VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Dearest paid speakers,

Oh jeez, how cheesy is that intro? Anyway!

Am contemplating buying myself either an Apogee Duet 2 or an Mbox Mini 3. Currently sitting on an Mbox 2, and its shortcomings are simply not doing it for me anymore.

Anyone have experience with both, or is looking to hawk one or the other for a mutually beneficial price?

Cheers, guys!

Bill Roberts · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 2:05 pm Post subject:

I just upgraded from the mBox2 that I have used for the last 6 years. Purchased an RME BabyFace over the Apogee Duet II, and found that I made a better decision. The best part is that it will work with both the Mac/osx and W7 platforms.

Search babyFace on you tube, and you will find the one that convinced me to order mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYFrzKGBXNQ
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VO-BB Member # 764 (Dec 2009)

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 2:18 pm Post subject:

Wow, I'd buy anything after that guy reviews it, wow I say!

Anywho, I'd go with the SoundDevices USBPre2, if you intend to use the preamps. If you aren't using the preamps, all of the above are OVERKILL.

But, we don't have enough info about your use case to make an intelligent recommendation...
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If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

This would be my main interface, as my chain is very small. The pres would, indeed, be used, hence why I'm leaning towards the Duet 2. I really appreciate your new suggestions, guys; but those prices are above my budget at the moment.

*Edit* Oh, and I work exclusively off of mac hardware when it comes to recording.

Bill Roberts · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 3:11 pm Post subject:

George,

RME includes the RME TotalMix FX, like a virtual Mixer that has hardware inputs, then outputs from software, which can then be routed to the hardware outputs on the bottom. With the “FX” button, there are two DSP effects, Reverb and Echo. The hardware ins and outs also have a 3 band EQ. Each channel has an FX send and then the return is on the main outputs. I believe the FX is done in the Box (the BabyFace) like the UAD-2 series stuff.

My next step will be to purchase an RME ADi-2, A/D converter to go from a Martinsound Martech MSS-10 Mic-Pre to the Babyface via the SPDIR I/O Optical input. I had posted a question about my studio being quiet enough to pass the entry test into SoVoa. People say it sounds great, but need to take it further.

It's all over kill, but it's fun to play with!
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VO-BB Member # 764 (Dec 2009)

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:57 pm Post subject:

If you can hear the difference between the A/D in the Babyface and the external A/D, you'll have better ears than I do, that's for sure. Have fun, but let's not confuse anyone into thinking a VO actor needs DSP or reverbs.

So Yonie, what about the Propellerhead Balance we've talked about here in the last few weeks? I prefer stuff that DOESN'T have proprietary mixing console software or DSP, it's just more to go wrong when software updates break stuff. To each his own...

The M-Audio Fasttrack 400 has been highly regarded for its price, as well as the Scarlett 2i2.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Bill Roberts · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 6:31 pm Post subject:

George,

The reason for the external adi-2 is to bypass the built in pre with the Optical input.
They say to turn the gain to (0) and it will bypass the pre. I would assume it would still color the audio, I must be careful when I assume. Gasp

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VO-BB Member # 764 (Dec 2009)

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:24 pm Post subject:

As a Duet 2 user since its arrival, if I were buying now, I'd get a lexicon alpha, and spend the money on a good pre. The Duet 2 is squeaky clean,and I could definitely tell a difference between the apogee one and a duet 2, however, I don't know if it's really worth the difference in price. I use a dbx 286a preamp, and I'd be willing to bet a lexicon alpha would give me the same sound.

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

George, cheers for your suggestions. I've looked them up and considering, though I think the M-Audio gets a pass.

Jason, I have been scouring the auctioning websites and found a couple of Duet 2 in good condition for around 300-350$. The clean sound is really what I would shoot for, as it is seriously lacking in the Mbox 2 Mini when you boost the gain.

I forgot to note that I am also trying to conserve as much space as possible, as it is a true premium in my current living situation.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 11:36 pm Post subject:

I totally get that. I was lucky enough to find mine for 250 dollars on Craigslist. I don't think I would have bought it for 600.

KennethRitterVO · Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Posts: 2

Sorry I posted twice. How do you delete a post.

KennethRitterVO · Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Posts: 2

I don't have anything to compare it to, but I bought the Duet 2 and am really happy with it. The built in preamp means there is one less thing to worry about. It is very simple to use. you just hook it up to your USB and she powers right up. I am still getting to know the controls on the software that it comes with but other than that it is a quality purchase in my book.

Steve Knight · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:29 pm Post subject:

Hey George;

How do the SoundDevices USBPre2, preamps stack up against stand-alone pres?