I’ve been using my Qu16 for 8 years now and it’s time to upgrade my A&H system. I’m looking to buy go for SQ5/6 mixing desk and also I need at least 32/16 stagebox. As far I understand there are several options for this:
using SQ5 with 2x DX 168 stagebox
using SQ5 with GX 4816
using SQ5 with DX hub and 2x DX32 with builtin PRIME Inputs and outputs.
What are your experiences with those different setups? Are there differences in PREAMP quality between DX168/GX4816/prime? I wish to go for highest possible sound quality.
there are more options: you could also use the older AB/AR Stageboxes, which are “only” 48KHz but sound very good. If money is no problem, then, heck yeah, go for the prime I/Os. But: I have no experience on them.
I do have heard the DX and AB/AR boxes side by side. There is a small difference. But I find that a much bigger sound improvement is achieved when the source is sounding great and you have great mics for your inputs.
I have both a DX168 & DX32 loaded with 8 Prime ins & 8 prime outs. My SQ5 will require a DX hub if I plan to use both simultaneously however I seldom if ever need as many as 8 inputs in my project studio where the primes will be deployed. The Americana genre is very well suited to both of these stage boxes and I use 6 tube mics for capturing in front of these outstanding pre amps and out puts. My evaluation of each is as follows;
The DX168 features world class D-Live I/Os and I plan to use mine for most of my live concert FOH deployments.
The prime I/Os offer, with out question, the most detailed and transparent capture of any I/Os I have experienced in 50+ years of high end studio recording. Be aware of the expense they require (a DX32 + 16 prime pre amps and 8 out put amps will carry a street price pretty close to $8.000. US dollars) Most folks that are recording classical music love this degree of transparency and are deploying 3 mics in a deca with 2 outboards. They most often will use 8 of the Prime I/Os for these most critical money channels.
Depending upon the genre you plan to record the world class DX168s, working @ 24/96K, will be a killer match for any FOH deployment and most all project studio chores. The DX168 pres are significantly better than the internal SQ pres. The best advice I can offer is to audition both in your working environment and pick the most appropriate devices for your budget and real daily needs.
Hugh