How Is This Signal Chain?

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MusicMan91

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Soundcraft M8 Mixer-Midiman Audiophile PCI Audio Card-iMac OS 10.2.6-Midiman Audiophile PCI Audio Card-Soundcraft M8 Mixer-Samson S700 Power Amp-ProAc Monitors


Thanks for all replies,
Chris
 
They were given to me as a gift, I don't even know if they are of quality or not, since they are made in Britain and I didn't know much about them.

But do you think that is a good signal chain?
 
The Audiophile 2496 is a solid card, no issues. I have not used the Soundcraft mixers but I have heard good things about them, nothing bad. Don't know how good their A/D/A conversion is. Generally speaking you want at least 88.2Khz. Note that because the Soundcraft outputs S/PDIF all conversion to the digital domain takes place in the Soundcraft. Can't speak to the iMac (I'm a PC guy from WAY back... started on DOS 1.1) but I presume that you researched the use of the Audiophile in the iMac. As far as the Samson power amp.... I am sure it will work fine.

If you are looking for validation you are most likely in the wrong place. Ask what the best system for sound recording is and you will get more answers back, all different, than there are letters in this post. This will work for you I am sure, go for it and enjoy.
 
What kind of i-mac are you using? Does it have a slot for a PCI card? Or would you have to use a Firewire or USB interface. I'm pretty shure the newer (post 2001) flat panel i-macs lack the PCI card slot, but you may have an older model. Anyway, check it out before you buy.
 
Well, I don't think the iMac has any PCI slots, so are there any other soundcards that are just as good, but you can just plug into the USB or Firewire, or something other then the PCI slot??

Thanks, Chris
 
There are numerous USB and Firewire interfaces that would work depending on you budget and your requirments. From your previous post, it looks like your soundcard/interface budget is around $200 (I think that was the price of the Audiophile card). Is that about right or are you planning to spend more? Also, are you still going to use the Soundcraft M8 and do you need an interface with eight inputs?
 
dwillis45, thanks for replying.

Yes, I am still going to use my Soundcraft M8, and I think 8 would work well. I wouldn't need THAT many, and I believe 8 was suggested by someone else.

$200 is what I am willing to spend.

Thanks again,
Chris
 
A budget of $200 probably rules out a dedicated firewire interface like the MOTU 828mkii, the Presonus Firestation, or the M-Audio 410 (although the last model is getting close at $399). So, it looks like you will need a USB connection. For starters, you should probably look at the M-audio Audiofile interface. According to what I read, it's the same as the PCI card you mention in your original except that it has a USB hookup:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...08417625/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/701386/

Hope this helps.
 
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