I am about to convert my vinyl collection to digital. Before I start converting several 1000 records I wanted to make sure I had the best setup for it, within a reasonable budget. Could anyone help with a few pointers please
Setup:
Technics 1210 Mk2 with Ortofon Arktiv stylus
An old Sony STR DE-875 AMP (Acting as preamp)
Windows 7 using Sound Forge 10
Creative Titanium Internal PCI card
Amp is connected to the PC via line in
Recordings will be at 48000 Hz 24bit
What I want:
A high / good quality preamp setup to replace the Sony AMP - If I can connect to the digital input of the creative sound card that would be great.
External connectivity for the 1210 phono output, as near the back of my PC are tons of cables and my high end gaming GFX card which all give off EM etc.
Complete solution for under £100 but can go up to maybe £200 or more if it is really worth it considering the time investment for the whole project.
I dont mind if I have to get a dedicated sound card for the recording - I would prefere external ones to reduce EM from my PC.
I have firewire and USB connectivity if I need it.
If anyone can suggest a better way to do the setup please let me know
Thanks in advance
Here are couple suggestions which has the phono pre-amp build-in:
low budged audio interface solutions:
Presonus - (discontinued) ... http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=7 (http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=7) (FW)
Terratec - (discontinued ?) http://www.terratec.net/en/products/DMX_6Fire_USB_2084.html (http://www.terratec.net/en/products/DMX_6Fire_USB_2084.html) (FW)
Terrasoniq - http://www.musonik.com/index.php/terrasoniq-PHX64.html (http://www.musonik.com/index.php/terrasoniq-PHX64.html)
ESI - http://www.esi-audio.com/products/duafire/ (http://www.esi-audio.com/products/duafire/) (FW, 24/96)
Tascam - http://zmtest-a.com/product/us-100/specifications/ (http://zmtest-a.com/product/us-100/specifications/) (USB, 16/48)
Other soutions:
Terratec - http://www.terratec.net/en/products/PhonoP...Vinyl_2064.html (http://www.terratec.net/en/products/PhonoPreAmp_iVinyl_2064.html) (USB, up to 24/96)
ART - http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?ty...at=9&id=128 (http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=86&cat=9&id=128) (! 16-bit, do have S/PDIF)
ProJect - http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?list...xes&lang=en (http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?list=boxes&cat=boxes&lang=en) (USB, 16-bit))
Juha
Here are couple suggestions which has the phono pre-amp build-in:
If the OP is worried about EMI (esp to the 24 bit level), then he may not want to be running cartridge level signal to the sound card, though 24 bit seems excessive for an LP.
Have you tried making a recording with your current setup? Fears of EM pickup on line-level signals are often unfounded. Try recording something quiet, see what you get.
Thanks for the links Juha - the ESI looked good - also now looking at a TC Electronic Konnekt 24D, more cash but I have heard the ADC is wicked - http://www.tcelectronic.com/Konnekt24D.asp (http://www.tcelectronic.com/Konnekt24D.asp)
Have you tried making a recording with your current setup? Fears of EM pickup on line-level signals are often unfounded. Try recording something quiet, see what you get.
For the sake off £100 - £200 I want to make sure nothing messes with the recordings. Where my soundblaster is at the moment there are a lot of power leads, monitor cables, fans and a monster GFX card which can all mess with an analogue signal. I already had to move the sound card a far as possible as it was getting interfance