S/PDIF, is it worth the extra $$$?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tekker
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Tekker

Tekker

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Hi all,

I'm looking at getting either the Delta 66 soundcard (with S/pdif) or the Delta 44 (without) and I was just wondering how much difference it actually makes soundwise. Because I've heard the A/D converters are supposed to be pretty good on the Delta, but obviously there would still be some degrade in the signal. I have the Digitech RP-14 guitar muti-effects guitar pedal (but looking to get the J-Station hopefully pretty soon) with digital outs, and I plan on micing my amp and taking a direct signal out of my pedal and mixing them to hopefully get a decent sound. So would having the digital inputs make a big difference in this situation, and in situations I might encounter later, like tranferring songs from an A-DAT (I don't have one now but who knows what the future holds) or something like that? Would I be better off in the long run in spending the extra $$$ for the digital inputs or would I be alright without them for now and then maybe buying something else when I do need them?

I'm thinking about going with the 44 right now, so unless someone can change my mind that's the one I'm going to get.

Also what's the best place to buy the Deltas?

Thanx in advance

-tkr
 
I just recently bought the Delta 66. I compared the analog and spdif outs using a minidisc to record a mix. (The spdif coax out was converted to optical by a midiman co2).

Anyway, in my humble opinion, the mixes were close enough for me to never worry about using analog on the Delta. I dare say I may have liked it more than the digital. But if I were you, I'd still get the 66. You may as well take advantage of the spdif out on the J-station, and you can always use it to burn to disc or as a clock. At zzounds.com, the 66 is only $30 more than the 44, which is pretty affordable. bayviewproaudio.com has them on their website for $308 including shipping. zzounds.com and kraftmusic.com will both probably beat that price.

happy shopping. the delta's audio sounds fantastic, you won't be dissappointed.

-marcus
 
If you are getting the J-Station, get the Delta 66....even better, for about $80 more, get the Omni Studio (2 very good preamps and solid routing capabilities and aux. capabilities for $80).....with the j-station you can select the S/pdif to send a dry track out (without effects) and the analog outs with effects and record both at the same time....4 tracks (2 stereo) at once....to go even better, go out of the headphone jack into a good amp (I've done it and it sounds great) and mic it up with 2 mics and you are up to 6 tracks (3 stereo) at once......hows that for mixing guitar osunds to get what you want.....BTW, the Onmi Studio usually sells for $399...if you can swing it, its worth it....I have the Audiophile so Im limited to the stereo S/pdif track, 1 track (a blend of the two analog outs), and 1 track of the mic'ed amp (4 tracks total)....I still kick myself for not getting the Omni Studio, but I didnt get a chance to hear its preamps until after I bought it....
 
Ok, I'm convinced

Thanx alot guys, that's just what I was looking for. :) I think what I might do is look into the 66 for now and then later on get the preamps for the Omi, which I know I've seen but I don't remember how much it was sold seprately.

Thanx again

-tkr
 
That Omni Studio goes for over $200 if you buy it separately....you get ALOT better deal if you buy it upfront because you are basically eliminating the breakout box....beg borrow or steal the extra $80 to get it now....(this is coming from one of the biggest cheapskates you know).....
 
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You'd get a way better sound if you mic'ed a cabinet and used the Delta converters, anyway. But other than that, if you ever plan on getting better results and moving up to dedicated converters, you'll need the s/pdif inputs. They are handy for other things too, and I notice more and more people are putting stuff out with s/pdif capabilities.
I'll sell you an aardvark... make an offer at the "for sale" forum ;)
Paul
 
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