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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: obaaron on February 17, 2014, 08:29:20 PM

Title: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: obaaron on February 17, 2014, 08:29:20 PM

So my desktop is finally toast so buying a new windows 7 based system and am looking for ideas for a soundcard. I have been running an audiophile 24/96 forever and am not opposed to an external unit.  I have a shitload of dats I am hoping to someday transfer too lol.  Whats the equivalent of the old school 24/96 these days?

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: voltronic on February 17, 2014, 09:53:15 PM

I used to have one of those M-Audio cards.  After going to external interfaces I've never looked back.  I love my Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 in my sig - built like a tank, and two great mic preamps too.  Has SPDIF in/out for your DAT transfers.  You need a firewire connection for it though.  The advantage to this is it is isolated from the system USB which is probably being used for all kinds of other crap besides audio.

If you go that route, you'll want to spend an extra $20 on a dedicated FireWire PCI card with a TI or VIA chipset as recommended by Focusrite, rather than using the built-in port on the motherboard.  I found the performance to be much better when I made this small upgrade.

Focusrite does make some USB units that look good also.  The cheapest one with digital in/out is the Scarlett 6i6, and it seems roughly the USB equivalent of my unit:
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-6i6 (http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-6i6)

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: dnsacks on February 18, 2014, 11:26:42 AM

If I was in your shoes, I'd avoid using the pc for dat transfers and instead use a standalone deck.  Doesn't your dr680 provide a digital in?

Next, I'd look at what I'd be using the sound card for -- critical playback?  etc.  You may find that the computer's internal sound card is just fine for what you're doing or that you're really looking for a high quality playback card

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on February 18, 2014, 11:55:23 AM

Use your DR680...  Then just copy the SDCard onto your PC...

Terry

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: obaaron on February 18, 2014, 12:08:30 PM

Good call guys thanks for the advice

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: Chuck on February 18, 2014, 03:04:04 PM

Quote from: twatts (wears nothing but long-johns) on February 18, 2014, 11:55:23 AM

Use your DR680...  Then just copy the SDCard onto your PC...

Terry

Yeah, this is what I've done too.

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: Datfly on February 20, 2014, 09:32:59 AM

Any other lower priced recorders with digital in to recommend for DAT transfers?

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: dnsacks on February 20, 2014, 11:49:30 AM

there are a LOT --

marantz pmd670 (16 bit)
marantz pmd 671
tascam hdp2
creative nomad (optical only)

are a few off the top of my head

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: Datfly on February 20, 2014, 07:19:39 PM

Quote from: dnsacks on February 20, 2014, 11:49:30 AM

there are a LOT --

marantz pmd670 (16 bit)
marantz pmd 671
tascam hdp2
creative nomad (optical only)

are a few off the top of my head

These seem to be higher priced and discontinued!?
I'm asking for lower priced & available.

Title: Re: soundcard to replace my audiophile 24/96
Post by: dnsacks on February 20, 2014, 08:25:26 PM

what about a Tascam DR100Mk2 ? -- $225 new at online retailers (e.g. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=832911&Q=&is=REG&A=details) and has a spdif input.