Topic: Device for analog/digital transfers to PC (other than soundcard and JB3)

[hobbes4444]

Need to do some cassette and DAT transfers, and lkg for something along the lines of a Microtrack that:

- can handle analog and digital signals (coax or optical)
- is preferably a flash drive (although something that works as an external HD in windows without proprietary software/interface would be OK), and
- is relatively cheap ($200-$250-ish used). 

It won't be used in a field setting, so it doesn't have to be portable.  I've read the problems with the Microtrack, so I'm lkg for something a little more reliable.  I have an Edirol R-09 for analog, and for digital a JB3, but getting the JB3 to transfer to my PC reliably can be a royal PITA.  And before you suggest a soundcard, I just learned that I probably can't use a soundcard as my PC is running XP Media Center.  M-Audio's website noted that issue with XP MCE in its FAQ for the 2496.

Does such a beast, other than a Microtrack, exist?
Any suggestions?

[Datfly]

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep03/articles/maudioaphile.htm

This is what I use to convert my cassettes & DATs.

Datfly

[hobbes4444]

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep03/articles/maudioaphile.htm

This is what I use to convert my cassettes & DATs.

Datfly

Looks cool.  They have newer versions of this box, but they also include the Windows Media Center disclaimer.  This is why I have the preference for a flash based set up.  Plus i can use an M1 and a flash based device wherever i am to do transfers and then just drop the card in my PC.  starting to think the microtrack is the way to go since the sony d50 is a little out of my price range. . .

[JasonSobel]

The microtrack is a good way to go.  I used to use one for DAT transfers, and it seemed to me to be much more reliable doing 16 bit compared to 24 bit.  another cheap option would be an iriver running the rockbox firmware.  its a 16 bit device with an optical input.  do a search on taperssection for iriver, and I'm sure you'll find tons of info.

[hobbes4444]

The microtrack is a good way to go.  I used to use one for DAT transfers, and it seemed to me to be much more reliable doing 16 bit compared to 24 bit.  another cheap option would be an iriver running the rockbox firmware.  its a 16 bit device with an optical input.  do a search on taperssection for iriver, and I'm sure you'll find tons of info.

Yeah, i've been reading about the iriver.  does it have to have the rockbox firmware for direct digital transfers?   Re the microtrack, any problems on 48k DATs?  does it resample, or just record at 48k?

[JasonSobel]

Yeah, i've been reading about the iriver.  does it have to have the rockbox firmware for direct digital transfers?   Re the microtrack, any problems on 48k DATs?  does it resample, or just record at 48k?

I'm pretty sure that the iriver needs to have the rockbox firmware for bit-perfect digital transfers.
for the MT, it does NOT resample the digital input (at either 16 bit/24bit, or any sample rate).  So you'll be easily able to transfer 16/48 files from the CF card to your computer for software resampling (and be able to archive the 48 kHz files), or, of course, just splitting the 48 kHz files.

[hobbes4444]

Yeah, i've been reading about the iriver.  does it have to have the rockbox firmware for direct digital transfers?   Re the microtrack, any problems on 48k DATs?  does it resample, or just record at 48k?

I'm pretty sure that the iriver needs to have the rockbox firmware for bit-perfect digital transfers.
for the MT, it does NOT resample the digital input (at either 16 bit/24bit, or any sample rate).  So you'll be easily able to transfer 16/48 files from the CF card to your computer for software resampling (and be able to archive the 48 kHz files), or, of course, just splitting the 48 kHz files.

Yeah, in reading a bit more on the iriver, i think you are correct.  seems like the microtrack is pretty solid in the 16/44 and 16/48 world on the digital transfers.  so, with a microsoft live 25% rebate through ebay, i think i can get a new MT2 for around $170 shipped.  might have to do that

[sunjan]

Yeah, i've been reading about the iriver.  does it have to have the rockbox firmware for direct digital transfers?   Re the microtrack, any problems on 48k DATs?  does it resample, or just record at 48k?

I'm pretty sure that the iriver needs to have the rockbox firmware for bit-perfect digital transfers.

You'd also need a converter cable (Hosa?) since it has toslink instead of coax. So I agree that MT2 is a smarter solution. Or an external sound card, there should be some with trouble-free drivers (search for "bit perfect" here on the forum...)