Soundcard Technology and S/PDIF vs. Line In

[Michael Nadolski]

I decided to get away from multi-track cards for awhile because this standard-less technology isn't really quite ready yet for Intel-based PC systems (or vice versa) without having to spend gobs of cash on a "file server" quality PC's. Maybe in a year or two we'll have some standard and stable technologies. However, I would still like to move stereo audio into my PC for subsequent CD burning.

I have a SB Live Value card that has a S/PDIF connection and the ability to send S/PDIF from my dbx DDP or Lexicon effects units to the SB Live.

I tried recording stereo with the Line In's on the SB Live but there is some noticeable noise during quiet audio sequences.

Will using S/PDIF to record have a lower noise level on the SB Live?

Thanks for any input. Mike

 

[sonusman]

Hmmmmmmmm

I don't think you need a "server quality PC" to move stereo recordings to your computer.

I in fact mix down clients projects directly to the computer. Check out my equipment list for my studio. You can find the link in my profile. My computer is very average in the extreme, and in fact, starting to become sort of dated in the realm of things. It works just fine for the little bit of mastering work I do with it, which is more or less what you are looking to do, although probably not to the extent that I do, but the how and what of it is similiar.

S/PDIF is a digital in and out protocol. You will need a device to provide the A/D conversion before the sound card obviously. Whether your Lexicon or dbx unit has converters that are as good/worse/better then the SB Live cards are is something you can only subjectively tell. Try them out and see.

Certainly though, S/PDIF COULD be quieter if your source material is quiet, and your A/D converters are good.

Good luck.

Ed

 

[Michael Nadolski]

Thanks, I'll try the S/PDIF.

I don't have a problem moving stereo data, but to move and use many tracks flawlessly, you need one heck of a system.

Originally, I picked up an adat edit, that didn't work (no buffers), then I took that garbage back and picked up a MOTU 2408 (good buffers). I really wanted to use the best of both worlds using computer and my 16track adats/24-ch 8bus mixer. The MOTU sort of worked but there was still a drop in quality moving from adats. So that was returned also. So I picked up a better compressor and trashed my 3630 and will use it with the adat system.

All these "standards" and A/D-D/A conversions going on plus so many different proprietary clock systems for sync'ing is really ridiculous. Reminds me of my early days of developing software on many different systems.

I'll keep an eye on how the PC recording technology evolves and maybe review it again in another year or so. Right now its hit and miss.

Thanks for the input on S/PDIF.

Mike