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Echo Layla 3G Review
Date of Review: Mar 20, 2006
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a PCI-based system, Echo makes one of the best units out there. If you need mobility, get the firewire version.
This is a PCI based unit with an 8 in 8 out breakout box. The front panel has 2 inputs with built in pre's. These are universal, which means they automatically adjust if you're plugging in a 1/4" instrument vs. an XLR microphone. There are also channel inserts on these two front inputs. Apparently you can hook it up to an ADAT machine and experience 16 in and out!
Capable of 24 bit, 96 kHz recording, this unit does a great job reproducing exactly what you put into it. If you're looking for something that will add certain color or character to the signal, this is not it. But if you're looking for tremendous accuracy, the Echo Layla 3G gets the job done.
Other perks include: phantom power (for the built in pre's), front panel trim knobs, word clock, midi, optical, sp-dif inputs/outputs. Pretty much every type that you'd be looking for in DAW based recording unit.
The software is pretty minimal, although Echo does a pretty good job of updating their drivers online. It does include a control panel that allows you to adjust monitoring, levels, inputs/outputs, etc. Usually you end up running all of this within your DAW-based software though.
The AD/DA converters and 56-bit/100mHz DSP for digital mixing sound great. Again, their transparent enough that you're able to introduce character through your mic's, pre-amps, etc.
Comes with Mackie's "Tracktion" recording software. This is a nice addition and I've used it extensively. Only bummer is that they don't include version 2 (although you can upgrade at Mackie for $75...well worth it!).
I do wish that there were more pre-amps and channel inserts built into this thing. Also, they now make a firewire version, which makes much more sense. It would be nice to take this unit on the road, but that's pretty much impossible.
