dickiefunk
New member
Hi. I just got a great ebay deal on an M-Audio Tampa and am wondering what the difference would be between using the digital out or the line out? Which would be the best quality for recording vocals?
T
tmix
Well-known member
It really is just a matter of whether the converters in the tampa are any better than the ones in your Layla.
I would venture to say they are not, but you do save the potential added noise of whatever the length of wire run is fro your pre to the interface.
By using the spdif it does leave one more channel open in the Layla to stick something else.
It is going to be your call. The quality in sound will probably be negligable.
Tom
I would venture to say they are not, but you do save the potential added noise of whatever the length of wire run is fro your pre to the interface.
By using the spdif it does leave one more channel open in the Layla to stick something else.
It is going to be your call. The quality in sound will probably be negligable.
Tom
dickiefunk
New member
I thought that the spdif would be another option of getting the Tampa into my Layla only? If I use the spdif to go between the Tampa - Layla does that somehow bypass the Layla's converters to the computer? My thinking was that using the Tampa spdif - Layla 3G would reduce noise?
pandamonk
Well-known member
Yeh it bypasses the laylas converters, 'cause it's already converted the signal A-D to send down the spdif(digital). It might reduce noise very very slightly, but i doubt it'll be audible(unless you used huge cables). The quality of converters probably won't be as good, but not hugly audible. Anyway, like tmix said, it gives you more channels to work with 
T
tmix
Well-known member
D,
When using the spdif out on the Tampa, the conversion to digital is done inside the Tampa then sent to the Layla (preconverted). It bypasses the layla converters.
The only noise savings is the run to the computer is done in the digital realm, where it is LESS likely to pick up noise... not guaranteed.
When using the spdif out on the Tampa, the conversion to digital is done inside the Tampa then sent to the Layla (preconverted). It bypasses the layla converters.
The only noise savings is the run to the computer is done in the digital realm, where it is LESS likely to pick up noise... not guaranteed.
pandamonk
Well-known member
It won't necessarily pick up noise, but it may produce errors.
dickiefunk
New member
Thanks for this info guys, I always assumed that the interface would perform the conversion.
Something new learnt - Much appreciated!!!
Something new learnt - Much appreciated!!!
pandamonk
Well-known member
Interfaces usually do offer AD DA conversion, although there are some which are solely interfaces, and you need separate AD conversion. If you use the ADATs of your layla, then the conversion will be done before the interface.
R
Robert D
New member
I have a Tampa - Nice preamp, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I really like the variable input impedance.
Regarding your question, I've compared using the Tampa's A/D & S/PDIF out vs going analog out, both to my Lynx interface, and the difference was less subtle than I expected. I'm not talking about noise, which was fine either way. I found a noticeable difference in the sound, neither bad, just different. Try it both ways and see what you find, and go with what sounds best.
Regarding your question, I've compared using the Tampa's A/D & S/PDIF out vs going analog out, both to my Lynx interface, and the difference was less subtle than I expected. I'm not talking about noise, which was fine either way. I found a noticeable difference in the sound, neither bad, just different. Try it both ways and see what you find, and go with what sounds best.
L
lannishboy
New member
I have the Tampa, and also a DMP3 which I've noticed you mention in other threads. I read a review somewhere that found the digital output on the Tampa somewhat quieter and cleaner than the analog output, and when comparing them by recording straight into my Akai DPS16 I tend to agree.
A bigger factor may be that the 20db pad has no effect on the digital output. As far as I understand it, the pad is fairly key to making the most of the THA feature. I'm not convinced this really imitates tubes accurately but it certainly changes the sound and might be a nice option.
Maybe off topic, but in comparing the DMP3 and the Tampa I'm glad I have both. I like the DMP3 as a neutral pre for acoustic guitar, and I prefer the Tampa for vocals. It sounds clean but somehow bigger and smoother than the DMP3, and even if the difference is slight it is noticeable. The optocompressor is great for making vocals distinctly smoother, which I like.
Hopefully you have your Tampa by now so you can have fun coming to your own conclusions too! Given their relatively low value, I think it makes sense to keep both the Tampa and the DMP3. I think I'll be doing that unless I get to a point where I can spend far more on a preamp.
A bigger factor may be that the 20db pad has no effect on the digital output. As far as I understand it, the pad is fairly key to making the most of the THA feature. I'm not convinced this really imitates tubes accurately but it certainly changes the sound and might be a nice option.
Maybe off topic, but in comparing the DMP3 and the Tampa I'm glad I have both. I like the DMP3 as a neutral pre for acoustic guitar, and I prefer the Tampa for vocals. It sounds clean but somehow bigger and smoother than the DMP3, and even if the difference is slight it is noticeable. The optocompressor is great for making vocals distinctly smoother, which I like.
Hopefully you have your Tampa by now so you can have fun coming to your own conclusions too! Given their relatively low value, I think it makes sense to keep both the Tampa and the DMP3. I think I'll be doing that unless I get to a point where I can spend far more on a preamp.