SUMMARY on mixing scenario with RME HDSP 9652

[GYang]

After extensive testing and auditing, I made comparisons between various scenarios for getting the most out of excellent T 2 mixing engine quality to 2 track wav. file.

Summary

1. Rendering is ALWAYS and DEFINITELY inferior to sound quality of direct output 2 channel mix. No matter 32 or 24 bit with no downsampling etc. even with non bug VST/VSTis it always adds something that produces worsening the quality of final 2 track.

2. Digital output via SPDIF to Masterlink proven above clearly and 2 ch mix in Masterlink sounds same as 2 ch mix in T2 (I use same Apogee converters in both case). For some reason SPDIF adds very low level clicks (indeed possible to hear only on very loud listening level) that are not related to clocking, but to some signal that is characteristic for SPDIF digital transfer.

3. Digital output via ADAT to digital multitrack machine is just slightly less transparent than SPDIF, but with no clicks. Again I don't know why, but ADAT transfer (electrical to optical conversion) seems to degrade slightly the signal (that issue was discussed many times on other specialist forums) and I fully agree that ADAT is not the best solution for very critical tasks (although it might be well beyond criteria for average users).

4. Re-routing ADAT Out to ADAT In to enable RME card to return the signal to software is same as aforesaid due to signal conversion. This is optimal solution if you don't need absolute quality.

AND FINALLY
The winner is T2 + Sound Forge via internal routing. (not possible without making connections on card istelf)

5. Making internal routing on RME card is physically possible. There is CD In connector on the card, as well as, ADAT 1 Out. If they are properly connected output digital signal (channels 1-8) will return to digital inputs (1-8).
In the beginning I faced feedback problems, that should be solved in way that various programs (T2 and Sound Forge) should use different outputs to enable monitoring and recording in same time without feedbacks.

After all carefully connected some changes are necessary in Totalmix (RME mixer GUI) to interconnect T2, Sound Forge, monitoring tracks and other outputs avoiding feedback.

At the end of the day Sound Forge receives directy digital signal out of T2 and records it in real time.
I tried Wavelab, Samplitude and some minor programs, but sonically Sound Forges gave me the best results. Very transparent, 100% identical to original with touch of more open high end (this is fairly subjective issue).
After downsampling and bit conversion I found that sound did not degrade very much, character is saved to full extent.

Actually I am really amazed with the result, as such track is really good material for further dynamic processing with VSTs in Sound Forge (Waves and UA) providing totally professional level of final quality.

My warmest recommendation for RME HDSP 9652 (as the most versatile card on the market, absolute stabile and provideng incredible possibilities in internal and external routings, as well as, perfect sound environment).

In relation to software for 2 ch mix Sound Forge proven to be really top of the top for the task (although Wavelab has many features that lack in SF). If sound quality and stability is the most important issue look no further than Sound Forge.

Assuming that there are other users who looks after pristine sound quality at the end of mixing session, I hope that above can help to save time in searching for the best solution, at least for a while.

yang

[stephengardner]

yang...keep up the good work I use RME HDSP 9652 to masterlink I hear the clicks ..I thought it was the Antares pitch correction on the vocals

[stephengardner]

yang.. What Sound Forge product are you using and how?..and I'm not getting the rme card hook up exactly? Thanks

[GYang]

yang.. What Sound Forge product are you using and how?..and I'm not getting the rme card hook up exactly? Thanks

Latest one - SF 8.0.
Actually you should find proper routing via RME Totalmix and adjust SF 'Audio Settings' accordingly. Also, activate 'monitor' option when 'Recording' windows open.
If you hear some delays or any artifacts it is due to two outputs (T2 and SF) routed to same channels in SF, when monitor via SF, just disable T2 output in Totalmix and you're there.
Also, I use 32-bit depth in both software (+64-bit mixing).
After several days of heavy use I didn't encounter any problem and this setup is now sonic reference for me.

GYang

[stephengardner]

I don't have a cd in on my hdsp 9652 card that I can find?

[GYang]

I don't have a cd in on my hdsp 9652 card that I can find?

It should be there 2 ADAT outs and one In (it might be DIG IN mark) on main board, all on same side (2-pin +/GND). Pay attention to ground mark (GND) when connect Out to In.

GYang

[stephengardner]

yang thanks I got it now.. Steve

[GYang]

yang thanks I got it now.. Steve

Happy mixing, I hope you'll be satisfied with your new mixes.

yang

[stash98]

ok..I have a presonous firebox..its a firewire interface..how would I go about setting this up? I need my mixes to be very accurate..I have an SPIDF in and out from a breakout cable on the fire box. I also have 2 quarter inch line ins..I am stil trying to wrap my head around all of this..I use SF 7. What dithering would you reccomend in SF7?

[stash98]

upon further trying. I hooked up 2 1/4 inch guitar cables into the firebox line ins 3 and 4. they are connected to the firebox line out 5 and 6 which i activated in my mixer as the ixer out put..when I record, it gives me feedback...first off, who do i fix this? second, is it ok to use guitar cables or should I use the cables that came with my monitors?

[stash98]

Bueller?