• Registered: 2010-01-23
  • Posts: 34

Topic: Noob, planning a set-up, quick question about 400 vs 800.

Hi,
Hoping to buy and set up the following rig:

RME RayDAT in master PC, with steinberg MR816CSX and RME fireface 400?/800? connected via ADAT, with spare ADAT port linked via cubase system link to a second PC fitted with emu 1212m running V-stack. As you can see, I'm not too trusting of using firewire as my main interface, and would rather have PCIe and ADAT doing the hard work, and just using firewire connections 'passively' to control settings on the Fireface and MR816.

Can't decide between the Fireface 400 and 800. Luckily, money is not an issue in choosing between these, I want the best quality converters and mic preamps. I've read around, but can't find the answer; can anyone confirm if the 400 and 800 use the same converters, and that both use the same mic preamps as found on the octamic II? Some articles suggest this is the case, but it's not clear, as they generally say 'based on the same technology as the octamic' or similar.

Any help greatly appreciated, and like I say, I'm happy to pay the extra for the 800 if it means superior converters / preamps, but there's no point if they're identical, as the 400 would satisfy my channel count needs.

Many thanks,

  • Knut
  • Knut
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 1,618

Re: Noob, planning a set-up, quick question about 400 vs 800.

400 and 800 use the same converters, and that both use the same mic preamps

They are not using the same converter chips, but the quality and the technical specs are nearly identical. No serious test could find out a significant difference. The Fireface 400 uses digital controlled MicPreamps which are different from the ones in the Fireface 800. If you are looking for the best possible converter or Preamp technology you should check out the ADI-8 QS and the Micstasy.

best regards
Knut

  • Registered: 2010-01-23
  • Posts: 34

Re: Noob, planning a set-up, quick question about 400 vs 800.

Thanks Knut.
Checked them out, but they are out of my price range. about ?1500 is my upper limit for 8 quality line channels and 2-4 decent mic pres. Hence, both the FF400 and 800 are within limits. Sounds like the difference between converters is nothing to worry about. Can you elaborate on the end result of the mic preamp difference between the two (digitally controlled vs non?). I'd lean towards a warmer sound for a mic preamp than super clean, in case that makes any difference.

Again, thanks for speedy reply. Very helpful.

  • Registered: 2009-11-15
  • Posts: 3

Re: Noob, planning a set-up, quick question about 400 vs 800.

I owned the Fireface UC and upgraded to the Fireface 800, the D/A on the 800 caught my ear right away, It has that something that you may feel you are missing with the UC's D/A.. It's very minor but slightly warmer with a better low mid.. and that makes the world of difference to the music i produce. I also feel the preamps on the 800 are not quite as good as the UC's by a very tiny amount thats very difficult to notice.. but because the D/A is better in the 800 it makes no difference.. you gain a more musical and inspiration sound that is negative in no way.. I would recommend the 800 If you have the extra cash.

5 Reply by fallensteller (edited by fallensteller 2010-06-23 11:02:29)

  • Registered: 2007-11-14
  • Posts: 3

Re: Noob, planning a set-up, quick question about 400 vs 800.

Do you need a buspowered device?