I'm looking at a scenario like this, i want to get a few preamps/compressors in a 500 format, have them connecting through some sort of ADAT device and be able to connect them quickly between a Mac (Apollo) for music and a PC (unknown interface) for smaller tasks...mostly making amp captures/IRs etc...because i need the GPU power in the PC. Originally i tried swapping the Thunderbolt around but the PC wasn't playing nicely.
Some ideas are:
1. Cranborne 500ADAT, seems like the perfect solution with picking up a small Audient ID24 or the like for PC and the Apollo for mac and i just swap the ADAT cable. I've read lots of issues with recording like this and the tracks being out of time through Apollo, not sure i fully understood the issue nor if it's all ADAT devices or just the Cranborne (i haven't used ADAT since my Motu 2408 MK1). Also i'm not sure the Cranborne can send and receive ADAT at the same time (i would like to use it as a my headphone amp and have preamps out the ADAT and the mix coming back in via ADAT...if not i think you can do it analog).
2. Similar as above with small interface for windows + Black Lion or Ferrofish Pulse ADAT expander connected to a 500 lunchbox (not sure which one yet) and swap ADAT cables.
3. Go all out with an RME interface like the UCX/UFX and use it for windows, is it possible to use the RME hardware as a standalone ADATA expander for the Mac, or would i end up swapping the USB cable to the Mac when i need it and using the RME as the Mac interface with the Apollo feeding it (seems a pain and confusing). I looked at the Motu 828 (new one) but i'm not happy with my 896MK3 for anything (it's already died once as well).
Also thought about scrapping the 500 stuff and getting the Neve 88M but i still need an ADATA expander so not saving too much and would be more flexible for portability but less functional in features.
Thanks!
Some ideas are:
1. Cranborne 500ADAT, seems like the perfect solution with picking up a small Audient ID24 or the like for PC and the Apollo for mac and i just swap the ADAT cable. I've read lots of issues with recording like this and the tracks being out of time through Apollo, not sure i fully understood the issue nor if it's all ADAT devices or just the Cranborne (i haven't used ADAT since my Motu 2408 MK1). Also i'm not sure the Cranborne can send and receive ADAT at the same time (i would like to use it as a my headphone amp and have preamps out the ADAT and the mix coming back in via ADAT...if not i think you can do it analog).
2. Similar as above with small interface for windows + Black Lion or Ferrofish Pulse ADAT expander connected to a 500 lunchbox (not sure which one yet) and swap ADAT cables.
3. Go all out with an RME interface like the UCX/UFX and use it for windows, is it possible to use the RME hardware as a standalone ADATA expander for the Mac, or would i end up swapping the USB cable to the Mac when i need it and using the RME as the Mac interface with the Apollo feeding it (seems a pain and confusing). I looked at the Motu 828 (new one) but i'm not happy with my 896MK3 for anything (it's already died once as well).
Also thought about scrapping the 500 stuff and getting the Neve 88M but i still need an ADATA expander so not saving too much and would be more flexible for portability but less functional in features.
Thanks!
