As apparently you can't use the Axe II USB out in aggregate device mode with another I/O device, I am considering buying a device that can take the Axe II S/PDIF or AES digital out. I bought an Apogee Quartet and the headphone out does not sound as spectacular as the headphone out on the Axe II. I also found that Maestro sounds better in Mic input mode which is odd, i would have thought -10 would be the way to go. Anyway, it doesn't make sense to add another unnecessary D to A conversion by using XLR for recording purposes. So who out there uses S/PDIF? AES? Into what I/O? How does it sound? I imagine there are earlier threads on this, any links would be appreciated. I just can't get the Axe II to sound as good through the Apogee Quartet or Duet using USB, XLR or 1/4 inch from the Axe II. There is a loss of fidelity, subtle, but I can hear it.
