• Registered: 2024-03-14
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Mic pre amp and ADI-2 PRO FS

Hello,

I would like to go directly from the microphone preamp into the AD converter.
Can I then record directly into the DAW from the ADI-2 via USB?

I have often read that one should use a proper audio interface.
Can someone explain to me why?

Thank you!

  • From: San Diego, CA
  • Registered: 2017-09-18
  • Posts: 73

Re: Mic pre amp and ADI-2 PRO FS

You could.  If your mic preamp had XLR outs just plug into analog.  If your mic pre has SPDIF coax or optical out, use that and MAKE SURE the ADI-2 is using that incoming digital as the clock source, or use SRC.

Actually, a really high quality pair of mic pres could cost as much as if you just bought an RME Babyface Pro or equiv.  I have a Babyface and AID-2 Pro as well as additional external mic pres.  The Babyface is really my go to device if recording with any microphones.

I also have a Solid State Logic console with 128-faders and 144-mic pres, but I can't carry it in my computer bag.  ;-)

_____________________
Eric Seaberg • San Diego, CA • USA
A.E.S. • S.M.P.T.E. • S.P.A.R.S. • I.E.E.E.

3 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-03-14 15:56:46)

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 12,091

Re: Mic pre amp and ADI-2 PRO FS

AdamPi wrote:

Hello,

I would like to go directly from the microphone preamp into the AD converter.
Can I then record directly into the DAW from the ADI-2 via USB?

I have often read that one should use a proper audio interface.
Can someone explain to me why?

Thank you!

You need a device from the ADI-2 * series of devices which has
- USB port
- Analog input

This boils down to these devices:
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE
- ADI-2/4 Pro SE

For pure recording this is sufficient, but if you want more flexibility for your monitoring and additional features you should better get a recording interface with digital mixer (TotalMix FX).

There are many different models available that differ in
- the type and number of ports
- features
- digital ports / possibilities for expansion (AES, SPDIF, ADAT, MADI)

If you are a fan of the ADI-2 series of devices, then you can also combine it with a recording interface.
Then you have
- a recording interface with the best features for routing and "what not" (incl. TotalMix FX) and
- the ADI-2 Pro FS or ADI-2/4 Pro FS for the monitoring section with its special / unique features.

I wrote a blog article describing the differences of ADI-2 DAC/Pro models and how to integrate them into your setup:

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … ses-EN-DE/

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/

And regarding clock synchronization please look here:

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … ios-en-de/

This is also no problem and has a nice feature .... While we are at it, the ADI-2 Pro (also DAC) series of devices use their own clock for AD/DA conversion even if they are clock slave, so .. whatever clock signal you get, Steadyclock FS takes care of removing any clock jitter and finally the internal FS clock is being used for the conversion.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13
  • From: Milan, Italy
  • Registered: 2012-02-19
  • Posts: 187

Re: Mic pre amp and ADI-2 PRO FS

I do this with my Pro 2/4 all the time, works well and sounds incredibly good.

Chain is mic or DI instruments - Elysia Skulptur Qube (dual mic preamp/DI) - Balanced out of the pre into the balanced ADC input of the Pro 2/4 - USB out of the Pro 2/4 into my PC for recording in Reaper.

I matched the dBu figures of the pre and the Pro 2/4 so they play very well together. I usually record things in 24 bit 96k with peaks between -12 and -18 dBfs for later mixing/editing/processing.

https://musicwall.app/hermetech

Babaluma's Website

  • Registered: 2024-03-14
  • Posts: 2

Re: Mic pre amp and ADI-2 PRO FS

Thank you very much for the detailed responses.