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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: StarkRavingCalm on March 23, 2026, 04:34:38 PM
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My current soundcard I use for transfers, an MAudio 192, has died. I need to either purchase a new one (used are around $60) or I was thinking of maybe using an external interface.
Is there a external transfer device that would still record to PC at "the hardware level"?
Or would I need to continue with an internal sound card for this?
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IF going external you should look for a USB audio interface.
OTH, You probably not going to find an external device (of decent quality) which is less than $60.00
Hopefully others will chime in and prove me wrong.
Good luck
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giving this a bump
I was able to find a Delta 192 on eBay but I would still like to hear recommendations for a USB interface.
And would that still be considered a pure digital transfer?
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looks like that delta 192 has a digital interface, and if you go from digital out on your recorder to digital in on your sound card it would be "pure digital".
the only usb interface I have with aes on it is my sonosax, and that's a little more than $60
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My current soundcard I use for transfers, an MAudio 192, has died. I need to either purchase a new one (used are around $60) or I was thinking of maybe using an external interface.
Is there a external transfer device that would still record to PC at "the hardware level"?
Or would I need to continue with an internal sound card for this?
USB interfaces are often still referred to as "soundcards" since they take the place of the previous generation of tools - internally mounted sound interface devices. All USB audio interfaces are considered hardware by your operating system.
What are you trying to achieve?
Are you connecting analog (cassette decks, record players) or digital devices (DAT decks, CD players).
Digital inputs can be difficult to come by on a $60 budget but there's always something - like this MOTU USB interface that has SPDIF in/out for $65 on Reverb - https://reverb.com/item/95385047-motu-audio-express-6x6-interface-2011-present-black?bk= (https://reverb.com/item/95385047-motu-audio-express-6x6-interface-2011-present-black?bk=).
No affiliation just pointing it out.
If you only need analog connections the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can't be beat in that price range used. No digital connections (other than USB obviously) but the A/D conversion is top notch for a cheap device.
But if you are happy with the M Audio PCI card you can get them for $50-60. Only hiccup is that those devices are really old and many of them may be entering end of life stage on software/operating system compatibility and lack of reliability from age.
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Also, most modern recorders can be used as USB audio interfaces, so you may be able to use a device you already have
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I would be looking to convert DATs via SPDIF
Analog inputs for cassettes would be fine but my goal is SPDIF
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Being involved in a project that is transferring thousands of DATs, I think the best approach is to find a portable recorder that has digital in and transfer to the recorder and then copy the files off the recorder (USB or SD) to your computer.
I have an R4 that if you had a wall plug for it, should fit your bill. It is gathering dust at my house and happy to loan it to your for your project. I looked for a wall plug for it and can pull up those messages to share with you.
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I use a Tascam DR100 mkii for transferring DATs. Doesn't solve your soundcard problem but it does work completely standalone and doesn't tie up your computer while spinning tapes.
The MOTU interface I linked to has SPDIF coaxial in and out. I had a Tascam US 144 (can get them used online for as low as $25) way back when that has SPDIF in/out and serves all the other functions that a USB soundcard does - analog and digital input and output providing the interface between your computer and playback system.
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I am using kindms' Tascam HDP2 with digi in as it is "true digital" or so I've been told.
Same as the other two guys mention. Keep is away from the PC as it transfers, allowing me to do PC stuff while transferring.
However, likely to be more than the original $60 budget
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Being involved in a project that is transferring thousands of DATs, I think the best approach is to find a portable recorder that has digital in and transfer to the recorder and then copy the files off the recorder (USB or SD) to your computer.
I have an R4 that if you had a wall plug for it, should fit your bill. It is gathering dust at my house and happy to loan it to your for your project. I looked for a wall plug for it and can pull up those messages to share with you.
Thanks, I'll keep you posted. The Delta 192 should get me thru this batch, but I definetly want to future proof this setup
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Also, $60 isnt my budget, its just what I got the used Delta 192 for...
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Scarlett 8i6 is a fantastic little box with great analog and SPDIF for a reasonable price (~$200) and all done via USB-C to your computer