SM Pro Audio A-08

[korz]

Hey, I just got the new MF catalogue and saw what I think is a new item. It's by some company called SM Pro Audio and it's called the A-08.

It's an eight 1/4" inputs, an ADAT output, and internal or external sync with a word clock BNC.

Price: $149.99.

Ever heard of it? Worth a listen?

Thanks.

Al.

[jmail]

I just saw the ad for it in Electronic Musician. I have no idea as to the quality of any of the device. SM Pro Audio, from what I've seen is a smaller version of Behringer. Some good stuff, some bad, towards the lower-end of the price scale. I'm curious too, since I've got ADAT on my 1820M, and 8 more inputs for $150 is very tempting...

[Sonic Valley]

That scares me, a no name company at cheaper than behringer prices.

You get what you pay for. However, if anyone does get it, post up a review.

[jmail]

The Behringer ADA 8000 runs roughly $230 US, does 44.1 & 48 kHz 8 channel ADAT I/O with 8 pre-amps (no Word Clock, just ADAT "sync" with "Master" - "Slave"). You need to have both pipes hooked-up in order to get the "O" part of the I/O and be able to use the 1/4" output jacks (kind of restrictive)... I've not seen anyone complain about it, and even some praise for the quality, especially at its price point.

SM Pro has a similar piece that's an 8 channel analogue pre-amp for $200 US, with an ADAT add-in option card for $100. I have no idea as to the quality. Now they come out with the A08 that is 8 channel of ADAT I/O, but does not have pre-amps, "line" only, but at "only" $150 US. That $80 difference would make a big difference in the choice for someone with a mixer (or who doesn't need the pre-amps). On their website, there is a notice about the first run of units had their frequency slide switch mis-labeled... not a good sign.

But yeah, we need a review from some guinea pig, willing to sacrifice their credit card for the sake of all us others... In fact, what would be *really* nice is to have someone compare say, an Octo-pre to the ADA 8000 to the A08, and let us know who has the better A-D-A conversions ('cause, we all know that there's more to conversions than just the ADACs brand)... Now, there is an easy task for most folks trying to do music, what with all that money and time we have...

[korz]

Well, I know from personal experience that your first batch of overseas production of electronic devices, you always have little problems like, misspelled labels, etc. That's the downside of having a source of really inexpensive products. I don't blame them for a few glitches on the first few runs because I know how hard it is to get every little thing right.

I just got my audio hardware yesterday from Musician's Friend. An EMU 1820M for $399.99 (it was scratch and dent) but it looks like it was never even taken out of the box. The box corners were a little beat up, but for $100 in savings, you can shred the box and put it all in a paper bag, thankyou.

I also got the Behringer ADA8000. I'm debating on whether to rip out (or even leave it in... hmmm?) my Echo Layla24/96 out of my current system and plug all this stuff in, or just wait until I build my new PC. I'd hate to load all that software and then take out the hardware again, considering that it will probably never coexist on this PC once I get the new one up and running.

I think I've got 45 days to be sure it works and I even got the Platinum Protection, so I think I've got 2 years to return it if it has problems.

Al.

P.S. If the song I've just sent in gets sold, perhaps I'll sacrifice myself and test out the SM Audio A-08. If it comes without software, you can probably buy it, try it and return it if it's not up to snuff... check with Musician's Friend.