used for monitoring music, its an 8 channel expander used for creating effect loops. If it isnt ok for effect loops on bass guitars and bass synths and bass drums - its just not ok, period.
Any update to the behaviour will invalidate your noise testing, likely reduce the dynamic range, and a pinned comment certainly wont be enough. (just to be clear - i wouldnt criticise your work if i didnt respect, and value it, and recommend it regularly - that would be wasting both our time. I very much appreciate what you do)
No USB port - no firmware update...
@@horstsauer9089 under the faceplate
@@horstsauer9089 Hey, there is a USB-C port hidden behind the front cover 😉
@@mycosys Mostly agree, but "effect loops" is certainly not the only way the device is intended to be used. Another common use case is for extra monitoring / playback outputs for other musicians in a live setup based around a DAW (most commonly Ableton Live). In that use case, the distortion might not matter at all.
Love your videos! No bs, straight to the point, clearly explained, keep going! 👍🏻
Regardless of whether or not I will buy the product you review, I watch EVERY single video you put out because they are just so well put together.
Clear to hear (the distortion). Thanks!
Thank you for such a complete review. 👏🏻
Vielen Dank fuer die unzaehligen und super ausfuehrlichen Reviews!
Thanks for your videos. I wish audio companies released more interfaces, so that there would be more videos ;-)
Hey jullian, thanks for another video
You're welcome 😀
Hey Julian, great video! Could you do a review of the Allen & Heath CQ18T? It´s a mixer that Allen & Heath has marketed both for live and studio applications and I would love to hear your take on it. Thanks!
Excellent review! I was curious about the performance of these. 👏
Would love to see how the Ferrofish Pulse 16 and Behringer ADA8200 compare.
I have both. The Ferrofish is a far better piece of gear than the ADA8200, but you can buy like 8 ADA for the price. You get what you pay for. Everything though the Behringer sounds like it is a much more shallow depth of feel. I used to use it for aux stuff like organs and synths, maybe distorted guitars... stuff that doesn't need a ton of range. The Ferrofish kills it for acoustic instruments. I just bought a Arturia x8 in but havent compared them. I expect it to be closer to the fish but the spec. I will also say my ADA seems to induct some sort of digital chatter that sounds like modem noise from time to time. its way down at like -80 dB but it is there. it's probably just badly shielded.
I've used a couple different ADA8200's and the older ADA8000. They all had problems with audio going to only one output bleeding into the other outputs. Might not be a problem for some, it was a problem for me. Also the preamps are a bit noisy and the ADA8200 at least outputs a loud noise burst when turning on.
@@ejmikk Yes Crosstalk is an issue with the ADA8200 for sure. THe preamos are about as good as any sub $200 interface, but thats about it. I NEVR use the preamps in them, have just used them for A? conversion, which they do but with meh results.
Yeah, the distortion is very audible and it's something that would drive you crazy trying to figure out what's wrong if you didn't know.
I always love your objective take in these videos! Are you planning to take a look at the Antelope Audio Zen Quadro, as it has new pre-amps compared to the zen go you reviewed a few years ago? Or is it too similar? I recently got one and I'm super happy with it, but would love to see how it compares to the zen go.
Thanks Mate , Solid Review As Always !!!
Your content is so good. I've referred to you reviews for a lot of my purchase decisions, as they're some of the most detailed and reliable ones online.
Can you do a review on the Neumann Mt48? I'm kinda surprised you haven't so far, cos that thing seems kinda amazing AF
Excellent review as always! Could you please review the Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP 8x8 AD/DA Converter? Seems like a great device but I'd love to hear your take.
Please review Behringer Flow 8 & Zoom L8
Hi Julian, what do you think about measuring also the slew rate, IMD, impedance, crosstalk of the interface preamps in addition to the measurements you already do?
Thank you Julian, please can you do a review of the Teyun q26 ?
Thanks for these efforts
please review the audio interface Saramonic MV?
thanks, you are a master.
will u review roadcaster duo, planning to buy it, would love your review
FYI - Arturia sent me a firmware update to fix the issue on the X8 Out. There is a USB-C port behind to front panel, as Julian previously mentionned in the comments.
can you send me also the update?
YES🔥About to buy 8in and 8out
Is there anything like this for ADAT Out that has XLR outputs? (trying to simplifying a stage setup) I'm having a heck of a time finding something...
Can you also review the new Antelope Zen Quadro?
Hi there, thanks for the video. Do you plan to on reviewing the presonus Quantum HD2? I'm just curious to see your views on it.
Julian, can you review Apogee Duet 3 please? I'm considering getting it but would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
In all the audio interfaces you reviewed and tested. Which interfaces belong to the top 5?
Can this work properly with a MOTU Ultralite Mk5 (which has no wordclock) ?
Can you review the new Presonus Quantum ES line in the future?
Anytime I'm touching the subject of conversion, I'm thinking if there's more to it than dynamics, THD and frequency response. All of those measurements are done with static signals after all.
And to add to my own comment from a month ago: I compared the X8IN to my RME interface (a fairly new one). And imho there's a big difference in conversion. Big enough to make me return the X8IN and save for a better converter.
your videos tutorials are very good especially because you show the internal circuitry and internal PCB's of the interfaces so go on like that !! About concerning this Arturia unit uses inside Polymeric Capacitors which are NOT good for Hifi Audio equipments thus don't know why most of expansive (like RME, Universal Audio, Apogee, and so on...) brands uses those cheap polymeric capacitors (and cheap op amp too..)which degrade the signal (in terms of micro dynamics, slew rate, reality sound, fq responce, musicality.. etc..) and not using for example Nichicon or Wishay or Wima or Elna Silmic etcetera capacitors .....
Good afternoon. Please make a video on how to remove the voice of the second interlocutor from the microphone of the first when he is silent. In the conditions that they are sitting next to each other. except by hand.
Any plans to review the new Presonus interfaces?
Thanks for this. I have been looking to get these. The X8 out issue is a concern though. How can they fix it when there is no way to update the hardware as there is no usb port or anything to fix the firmware?
When you take off the front plate, there is a USB-C port hidden behind it 😉
@@JulianKrause Ahh cool. I didn’t notice it in your picture of the interface opened up. I hope that they can fix this issue as that is a deal breaker. Otherwise I have to look for something else.
We need your thoughts on the Presonus Quantum HD 8.
could you check out the Yamaha AG06MK2?
Pls help me to pick. From minifuse 2 to SSL 2. Is it worth the upgrade?
or stick to my minifuse 2?
@@alfonsbarcelonstick to minifuse or buy audient id
Die Beschreibung vor dem zweiten Thomann-Link sollte bestimmt auf "X8 OUT" lauten...
Ansonsten: Danke für das tolle Video!
Any chance to review arturia audiofuse studio???
The Firmware is Out ... Have your checked if it works ? I tried here ; and seems OK and the Issue is solved .
Moin!
Ich hab wieder ein interessantes neues Interface entdeckt: Das PreSonus Quantum ES2
Hast du das schon auf dem Schirm? Ich finde den Formfaktor und die Tatsache, dass man einen digitalen Regler hat, sehr ansprechend.
Hey, du hast Glück. Bin gerade dabei das Video zu schneiden. Das Review geht die nächsten Tage live :)
@@JulianKrause Wow. Ich bin echt ein Glückspilz! 😀
Vielen Dank für deine Videos! ♥
Many products like this lately, the market seems to need a reasonably priced set of 8 preamps
Only thing is that this unit doesn’t have pre-amps but just line level inputs.
For many years, most budget options for 8 A/D converters were based on mic preamps. There are so many options out there, mainly because most of these solutions came from outboard mic manufacturers. I’m glad people have finally realized we need solutions for line signals. This shift likely relates to the growing popularity of electronic instruments.
The list of budget 8 mic preamps with ADAT out is nearly endless. I suggest searching for "8 mic pre with ADAT out" instead of "A/D converter with mic preamp." Additionally, any audio interface with standalone capability (i.e., routing mic input to the ADAT output without needing a computer) can function as an 8 mic pre A/D converter.
I would like to see a review of Neve 88M
Same
Great review thank you! I'm looking for the simplest interface to use for ADAT in since I'd like to use the Arturia X8 in for all AD conversion. Any suggestions on a no-frills interface that takes ADAT in and won't cause too many headaches? 🤣
RME Digiface USB.
@@electricwhiterabbit thank you!
Where is Presonus Revelator io24 and Yamaha AG03?
How would these compare to getting the Audient Evo SP8?
AF X8 specs sound better
If the 8 Out could have an update tu support spdif it would be Awsome
The new Presonus Quantum interfaces next please?
I've just discovered a deal-breaking (for me) flaw with the X8 IN. Whenever it powers on and doesn't detect a WordClock Signal immediately, the sync source will default back to internal. Since I'm powering the unit on simultaneously with my whole rack (including the audio interface), I have to switch the sync source every time I power on. Imho that's a big blunder by the dev team (who frequently changes that setting anyways?). I emailed them about this, let's see what they'll reply. If there's no solution on the horizon, I'll return the unit.
Update: Arturia emailed me with a link to instructions and a new firmware that fixes this issue. I cannot test this, though, as I returned the unit. So to anyone running into this problem: email the Arturia support.
@@JBrm I'm pretty interested in this as I will use with an RME UCX2 as you wanted to using the UCX2 word clock as a source! Would you please share the link for the new firmware? I will buy this interface in January and I will need this fix definitely.
Thank youuu
@@giacomorml just ask arturia, they'll email it to you
But did they fix DC offset issue in audiofuse 16rig?
@@77advanced Yes, I also pinned a comment under the 16 Rig review. Please update to the latest firmware for the fix 😀
I cannot find the pinned comment
It's there now :)
Why the A/D is better than the 16Rig and the D/A is worse?
it's just numbers
@@xfghffhfg Later I noticed, its different chips
@@LuchoFerro Did they say it's the same ones?
My only issue with these is price. They should each be about $100-$75 cheaper for 8in OR output only devices. Ferrofish Pulse 16 is $1100 new for 16 in and out over ADAT, and I see them used for under $900 all the time. They arguably hove more features as well. So basically unless you only need 8 of a single direction the Ferro fish is a better piece of gear. As soon as you buy 2 boxes yo are knocking on the door of a better piece of gear that does twice as much. That said... I did buy one just to Expand the analog Inputs of my VST synth rig. My x8 in is feeding a MOTU Ultralite AVB and that mut everything on that side of the room onto my AVB network. MOTU AVB stuff is for some reason hard to find right now and going for new prices used (goodluck finding a 8A anywhere used for under 800) so this Artura box did me right in this case.
And Ferrofish offers BTO for the Pulse 16 which adds DC outputs.
So it's about the same price as the Ferrofish 16 per channel. Making a stand alone device that offers half the connectivity for half the price is actually a great achievement. There is nothing in the market comparable to this price bracket, only the new Audient...
You rock! That bass r😅cks! Headphone measurements rock in each video!
Sweetwater link does not work
Thanks for pointing it out! Fixed now :)
buy anything from RME and bé happy for ever ever
I don't have $2-3 thousand AUD unfortunately
I would have to borrow to buy that, that will make me unhappy until it is paid off. Not to mention my wife who would make my forever very short if she finds out that I did that to buy it. 😂😂
For the price - it better be good. RME prices keep becoming more and more ridiculous, meanwhile good value alternatives are available for people who just need the job done well.
@@SDX9000 RME prices have remained consistent over the years. If you compare products within the same tier, the Fireface UC/UCX still costs around the same as the older models, like the Fireface 400, and the FF802 is similarly priced to the 800. Nothing much has changed in that regard. Sure, they now offer higher-tier products like the ADI-2/UFX/MAD-AVB/DANTE, but they also have budget-friendly options like the Babyface Pro, which costs less than the internal PCI cards without Mic inputs and DSP FX.
Moreover, since their driver support is practically endless, RME interfaces are actually cheaper in the long run. Many people have been using the same RME interface for over 20 years, which is unheard of in any market or profession. This long-term support also makes their second-hand market very attractive.
@@SDX9000 it is
Mine just works. .... perfectly at 96k
Not a fan of the fact that these devices have Word Clock in, but not out. If the 16Rig had 2 WC outputs, that would be fine. But for both of these accessories to be clocked properly with BNC Word Clock, I need a separate clock/distributor.
No, you can chain BNC clock with a BNC-T connector, this is what the termination feature is for.
@@xfghffhfg I stand corrected! Thanks for that!
@@russtheguitarist On second look, too bad the "X8 IN" doesn't have ADAT input to sync its clock as a "slave". Most audio interfaces don't have BNC WC at all (like RME babyface) so they will be forced to slave their audio interface clock to the "X8 IN" clock. Not ideal...
presonus quantum es 2 plssss 😂
640 euros for just eight adat i/o is pretty expensive imo. It doesn’t even have a word clock out to link the units.
No link output needed. Use a T-connector...
Actually it's one of the least expensive options out there, not many line level A/D aimed at low budget. Most users will only need the in or out unit, 300$ for 8 analog channel expansion is relatively very low price.
@@xfghffhfg Probably aimed more for keyboard players I guess. For 200 bucks less I rather would get me an Audient EVO SP-8 😎
@@Chaos-Dynamics The SP8 is great value, but it's 200 euro more than the X8 IN. Most people have enough unused outputs, they don't need to pay for more, nor the mic pres, we have enough 8 mic pre's already.
This is what is great about it, you don't pay for things you don't need!
@@xfghffhfg Buy whatever you want 😊
Not really seeing the value here when each is nearly the price of an SP8 that replaces both
I had no idea Audient made a 8-ch converter. And the price is very reasonable. Thanks for mentioning it, I've had very good luck with my Nero so far...
You can’t bypass the mic inputs on the SP8. I just want line in and out. The converter quality isn’t as good on the SP8 either.
@@electricwhiterabbit because 25dB beyond human hearing vs 28dB beyond human hearing matters heaps. Yes in theory the numbers are slightly better.
You can use the line inputs, which yes go through the same THAT6266 balanced ADC driver, but its a lot more than a mic preamp.
If you do want those features, i'd argue the ASP 800 is a lot more interesting then these. Though slightly more expensive than the pair it has a LOT more going for it.
The DAC issue on bass would be an absolute dealbreaker for me - being unable run effects loops on a bass synth would be .... just no. Any update to its behaviours will also invalidate the current noise tests and likely reduce the dynamic range.
@@mycosys The X8 IN has far better specs than the SP8. The dynamic range is much better as well as the distortion specs and the frequency response. I don’t want/need mic preamps and that is what is hindering the SP8’s quality hence why it is cheaper. Also the SP8 inputs can only handle +18db input where the X8 in can handle +24db input. The SP8 out is okay but still not as good as the X8 out. The dynamic range and distortion of the X8 Out is better. If they can fix the issue with the ESS chip at low frequencies, that will help huge.
The ASP800 again still has worse specs than the X8’s. Again the ASP800 has mic pre’s. I don’t want or need them. I just want line in/out. The other issue with the ASP800 is that it has DB25 for the 8 outputs. So you have to spend even more money to buy or make a DB25 cable to TRS female jacks just to use that. No thanks.
The X8’s are great value. What if someone just wants 8 or 16 inputs? You need to buy 2 SP8’s which is more expensive. I also like that all jacks are at the back of the x8’s. I don’t want any jacks on the front like the SP8 has.
@@electricwhiterabbit If numbers are what matter to you, cool
I use Behringer ADA8200 Ultragain, it doesn't have such good parameters, but for 1/4 of the price it is sufficient... it never disappoints
DC power supply splitting is a dumb idea, they would have to double the power (amperes) output of each 15V AC-DC adapter and each customer would have to pay the difference even if they won't use it to power more than one device. Also, that will create a potential for ground loops.
Hey, I checked the power consumption and for the X8 IN it's about 7 Watt and for the X8 OUT it's about 4 Watt. The provided power supplies can handle up to 30 Watt according to their specs. It should not be an issue running two X8 with one power supply. I agree, that running the 16 Rig with the same supply would not be such a good idea.
The power supplies do not have a ground pin and with the in- and outputs being balanced, there should be no issues with ground loops.
Most power supplies that come with products are rated 3 to 5 times higher than the required power. Additionally, it’s incorrect to say there's a "potential for ground loops" when the ground isn't shared. It might be wise to familiarize yourself with the basics of electronics before using terms like "dumb" otherwise it could reflect poorly on you.
The 16Rig is fantastic. But as far as these things go? - who wants these stubby things that can’t be rack mounted? - let alone ADAT, one of the worst audio things ever created.
they can be rack mounted, as seen in the video.
and ADAT is widly used
@jollyroger65
The market for expanding audio interfaces with more channels is still 99% based on ADAT. How do you think the "16Rig" can be expanded?
When you say it's the "worst audio things ever created" it only reflects your lack of knowledge.
lol long ago I originally invested into tascams TDiF world feeling it was the better way to go opposed to Alesis and their bulky vhs adat recording systems. But like Betamax despite being better it still lost the war - now tos is EVERYWHERE and tdif is absolutely NOWHERE. I could have had some amazing old gear still compatible with modern equipment but it’s become obsolete junk while having to reinvest in different systems.