Computer Audio (Updating my monitoring station)

[MidnightSensi2]

Updating my mastering computer (I use it for mastering video soundtracks).

I use Bag End PM6 active monitors and have just ordered a Bag End 12" Infra Pro subwoofer. My computer is currently connected to a Mackie board just using the headphone jack, not ideal I know. So, wanted to get a better solution.

USB to a preamp and then balanced outputs to the subwoofer...

Was thinking of this:
XDA-2 USB DAC/Digital Preamp/Headphone Amp | Emotiva Audio Corporation | Emotiva Audio | High-end audio components for audiophiles and videophiles, spanning 2-channel music systems, as well as 5.1 and 7.1 home theaters. Products include multichannel

So, my output will go to the Infra processor in the Bag End Infra subwoofer and then it has left and right outputs to the mains. The subwoofer and monitors are active, the Infra processor in the subwoofer handles the crossover.

This seem all good? Any other recommendations? I looked at this Benchmark one but 900 is a little steep for me right now.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I think XDA-2 will be fine. as alternative may I offer an alternative JBL's MSC1 - it includes dac/pre-amp, balanced connections including sub out with xover and level control and room correction.
As a possible neg I don't it would support high sampling rates ( 24bit, 48khz)
JBL :: Product

 

[slipperybidness]

I did hear a while back that Emotiva is working on a DAC aimed at the pro market, but I haven't seen anything on it lately.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Thanks guys. Maybe I should send them an e-mail? Since it's CES, probably busy. Also looks like in another thread they are announcing some pro stuff.

Yeah, I'm normally using 24bit/96kHz. So, JBL is out, especially since others can do it at reasonable cost.

Looks like they are already making active monitors. Really inexpensive, wonder what they sound like! If they sounded cool be a nice recommendation for a budget home theater. Ribbon tweeters for mastering I've had mixed luck with. Adam's I'm not big on and Genelec moved away from them, but, I don't think that its an inherent problem in ribbon technology. Some hifi ribbon systems I've heard have sounded great.

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks guys. Maybe I should send them an e-mail? Since it's CES, probably busy. Also looks like in another thread they are announcing some pro stuff.

Yeah, I'm normally using 24bit/96kHz. So, JBL is out, especially since others can do it at reasonable cost.

Looks like they are already making active monitors. Really inexpensive, wonder what they sound like! If they sounded cool be a nice recommendation for a budget home theater. Ribbon tweeters for mastering I've had mixed luck with. Adam's I'm not big on and Genelec moved away from them, but, I don't think that its an inherent problem in ribbon technology. Some hifi ribbon systems I've heard have sounded great.

What is it about the ADAM that you don't like?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I will also throw in miniDSP 4x10 Hd | miniDSP
With right plugins it would support 24/96. PEQ, X-Over, Room correction and any other DSP you could think of
(10x10hd if you need more analog inputs)
plenty Digital inputs (SPDIF AND AES-EBU) and balanced outputs

 

[MidnightSensi2]

I shouldn't have said 'wasn't big on.' mean the studios monitors out now are really good from a lot of manufacturers. Only Adam I heard that I'd maybe give someone a heads up on was a midfield they make that has lays horizontal. I kept backtracking on my mix moving along the board. Later found out one woofer crosses over at another point than the other to mix with the ribbon, and as you move it drives you nuts because the response in time was changing as I moved and then I'd feel I need to correct, then I'd move back to the other side and it would be fine... got confused until I figured out it was the speakers lol. That was a bit back though, not sure if they still make those.

I actually almost bought a pair of ADAM's for my old place, really liked their towers for playback!

Really, when it comes to speakers.... you just have to go listen hehe. My opinion or anyone elses doesn't really help other than 'try this' or 'try that' but that's about it.

 

[jinjuku]

Go to Guitar Center and look at probably 15 to 20 solutions all under $600.

 

[slipperybidness]

Go to Guitar Center and look at probably 15 to 20 solutions all under $600.

+1 Guitar Center is always a fun visit

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Yeah, I love Guitar Center! lol. I'm sure they do, and I might do that, but you guys got some good insight (and as much as I love the store, sometimes the staff here isn't really as up to date...they are always really nice though!).

No one seems to be telling me to jump on the Emotiva, Bored seems to think it will be fine.... Any reason? Seems to fit the bill... but, have there been issues?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Emotiva first version of their dac had issues with digital volume control, which hopefully fixed in the current 2nd gen. I don't know about new issues.
Also units I recommended offer significantly more flexibility than Emotiva's DAC, which is simple nothing but it. In one of last reviews of new budget Emotiva's pre-pro Emotiva UMC-200 A/V Processor Recommendations — Reviews and News from Audioholics Gene mentioned it's DAC is not best out there, which makes one think.... The choice is really yours here
You could also look for 2nd hand dedicated pre-pro with balanced ports out

 

[slipperybidness]

Yeah, I love Guitar Center! lol. I'm sure they do, and I might do that, but you guys got some good insight (and as much as I love the store, sometimes the staff here isn't really as up to date...they are always really nice though!).

No one seems to be telling me to jump on the Emotiva, Bored seems to think it will be fine.... Any reason? Seems to fit the bill... but, have there been issues?

The Emotiva XDA-2 is new to the market. Probably not many people have it or have reviewed it yet. I have the XDA-1 and basically just use it as an external soundcard. The XDA-1 had 2 shortcomings: The way they implemented the volume control actually loses resolution if it is set at anything below max. Also, it could "only" do CD quality over the USB (no higher sample rates etc). I got my XDA-1 on clearance for $200 and I new the 2 shortcomings before purchase and I'm happy with it. The XDA-2 claims to have fixed both issues. The nice thing about Emotiva is their no-hassle return policy.

Remember, Guitar Center also has used gear, a good way to save a few $

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Guitar Center carries Benchmark. I have a friend that works there, maybe he could get a deal for me?

DAC1 USB | Benchmark Media

Or maybe a used one if he could find it? Are the Benchmarks good?

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Local guy here has one he's selling for 500. Says he just got it a few months ago but now needed the pre-amp one. I can test it, might go give it a go. His studio is only a few miles from me.

 

[jinjuku]

Guitar Center carries Benchmark. I have a friend that works there, maybe he could get a deal for me?

DAC1 USB | Benchmark Media

Or maybe a used one if he could find it? Are the Benchmarks good?

They are good but not $1000 good. Check out the Forte' by Presonus

 

[MidnightSensi2]

They are good but not $1000 good. Check out the Forte' by Presonus

WHOA! That's awesome! I'm like ready to press the buy button lol. That takes my headphone amp, my recorder, and my DAC and puts it in one box that is about as thick as my laptop with balanced outputs!

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Purchased. Too cool. Thanks

 

[jinjuku]

Products like this and the Apogee Duet series are why I think that the Benchmark, while it is nice, is over priced.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Yeah, I looked at that as well by using similar pages lol. The Apogee looked cool, but, for me the Forte makes more sense. No breakout cable for the outputs, software looked nicer. That said, I bought from B&H, which, I've always had easy returns with.

 

[jinjuku]

Apogee is MAC only. The Forte' is Win/MAC