SNR...is it really ultra important?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shoeman
  • Start date Start date
S

Shoeman

New member
114db or 120db... It seems that can make or break a card in many peoples eyes (or ears!), but is that difference in performance really critical for the average joe doing home recording and not trying to make the next "big hit"?
To a guy who grew up with and still listens to vinyl and likes it, and first used a Fostex 4-trac in '82 and thought it was sent from heaven, how critical really are those last few db of headroom?
 
Wassamatta, nobody got any input? Help out a newbie, willya?

:-)
 
It makes a difference - I wish I had time for more details... I'll bet Blue Bear has an eloquent and simple way to explain the theory...

That being said, if you're hobbying, etc., as long as YOU are happy with where the noise floor is, then everything's fine.

Get the best you can, and do the best you can with it.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com
 
The difference between 114-120db isn't THAT big of a deal but usually a better SNR also indicates better overall sound quality. Consider that your old tape 4track had a real world SNR of around 75db and a decent CD player is around 110db.

Anything over 100db is probably good enough for home recording assuming that SNR is the only downfall of the gear in question.

Distortion specs are another (possibly more) important spec.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top