S/P DIF vs Regular on my Delta 1010

[mcolling]

I want to ask about the merits of the S/P DIF I/O on my soundcard. I don't have any preamps that utilize S/P DIF right now, but I would like to know if it would be worthwhile to get some. How is the S/P DIF I/O different or better than simply using the "preamp->1/4" cable->external D/A converters" signal chain?

Cheers!

 

[tmix]

There are 2 reasons I will use my spdif ins.
I have a Guitar amp emulator that has spidif outs, so using the ins frees up the 8 analogue ins for drums and other mic preamps.

The other reason I would use them is if I ever bought a really stellar set of converters and wanted to patch them into my set up.

So if you have any gear that all ready has spdif connection, that is great, you dont have to go through 2 sets of conversion berfore you ever record it.


Tom

 

[Farview]

In order for it to be useful, you would need an A/D converter that is better than the one in your soundcard. If you are paying $200 for a mic pre with a spdif out, you are getting a marginal pre with crappy conversion, don't bother. If you get something like the Apogee mini-me, that would be an upgrade.

 

[4-Man Takedown]

I use the spdif so I can have an extra channel. Now I can do 9 channels simultaneously instead of 8, and if I get one more digital pre, I'll be able to do 10.

 

[mcolling]

Ahh ok.

Thanks guys!

 

[photoresistor]

hey farview:

ive been thinking about capitalizing on my s/pdif input on my aardvark q10 for awhile but havent been sure if itd be worth the upgrade for the money. however the s/pdif would let me record 10 inputs at once instead of eight.

Do you think there is a good mic pre and convertor combo (two inputs) that could be had for maybe $500 that would be a step up from my aardvarks pres and convertors? if not its not that big a deal but it would be nice to have at least a different coloring available as well as just the extra ins.

thanks!

 

[tdukex]

hey farview:


Do you think there is a good mic pre and convertor combo (two inputs) that could be had for maybe $500 that would be a step up from my aardvarks pres and convertors? if not its not that big a deal but it would be nice to have at least a different coloring available as well as just the extra ins.

thanks!

A pre + converter. No.

But the Kurzweil Rumor (reverb) or Mangler (effects) will give you two channels of excellent conversion in addition to the great sounds--at least that's what people I trust (like Steve @ MOJO Pie) are saying.

 

[photoresistor]

hmmm.... interesting... then id have to buy a couple of pres separately....hmmm...

 

[Farview]

hey farview:

ive been thinking about capitalizing on my s/pdif input on my aardvark q10 for awhile but havent been sure if itd be worth the upgrade for the money. however the s/pdif would let me record 10 inputs at once instead of eight.

Do you think there is a good mic pre and convertor combo (two inputs) that could be had for maybe $500 that would be a step up from my aardvarks pres and convertors? if not its not that big a deal but it would be nice to have at least a different coloring available as well as just the extra ins.

thanks!

I'm assuming the aardvark just has run oof the mill cheap convertors (I am not familiar with it, so I could be wrong) so if you get a preamp with cheap conversion built in, you will gain 2 inputs without loosing any quality.
Trying to find better converters for less than $1000 (for just the converters) is not going to be easy. It is just one of those things that really cost you to upgrade.