Secret Weapon

Some technical considerations to clarify my perspective:

This is an interesting piece, as far as AD/DA converters go, due to the variety of interface options this could have installed within, especially when looking at it as a bargain secondhand option in the present day. From what I've found, there are two versions fitted with ADAT interfaces, one using RS-232 serial for computer parameter control, and the other using MIDI. There are also two versions using the Sonic Solutions Sonic I/O interface (which I believe is a proprietary SCSI implementation), one with the same Lucid chassis and livery and the other in a blue chassis branded as the Sonic Solutions 888/24. The latter versions have a limited use case in a modern setup unless you happen to have the ADAT card that can be installed in lieu of the SCSI or acquire cheaply as a parts unit.

I have the ADAT version with RS-232 control, which is the most useful version thanks to a modern recreation of the control software called "xglucid" that replaces the original software, which has seemingly become unobtanium. It can be downloaded for free from the author's website (but I'd recommend donating since the program helps hugely in keeping this fine equipment in service): http://glucid.org/_build/html/xglucid.html

Software control is required to adjust the analog I/O levels (switchable between -10dB, +4dB, and any other rounded value you can imagine), which I consider essential functionality when interfacing professionally. If this is not critical, everything else can be configured via the DIP switches on the back, making the MIDI-controlled version a viable option (which I currently consider unconfigurable via software unless you're a sysex wizard or somehow have the original config software). Software settings are retained after powering off if all of the DIP switches are off. From what I've observed, I think the unit defaults to 0dB on inputs and outputs if no software input is available.

The actual "review":

I use this in my project studio alongside my RME Fireface 400 to primarily record my synthesizer collection and outboard effects returns. The 8824 is slaved to the Fireface's word clock via the BNC connector but I found it to be stable over optical, as well. What else can I say? It sounds fine; great, even. It's incredibly consistent and does its job. The build quality is certainly high-end and partially why I took this over something like an Ultragain. The 8824 is USA-made and built like a tank, nearly weighing as much. The whole chassis is steel with a beautifully machined, brushed aluminum faceplate.

Despite this unit often flying under the radar as a viable secondhand ADAT expander, it might be a bit of a waiting game to actually find one that's reasonably-priced and spec'd as desired. Nonetheless, if you can find one it's a no-brainer when in the market for this form factor. It's not impossible to score one for around $300.