Just A Minute

-----Original Message-----
From: espen.kromke@...
Sent: Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:26:28 +0100
To: just-a-minute@...
Subject: Re: [just-a-minute] Help me out of a Jam anyone? Just a minute 259 Getting Wound up with the 4 boys NOT Andree Melly earlier version

 

Den 26. feb. 2011 01:04, skrev nylon net:

Hi Espen. What sort of sound card would you consider adequate for capturing 
audio for archival recordings?

Cheers
Mark

You are looking for a card to record an analogue source (like a fm radio), right? So, one analogue stereo input.
No other needs, like more in/out channels or digital in/out?

Well, first off:
All those typical consumer products you get thrown after you everywhere, like Creative, TerraTec, SDM & co: They have released one million cards, but they are described with one single word: No.
All integrated audio in motherboards (typically lap-tops but also most stationary PCs): No.
Of course I am too categoric now. Of course there could be (and probably is) a very few exceptions found somewhere in this ocean of junk. But why waste time finding those?

Instead, trust those who specialize in audio hardware for the professional market.
The brand I have come to love over the years is M-audio. (http://www.m-audio.com)

My first M-audio was a Delta 1010LT and I've stuck to their Delta range ever since. *zero* noise and a sound so crisp they could splice eardrums.

However I do think a Delta is a tad overkill only for recording from a fm radio. I'm pretty confident that their cheapest alternative is more than good enough for your purpose: The M-Audio Audiophile 2496 , priced at $99.95.
Please note that I've not tried that particular card myself and it is obviously aimed at a different user segment than the Deltas, but I got faith in the brand. They would not put their name M-Audio on anything sub-par.

... Uhm... Wait a second. Did I say $99.95? Is there a number missing somewhere? Actually that was so dirt cheap that it should be googled.

And from my quick research I give you these quotes:

"For the price, I know of no comparable DAW system that combines such high sound quality with recording and editing software of such sophisticated elegance. "
- Pro Audio Review

“How does it sound? In a word, stunning. This has to be one of the best sounding cards we’ve had in for review…”
- Computer Music

"I cleaned my ears with alcohol-wet cotton wool and spent several hours to listen to the cards changing compositions and reswitching them immediately in my hardware audio mixer Behringer. The sound of both cards was impeccable!"
- ixbtLabs.com

"this is hands down the best soundcard with RCA jacks for the price. I feel like I just upgraded a stereo component. It makes my Nak sound like it's new again."
- User Review @ cnet.com

I was quite surprised and pleased with its sound quality. The system uses the same converters as the Delta 66 I have reviewed previously and sounds nearly as good. The card is quiet, sounds uniformly good throughout the audio range from very highs to very lows
- PCrecording.com


... Youp, it's a true M-audio. That's your card, bro'!

(I'll get one myself, even!)

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