Need pointer for newbie on sound cards

[mapboy]

I'm working on putting together a PC-based recording setup, and am trying to determine what I should be looking for in an A/D interface. I've used a Roland 880 EX before, so I'm not totally green, but I'm confused as to what S/PDIF, light pipe, ADAT, etc. mean. Can someone point me to a current reference to explain such things? I can't seem to find one. Also, any advice on particular products would be great. I'm looking to put something together to do demo-quality recordings of my band, and general screwing around with for fun; nothing too professional. I'd like to have eight analog inputs, but am hoping to stay under $500, so I'll be looking to pick up something used with less-than-cutting-edge technology.

Thanks in advance,

mapboy

 

[Bulls Hit]

s/pdif, lightpipe etc. are mechanisms for transferring digital, as opposed to analog, audio data.

You can either convert from analog to digital 'outside the box' using outboard converters, then send the digital signal to the PC via one of the above interfaces, or you can feed the analog signals to a/d converters on a pci soundcard in your PC. The quality of the converters is key to how good your recordings will potentially sound.

For 8 analog inputs & 8 outs, check out the M-Audio Delta 1010LT which can be had for $220

 

[13th_Omen]

You are in luck buddy! I live near you (North Canton) and I have some gear I would like to sell. If you are interested, I have an 8 channel ADAT, a 16 channel Behringer mixer (8 pres), as well as an effects unit, and a couple compressorsand a patchbay. If you are interested email me.... 13thomen@go.com

With an ADAT you don't need a PC, it records to digital tapes, almost identical to VHS tapes. The quality is 20-bit and is definately good enough even for pro recording (im gonna catch hell for that aren't I). Most pro studios still have an ADAT or 4 somewhere in there! If you do get a PC or have one you can then get a soundcard which will accept a "lightpipe" connection and send all 8 channels into the PC at once.

I have used this setup for many very good sounding recordings, but I have gone all PC now. Let me know if you are interested or have any more questions!

 

[13th_Omen]

...just wanted to add.

If you are stuck on PC based recording expect to drop at least $800 for the PC alone, and another $200 for a soundcard. You mentioned "for fun" and "nothing professional" but believe me, the more fun you have the more you will convince yourself you need more, better, expense stuff. Welcome to music mayhem!