What is going through the AD/DA converters ?

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mixich

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Hi guys.
Maybe this is the ultimate newbie question but I'm trying my best:)

I'm going to buy an outboard converter and I would like to know all the processes that are going through the AD/DA converters beside the recording itself and the output signal of course.

For example does the "export" of the MIDI instruments into audio tracks is going through some kind of AD/DA stage.Or the "mixdown" of the audio tracks. Also recording already recorded instruments which are full with plug ins in their dedicated track into new track?

Another example.I have a rough mix of a song and I have to make mastering on the same one.Does the converter will have its own part in the overall quality of that mastering? etc etc.

This whole procces is litlle bit fuzzy to me> Thanks in advance
 
A/D converts analog voltages to On/Off or 1/0 data to stream to a computer or digital equipment
MIDI data is already data so does not need to go through conversion

D/A converts On/Off or 1/0 data to an analog voltage that is meaningful to audio gear such as hardwware FX, recorders or monitors.
Sending MIDI from the computer to on out board synth requires no conversion because it is data. Sending the output of a computer based softsynth to monitors or to a hardware FX like reverb or EQ requires conversion since you are sending audio that needs to be "Converted" from data to voltage

The quality of the converters both the chips and the hardware supporting them has some impact on the overall qaulity. Usually people are looking for transparency although there are a few A/D converters that do add some "coloration" (Burl for example) this coloration is not desirable for D/A however as you want your monitors to accurately reflect what is going on in the mix, or your out board FX to react predictably based on wht you are doing in the DAW
 
mixich said:
Hi guys.
Maybe this is the ultimate newbie question but I'm trying my best:)
Click to expand...


Trust me, that is so far advanced from the ultimate Newbie question it's not funny... :)

I see a great future for you... :laughings:
 
Armistice said:
Trust me, that is so far advanced from the ultimate Newbie question it's not funny... :)

I see a great future for you... :laughings:
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth!

Now had you asked "what's the best AD/DA under $50 for rap?" that would have been an acceptable newb question.

:D
 
mixich said:
I'm going to buy an outboard converter and I would like to know all the processes that are going through the AD/DA converters beside the recording itself and the output signal of course.
Click to expand...

Basically none of them except the signal when it first goes in and the signal you listen to at the output.

All the other processes happen in the digital domain.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
Basically none of them except the signal when it first goes in and the signal you listen to at the output.

All the other processes happen in the digital domain.
Click to expand...


So practically buying myself an outboard AD/DAC will not fulfill my desire for better quality of the mixes I'm doing cause at this moment I'm receiving tracks for mixing that are recorded somewhere else.

If I'm not wrong I'll rather need some DSP cards as UAD or SSL Duende then AD/DAC or does someone has a better idea then mine?

Just to note that final goal is to make a final product (mix or master) from my DAW with some serious quality!
So what kind of hardware would I need for that?
 
mixich said:
So practically buying myself an outboard AD/DAC will not fulfill my desire for better quality of the mixes I'm doing cause at this moment I'm receiving tracks for mixing that are recorded somewhere else.
Click to expand...

Better D/A could help if you have great monitors in a great, well treated listening space

mixich said:
Just to note that final goal is to make a final product (mix or master) from my DAW with some serious quality!
So what kind of hardware would I need for that?
Click to expand...

Good ears, great monitors in a great, well treated listening space. As to what else you need that's really subjective and to taste. EQ, Reverb, Compressors are the basics in either software or hardware, plus somthing to mix on whether it be on the screen with a DAW and a mouse, A MIDI control surface or back out of the DAW to an Analog desk (another reason to make sure your converters are good enough) is entirely up to you and your budget.
 
Bristol Posse said:
Better D/A could help if you have great monitors in a great, well treated listening space



Good ears, great monitors in a great, well treated listening space. As to what else you need that's really subjective and to taste. EQ, Reverb, Compressors are the basics in either software or hardware, plus somthing to mix on whether it be on the screen with a DAW and a mouse, A MIDI control surface or back out of the DAW to an Analog desk (another reason to make sure your converters are good enough) is entirely up to you and your budget.
Click to expand...



Thanks!! Now I can see more clearly:)

According to what you've said first thing that came on my mind is TL Audio Fat track,RME ADI-2,UAD-2 and Genelec monitors from the low range for a start.(not to mention training my brain and ears with music as much as possible)


"""This thread went way out of its topic""":drunk:
 
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