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