I'm presently recording guitars/bass/vocals-anything microphone, with a apogee duet.
I'm wondering however if an upgrade on converter quality would be sonically advantageous.
Music is mainly 70's Rock vibe or perhaps just better said classic Rock. Drums are software at this point.
I had brought to the floor the matter of purchasing a Radar Studio, having heard it has some sonic mojo imparted by it's electrical chemistry. It's a substantial price relative to other considerations. Those being a prism lyra 2, or perhaps a UAD Duo, or Quad, or a Crane song Hedd (maybe with a CS Spider???)
I'm wondering if there is a significant benefit to upgrade on a converter? What could one expect going from the Apogee to any of the other options in terms of sonic character imparted?
I've had someone mention once, I would be far better off upgrading on Microphones (presently using sm57 for cabs, AKG 414 for vocals and cab), than I would be upgrading on conversion.
To that end, I wonder also what the pre-amps will bring me. I have considered a AMS neve 1073 (I also have access to a newly built 1081 with the marinar (sp) transformers for about 1500 US each). Perhaps an API? I've used none of these so I have no experience yet.
Essentially I am trying to improve my signal chain, while keeping things strategically smart for quality recording/capture of mainly acoustics/electric guitars, vocals, and DI bass.
One of the things that the more expensive Radar option brings, is simplicity of use relative to the sometimes quirky logic pro x on my macbook pro, where sometimes things just get glitchy. But again, Radar is an expensive option-but perhaps worth it. I would, btw, need to buy an interface for that Radar and I had in mind the Great River Mixmaster 20. Some would say that would be quite a Rig. Others might say Prism got fantastic converters and for what I need being only 2 inputs at any given time, makes a lot more practical sense.
So, is it worth upgrade on the converters? Sonically? practically? Work flow better with Radar and Mixmaster?
Merry Xmas all
(ps) oh yes I'm using CMS 50 Focal Monitors. I have considered the Barefoot 27 Gen 2; Something I can use, I hope, as not only great mixing monitors (assuming too I treat the room acoustically not only for listening/mixing, but for tracking as well), but to use as speakers for vinyl records, CD, something I think the Prism Lyra 2 would work well for. The idea of having a robust set of speakers playing while I record along with my guitars might be, ...emotionally charging.
Are the Barefoots a great option for listening to CD's and vinyl or is one better to choose something like a Focal Aria 948?
http://www.focal.com/canada/en/207-aria-900