Delta 1010LT w/ mixer as front-end scenario/question:

[sloom]

I want to use my Tascam M-30 mixer to front-end a recording system. The Delta 1010LT is unbalanced I/O... If I'm going first into a mixer, using it's preamps, and then use the unbalanced 1010LT to go into A/D converters > PC, will my sound suffer? Would I be better served to go for a higher-quality interface, or am I simply now treating my post-mixer signal as any other line-level signal?

This is where the -10dB spec (Delta 1010LT) comes into play, isn't it? I'm thinking it's a headroom issue, and +4 is "what you want". More gain going into the converters. Right? Hotter signal means less signal loss, as long as you don't clip.

Also- I guess the A/D converters on the LT are on the PCI card itself, since there is no break-out box. That might mean noise from the PC?

Can I get a concise, spelled-out confirmation/correction of this conclusion?

Thanks for stooping down.

 

[amra]

It does not seem to be an issue sound quality wise to use unbalanced connections for very short runs. I use a 6 foot 1/4" > RCA snake to connect channel strips of my mixer to my 1010LT. Your mic inputs to your board, then you can use a direct out from your board, or the send of your send/recieve output to go to your 1010LT.

If you are using a preamp in front of your 1010LT's first two channels (XLR) then you can leave them in the default factory setting. For my first 2 channels I go Mic>board>compressor (xlr out)>1010LT to get around the fact that those first 2 inputs are XLR.

 

[sloom]

I went for a visit to my local Gtr Ctr today, and got about the same line of thinking from the guy there to whom I've spoken before. If I can't get the device working I have now, that sounds a viable alternative. And a good user-opinion is as good as anything! So thanks for the reply, amra.