Cheapest 16 Channel Sac Setup?

[badgerman]

I'm just curious, what would be the cheapest 16(+) channel SAC hardware setup? Ignoring computer costs (already have my laptop and a Shuttle I could use)

Firewire, PCI or USB.

[905shmick]

Cheapest route would be a used MOTU 2408 plus a Behringer ADA8000.

[gdougherty]

Cheapest route would be a used MOTU 2408 plus a Behringer ADA8000.

Or 2xADA8000's since the 2408 doesn't have mic preamps, correct?

Some of the older 24 channel RME cards may be in the same ballpark since you have to buy two ADA's anyway.

The ideal would be a unit like the 2408 but with 8 mic pre's built-in so you do only have to buy one ADA.

[Bob L]

An RME Digi9636 would give you 16 chans... expandable...

Or an older digi9652 (24 chans) on ebay probably for around $200.

Bob L

[A Smith]

Or 2xADA8000's since the 2408 doesn't have mic preamps, correct?
No mic pres, 8 line in 8 out

[Phil]

ebay! got my digi9652 for under $200, beat up guitar center and got ada8000 for $175 ea. opticals from china about $12, ha8000 for solo & wired iem. you can start the habit so cheap. then start mainlining more rme audio stuff!

[averombri]

I bought my 9636/52 (26 in,outs including SPDIF ) for 127 €,and works great!

[RBIngraham]

I've paid less than $125 for all the 2408 MkI MOTU units I have. And I now have 3 of them. Some of those came with an old 324 card. The expensive part of the MOTU PCI systems is getting a deal on the 424 card if your computer will not work with the older 324 cards. Those still can cost some money.

Definitely nothing beats the cheap ADA8000 for preamps and conversion in the price category.

[venez03]

I've paid less than $125 for all the 2408 MkI MOTU units I have. And I now have 3 of them. Some of those came with an old 324 card. The expensive part of the MOTU PCI systems is getting a deal on the 424 card if your computer will not work with the older 324 cards. Those still can cost some money.

Definitely nothing beats the cheap ADA8000 for preamps and conversion in the price category.

I'll second that. I bought (2) 324 / 2408 combos for less than $100 each. And (3) ADA8000s between $80-$100 each on craigslist.

[badgerman]

Alright keeping my eyes and ears open... I'm not in a particular hurry so I can just lie low and wait for something good to come up to pounce on...


I'll second that. I bought (2) 324 / 2408 combos for less than $100 each. And (3) ADA8000s between $80-$100 each on craigslist.

Oh man, lucky... Have never seen an ADA on CL around here in the SF Bay Area, and I've actually been on the lookout for about a year...

[Brent Evans]

Oh man, lucky... Have never seen an ADA on CL around here in the SF Bay Area, and I've actually been on the lookout for about a year...

Cal Mazzara at Full Compass can do gear well below MAP. For ADAs, there's very little reason to shop for used with his pricing. ;) 800-356-5844 x1119

He's the hookup, as far as I'm concerned, and he's familiar with SAC. Tell him what you're doing and who sent you, he'll take good care of you. Great guy to deal with.

[venez03]

Oh man, lucky... Have never seen an ADA on CL around here in the SF Bay Area, and I've actually been on the lookout for about a year...

I've bought them from all over. Most ppl will ship if you ask and include a little for shipping.