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Today's Bonus:
- 26 x 26 simultaneous analog/digital I/O ideal for project studios
- Eight preamps with award-winning Octane technology
- A flexible on-board DSP mixerlets you create multiple unique cue mixes
- Supports sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz for pristine high-definition digital audio
- Pro Tools M-Powered compatible;Compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4 with downloadable update.
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So... I purchased this unit about 2 moths ago for a location recording session and it came through like a champ! The location and circumstances did not permit me to bring along a bunch of out-board gear so I had to depend on the on-board pres and they worked great. Nice and quiet w/ lots of headroom. I was using a ribbon for my M/S and was a little worried that I wouldn't get enough gain but was surprised to find that the 2626 gave more than enough. As far as DAW integration... Flawless! I use Logic on my Macbook Pro and had no issues. Drivers were solid as well. Mac's coreMIDI is a bit of a bugger but once it was on, it was on.I used the 2626 to run 16 inputs to Logic as well as run a house mix and headphone mix and no probs. There are better interfaces out there but for the money you really can't go wrong. I also realize that some people have had issues with the drivers and such but most have been addressed by now and like anything that you get that is a tech toy you will have integration issues from time to time. You can check any manufacturer forums and you will likely see a host of complaints about usability and integration. What made the decision for me was the price to features ratio. The 2626 is a great interface at a great price.
and yes, you can record 26 channels. you just can't use the dsp mixer. you need to use the mixer in your DAW if you want to go higher than 16+2SPDF. Not really an issue if you're running PT LE or MP since you're limited to 16 tracks anyway. For Logic or DP or Reaper you just have to use your in-DAW mixer. The DSP mixer is more for monitoring anyway and if you've got your channels mapped out right also a non issue.
In my opinion this is a quality budget interface from a quality manufacturer. If you're looking for Jack Joseph Puig or Bruce Swedien sound Your gonna need a boat load more cash but if your looking for a versatile interface for quick location, live and the occasional studio use...This may only be helpful for a few of you:
I can't comment too much on how the Profire2626 performs as an interface, other than the fact that I noticed no problems the handful of times I have used it to open Pro Tools sessions. What I CAN say is that it is rock-solid when used as a standalone audio routing unit.
When used in standalone mode, connected to my main interface with 2 optical cables, my Profire 2626 offers:
-Eight microphone preamps that sound great for the money
-Two instrument DI inputs
-Eight channel AD/DA converter (TRS, ADAT)
-Two headphone amps, each outputting their own separate "mix" from the digital input
-S/PDIF converter (optical to coax, coax to optical)
I use it for the extra analog outputs and headphone amps, which I use to give each studio musician their own headphone mix. I also use it when my eight go-to microphone preamps aren't enough for the session and I need a few extra. Compared to other similar standalone preamp/AD/DA units (Digimax FS, OctoPre Dynamic, etc.), this one packs a few more features for the money, though I have not directly compared these preamps to those on the other units mentioned. Also, commenting on other reviews, I wouldn't write M-Audio off all together. While I can't comment in depth on their audio drivers, I own and regularly use their microphones and preamps, all of which have given me "bang for the buck," as they say :)
While the preamps and converters may not be quite as audiophile-approved as other preamps and converters I own, It's great for what it does and I have no complaints. Again, I am not using this unit as an audio interface, but in standalone mode. This "swiss army" box has filled in the gaps in my gear nicely when I need a few extra channels of I/O or need to convert a S/PDIF signal.This interface is a great deal when on sale and still a great investment when it's not. The interface allows for 8 tracks simultaneously (up to 16 if you piggy back with another unit), which is great for capturing live performances. Additionally, the unit supplies phantom power which is a huge plus if you've ever been up a creek without the right power source for your mics. The software is easy to use, and compatible with popular UI's, e.g. GarageBand, Pro Logic, etc.Like the title say, it's great. Feels solid. Lots of preamp gain (I'm using separate pres though). This is a big upgrade from my M-audio Fast Track Ultra. If you don't have a TI firewire card, I suggest you purchase one because the integrated firewire ports won't work as effectively. Mine popped and clicked and the output cut out after a while. Once i got a SIGG firewire PCIe card, it worked perfectly.
Combination with ADAT preamps, M-Powerd 8 and dual 2 GHz, XP, notebook PC works fine. 3 star rating instead of higher rating is due to confusing naming and obscured descriptions in their site.
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