In article , Michael
Chare
wrote:
"Tony Houghton" wrote in message
...
I'd like to make some recordings, maybe transferring some gems from my
vinyl collection to digital etc. I'm wondering whether I should use a
better sound card than the onboard sound.

Try uk.rec.audio

Tony can perhaps guess what my response will be from reading already what
I've written elsewhere. However my basic preference is to use an audio
recorder that is not connected to a computer during recording.

This avoids any problems caused by the computer not being able to collect
samples correctly, interference, hum loops, etc, etc.

I've tended to use CD Audio recorders like the Pioneer PDR-509. But am
currently looking at buying a Tascam HD P2. Something like the 509 is quite
cheap, but limited to CDDA (16bit / 44.1ksamples/sec). Whereas the Tascam
goes up to 192ksample sec and 24 bit. But is more expensive. :-) But
there are a number of other audio recorders around.

This means I use the recorder just as you might have used an older cassette
or reel-to-reel as part of the hifi system with no computer attached. Then
carry the recordings on CD to the computer for editing and final writing to
CDDA, or use from a server as you prefer.

For the modern 'solid state' recorders, you'd obvious use either a USB
(or firewire) link or carry the memory card instead of a CD for the
transfer. Treat that as a separate operation to the actual recording
process.

I'm personally wary of using a 'soundcard' as it means a risk of the
computer disturbing making best-quality recordings for various reasons.
However despite this I'd agree that with the better soundcards and a
carefully setup system that approach works well. But I would not use any of
the internal 'soundcards' on any of the computers I have for recording
analogue sources as the results would be poorer than a stand-alone CD Audio
recorder.

Slainte,

Jim

--
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