• Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 78

Topic: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

I have a RME Micstacy (currently used in my studio with a HDSPe Madi FX) and I plan to use that for a mobile recording system with a MacBook Air and I the future probably expand the number of microphone channels.

For the micstacy, currently the Madiface Pros seems to be unavailable - probably due to chip problems as with the Madiface XT? Si, there currently only is the option of a Madiface USB, but that does not have a headphone out so, I am missing that.

The other direction would be the Digiface AVB together with a 12mic. I suppose I could connect the Micstacy to the 12mic via Madi  and connect the 12mic to a Digiface AVB, right? Would that still enable me to control the micstacy remotely? That usually works with midi via madi, but I am not sure wether that will be supported when running it over the AVB interface.

But I would actually prefer a future proof root where I could buy a digital interface to connect the micstcy to now and have an option later to integrate more mic channels. Could you recommend me some options? I am not really in a tight spot to get this system together soon, but it should be ready within a year. Is there any news on the horizon regarding more options or will there be replacements for the Madi-systems that are no longer available within that time frame?

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-05-07 11:44:02)

  • ramses
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Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

If you are already open to purchase two additional devices to connect the Micstasy via MADI (via 12Mic)

Digiface AVB----12Mic-----MADI----Micstasy

Then I would regard this as the better solution

UFX III-------------MADI--------Micstasy

- all units in 19" format
- everything portable in 4 RU's (1 RU as a reserve to leave some space/air between the devices)
- UFX III has everything that you need and additional 4 Mic Preamps, same as 12Mic
- standalone operation possible via display
- DURec for backup recordings or as portable tape/recorder
- AD/DA converter of ADI-2 Pro (and fast!)
- Room EQ, Crossfeed
- ...

Just in case you work with different sample rates, there is no solution for AVB yet, that clock slaves can follow the master automatically. Every AVB device has to be reconfigured in terms of sample rate. Therefore, I would choose a MADI-based solution if there are no strong reasons to use AVB.

See this thread: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=36603

Has also advantages for remote control, then you can use "MIDI over MADI".

Digiface AVB €835 + 12Mic €2599 = €3434
vs.
UFX III €2689 + ARC USB €159 = €2848

Even if you get the ARC USB on top, you save with the UFX III based solution €3434-2828=€606

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 78

Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

Thanks Ramses! The UFX III certainly is g good interface, however, it offers so many things I do not need for my mobile recoding rig and it has only 4 mic pres (the 12mic has 12 mic pres, not 4!), which are the only thing I really need from it besides one headphone output.

But you are right that the 12mic is not exactly on the cheap sides. The UFX just does not give me what I need most which is many mic pres in a small form factor. The best things for me would actually be something like the 12mic but with a USB interface included (not just for firmware updates and remote control). But that does not exist from RME.

I guess the best interface for me right now would be the Madiface Pro, but since that is not available, I will rather wait for what is gonna come.

  • vinark
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Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

If the 12mic has adat, a digiface USB might have what you need if I understand you correctly.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

5 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2024-05-07 15:01:05)

  • vinark
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Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

It has, so you can even connect 2 12mics if needed at 48k or 1 12mic at 96k. Or if you need 24 channels at 96k 2 digifaces USB.
Oh wait you already have a mycstacy, that will work too of course. Even 2 at 96k on one digiface

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

6 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-05-07 15:20:46)

  • ramses
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Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

Sorry, but such a setup wouldn't meet the requirements that he mentioned. For one thing, MIDI over MADI would not work, and it would not even be possible to use normal MIDI cabling because the Digiface USB does not even support MIDI.
And who would want MIDI cabling with the usual cable length restrictions and quite stiff MIDI cables if you can use "MIDI over MADI", all over one wire.

And regarding

"But I would actually prefer a future proof root where I could buy a digital interface to connect the micstcy to now and have an option later to integrate more mic channels."

This is better possible using the UFX III as a basement.
It also gives you immediately 4 additional well preamps which have the same quality as those of the 12Mic.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

7 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2024-05-07 15:54:36)

  • vinark
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Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

Agreed, but again as a stopgap it is a very cheap solution to a 8 channel portable setup with phones amp. Since the op already has a micstacy.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
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Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

Do you need MADI to cover longer distances between stage and control room?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

9 Reply by trubadix (edited by trubadix 2024-05-09 01:08:53)

  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 78

Re: Question regarding mobile recording Setup

RME Support wrote:

Do you need MADI to cover longer distances between stage and control room?

I would prefer it, as I would be way more flexible like that with Madi. I can keep the Micstacy (and other possible mic preamps) close to the ensemble/orchestra and keep the microphone cables short like that. But with Madi I am not forced to be somewhere closes to the the Macstacy with the Laptop and headphones. I could even be in a separate room when that is available. During a live concert the musicians would not appreciated me being somewhere close to the ensemble. I do not have to think hard about to see, that Madi would have many benefits in theses situations, but I don't know wether I will need that ability for sure.

But all of that is not possible with Adat. And, as I said: I am not really in a hurry with getting that setup ready and do not want to make any compromises. The Madiface Pro would be great for that purpose, a Madiface USB with just one additional headphone output would actually be perfect! I cannot imagine that within the next year they will not be any replacement of the devices that can no linger be produced.