Topic: Akai EIE Pro

[cybergaloot]

Anybody have an experience with this box? I'm looking at it for use as a cheap preamp with inserts and direct outs so I can connect it to the stereo channels on my soundboard and not tie up four mono channels. I want the inserts so I can run two of the channels through a compressor. It seems the only real difference between the Akai EIE and the Pro model is if you use it as a computer interface, the Pro model outputs 24bit. I may never use it that way but might as well have it over the 16bit version.

[CrispE]

I haven't used one myself but I almost bought one a few months back. I didn't because I heard they were having problems with white noise when recording, especially when using phantom power. It looks like they've got a firmware update out to fix it since then, here's a link to Akai's forum:

http://community.akaipro.com/akai_professional/topics/eie_pro_recording_results_in_white_noise_static

Assuming they've fixed it and you won't really use it as an interface anyway it might be a good choice.

[cybergaloot]

I heard something about a latency problem but that probably wont affect me. I'd like to run my audience response mics through it and maybe my stage lip mics. Another option I'm looking at is the ART USB Dual Tube Pre because it has inserts and direct outs but I have read some not so nice things about it mixed in with some glowing reviews. I'm going to buy some used sound equipment tomorrow (compressors) and maybe the guy I'm buying it from will have something he wants to part with.

[runonce]

I was also interested in these...

Price is right - and Im a sucker for VUs

I guess the standard question is - can it be run without a computer?

Looks like one model is 16 bit only...?

[cybergaloot]

The EIE is 16 bit & the EIE Pro is 24 bit. Other than that the only difference I see is the color of the box.

[runonce]

the reviewers certainly aren't too kind too this box...

The new drivers have been out less than a month so - might wait it out a bit...see if they do fix something...