Analog to Digital converter - how important?

[doriangrey]

my current home set up:

Using Sm 57 or SM 87A for mics.

Compressor > Mic Pre > Creative EMU 1820M > Cakewalk software > Cakewalk for FX

Question: As quality goes, how crucial is an Analog to Digital coverter when using my PC to record? If it is important, is there one that will be sufficient that can hold me over for the time being under $400?

Derek

 

[cominginsecond]

You'll need to put the mic pre before the compressor.

 

[boingoman]

Your 1820M system has converters. You can't get sound into a computer without them.


You spent a good chunk of change on that card, it looks like. The converters it has would hopefully at least equal any outboard converter you could get for $400.

 

[fraserhutch]

The converters it has would hopefully at least equal any outboard converter you could get for $400.

I have this system too, and the convertors are very very good for the price. IMHO, you'd have to spend a fair amount more than $400 to get better ones.

Oddly enough though, I have not tried the pres, so I can't speak for them

 

[fraserhutch]

oops, ignore this duplicate post.

 

[doriangrey]

That's really good to know. I'm about to order the compressor. I'm glad you pointed that out

You'll need to put the mic pre before the compressor.

 

[doriangrey]

Yes, I should have known this. It specifies it on the box

Your 1820M system has converters. You can't get sound into a computer without them.


You spent a good chunk of change on that card, it looks like. The converters it has would hopefully at least equal any outboard converter you could get for $400.