Topic: Optical to coax...what to do?

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I have connected the tapedeck (Nakamichi Dragon) with  the 2 x RCA (left + right) to 2 x XLR (left + right) to the Edirol (Phantom OFF). The outputlevel on the tapedeck I kept very low and played a bit with the gainsetting on the edirol (inner/outer knob....boy...won't go into that , i believe there is info enough about that).
I was pleased with the result (recorded a part in 24bit/192hz). I don't know if balanced/unbalanced has anything to do with this situation, just don't know how that works. Can changing something in this setup make it 'better'?

New question did arise. By choosing the Behringer route (instead of above) to coax-in, i am bypassing the internal preamp from the Edirol (right?). Would this be 'better' ?. One extra 'problem' is than: i will not be able to record in 192hz, but 96hz max (as that is what the Behringer is passing through). I know, the difference will not be heard, but that is not the point

curious to the advice..

Double check the Behringer, doesn't it have an RCA SPDIF output???  If so, run that to your Edirol...

I would run a few tapes via Dragon > analog > Behringer > SPDIF > Edirol, and then the smae exact tapes via Dragon > analog > Edirol.  I would make a decision from there based on HQ listening...  Both the Behringer and R44 are doing the same thing (level tweak and ADC). 

I know you want 24/192, I think you should run the best you can with both systems and make a decision from there.  You may decide the 24/96 tapes via the Behringer are preferable to a 24/192 tape via the Edirol???

I'm not sure there is a "better" or "best" or anything like that.  They are your tapes, and you are free to present them to The Masses however you like, depending on what you think sounds "better".  If you prefer the Behringer sound, go for it!  If not, ditch it!

Terry


 

[runonce]

I have connected the tapedeck (Nakamichi Dragon) with  the 2 x RCA (left + right) to 2 x XLR (left + right) to the Edirol (Phantom OFF). The outputlevel on the tapedeck I kept very low and played a bit with the gainsetting on the edirol (inner/outer knob....boy...won't go into that , i believe there is info enough about that).
I was pleased with the result (recorded a part in 24bit/192hz). I don't know if balanced/unbalanced has anything to do with this situation, just don't know how that works. Can changing something in this setup make it 'better'?

New question did arise. By choosing the Behringer route (instead of above) to coax-in, i am bypassing the internal preamp from the Edirol (right?). Would this be 'better' ?. One extra 'problem' is than: i will not be able to record in 192hz, but 96hz max (as that is what the Behringer is passing through). I know, the difference will not be heard, but that is not the point

curious to the advice..

Double check the Behringer, doesn't it have an RCA SPDIF output???  If so, run that to your Edirol...

I would run a few tapes via Dragon > analog > Behringer > SPDIF > Edirol, and then the smae exact tapes via Dragon > analog > Edirol.  I would make a decision from there based on HQ listening...  Both the Behringer and R44 are doing the same thing (level tweak and ADC). 

I know you want 24/192, I think you should run the best you can with both systems and make a decision from there.  You may decide the 24/96 tapes via the Behringer are preferable to a 24/192 tape via the Edirol???

I'm not sure there is a "better" or "best" or anything like that.  They are your tapes, and you are free to present them to The Masses however you like, depending on what you think sounds "better".  If you prefer the Behringer sound, go for it!  If not, ditch it!

Terry


 

Ears are the final maker...

Run the Behringer at 0 gain...(at the top/middle) - I would resist adding gain there. Work it later in post.(if you have to add more than 3db in post...maybe bump the levels a bit )

I think the Behringer has opti/coax and AES...and word clock outs.

And - I forget if the Dragon has balanced outs or not - but read up on each unit's preferred way of accepting an unbalanced connection...

[justink]

I have connected the tapedeck (Nakamichi Dragon) with  the 2 x RCA (left + right) to 2 x XLR (left + right) to the Edirol (Phantom OFF). The outputlevel on the tapedeck I kept very low and played a bit with the gainsetting on the edirol (inner/outer knob....boy...won't go into that , i believe there is info enough about that).
I was pleased with the result (recorded a part in 24bit/192hz). I don't know if balanced/unbalanced has anything to do with this situation, just don't know how that works. Can changing something in this setup make it 'better'?

New question did arise. By choosing the Behringer route (instead of above) to coax-in, i am bypassing the internal preamp from the Edirol (right?). Would this be 'better' ?. One extra 'problem' is than: i will not be able to record in 192hz, but 96hz max (as that is what the Behringer is passing through). I know, the difference will not be heard, but that is not the point

curious to the advice..

The Behringer has both optical and coax outputs.

And - you'll want to keep the output level on the tape deck all the way up...no point in attenuating a nice line level signal...you're increasing your noise by running it low.

to the bolded, i've always thought it was good to turn the volume all the way up, then back it down a bit.  this way, you're not blowing the amp (possibly causing distortion) on the outgoing signal, and using clean gain on the incoming signal if needed.

for example:  say you are running an analog patch out of your R-09 headphone jack to the analog in of another R-09.  unity gain on the R-09 is 08 to 13 (if i'm remembering correctly).  so, in this case, if you set your peak levels on the recording/second R-09 where you want them and you're under unity gain, you probably have your first R-09 running too hot out the headphones and might be distorting the signal... correct?

edit:  i get it now... wasn't thinking we're talking about two different things here. 

[Popmarter]

Thanks a for comments,    interesting to see all opinions en differences. I go and try both routes to see what my ears tell. Maybe i will post some samples, but can take a few weeks as i am busy.

[Charlie Miller]

I use this:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/CO2.html

Runs on AC or 9volt battery.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I use this:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/CO2.html

Runs on AC or 9volt battery.

Is this M-Audio box "bit perfect" when it does the conversion?  Asking as I just don't know.  I recall reading other threads here on TS about coax/optical converters where the Hosa models were touted as the favorite because they were bit perfect converters.