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PC sound hardware need
Hi, our local Talking newspaper has a problem.
The problem is this. The sound hardware both in the pc and the cheap Behringer box have got a fixed level monitor of the input, not even mute works on the latter and the internal card only has level monitor adjust if you accept latency, which is unacceptable. Are there any reasonably priced sound cards or usb interfaces which allow simple control of through card/box monitor level, so we can match up the playback to the record levels ? At the moment the live mikes are louder than the playback by quite a bit probably due to the Newsbridge software being designed that way. I cannot change the software as its probably above the technical adjustments most of the users will be happy with. Also as I have mentioned before the computer at the studio is still missing syllables near the start of recordings no matter what we make them with hardware wise, and I wondered if there is a utility we can leaf running that will show maybe as a graph when ram or processor cores max out during the session. It occurred to me that graphic changes audio recording caching etc may well be the issue, and it only happens on the newsbridge software which we have little control of, so if its buffer is a bit smaller than say goldwave, it could easily skip a part of a second went things get busy 4 gig of ram on a 4 core processor would seem to be ample for audio use. Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! |
PC sound hardware need
You omit various details.
Do you want/use different USB (?) devices for recording than for playback? How many inputs do you need in parallel? i.e. will stereo (2 channels) do the job? If so, both with mic input, or what? In general I tend to suggest the Scarlett 2i2 for general purpose use. But I have no idea if it might suit you. This page compares it with alternatives http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/HFN/ADC/USBrecording.html Beyond that, some of your requirements may be a software/OS issue. But since you don't state what software/OS is being used I can only assume it is Windows as the OS, because Windows users take that for granted! Jim In article , Brian Gaff wrote: Hi, our local Talking newspaper has a problem. The problem is this. The sound hardware both in the pc and the cheap Behringer box have got a fixed level monitor of the input, not even mute works on the latter and the internal card only has level monitor adjust if you accept latency, which is unacceptable. Are there any reasonably priced sound cards or usb interfaces which allow simple control of through card/box monitor level, so we can match up the playback to the record levels ? At the moment the live mikes are louder than the playback by quite a bit probably due to the Newsbridge software being designed that way. I cannot change the software as its probably above the technical adjustments most of the users will be happy with. Also as I have mentioned before the computer at the studio is still missing syllables near the start of recordings no matter what we make them with hardware wise, and I wondered if there is a utility we can leaf running that will show maybe as a graph when ram or processor cores max out during the session. It occurred to me that graphic changes audio recording caching etc may well be the issue, and it only happens on the newsbridge software which we have little control of, so if its buffer is a bit smaller than say goldwave, it could easily skip a part of a second went things get busy 4 gig of ram on a 4 core processor would seem to be ample for audio use. Brian -- Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me. Electronics https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa...o/electron.htm biog http://jcgl.orpheusweb.co.uk/history/ups_and_downs.html Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html |
PC sound hardware need
OK. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two inputs which can be used eirher for
'mic' or 'line' inputs as you wish. It also has input gain controls and a simple level indicator. So you can adjust the levels to suit. It provides a headphone monitor output with its own volume control. It also has two line outputs. But uses jacks/XLRs, so you may need adaptors if you're using Phono plugs. The page I referred to does show measured results. But mainly as graphs which won't be much use from your POV. However its performance is clearly better than the cheaper devices I tested. It is powered via USB and is Class compliant. Jim In article , Brian Gaff wrote: I did post this yesterday but its gone missing. it is simple its just an analogue in line level line out card we need but the one we have has a fixed monitor level, and hence cannot be controlled or indeed switched of to allow editing of the recording. its using software we have to use unfortunately called newsbridge which has an imbalance between record and play levels in any case making the issue worse. Brian -- Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me. Electronics https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa...o/electron.htm biog http://jcgl.orpheusweb.co.uk/history/ups_and_downs.html Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html |
PC sound hardware need
In article ,
Brian Gaff wrote: I did post this yesterday but its gone missing. it is simple its just an analogue in line level line out card we need but the one we have has a fixed monitor level, and hence cannot be controlled or indeed switched of to allow editing of the recording. Use an external speaker/amp with a volume control? If you are stuck with a particular software, might be the easiest way. -- *I pretend to work. - they pretend to pay me. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
PC sound hardware need
I already did this but the peoples refuse to use my switch.
What I have done is used the headphone out of the sound box, and in the input I have a two position switch, so when playing back the input can basically be disconnected. I like this solution, you just need to remember to switch it back in when starting the recording. One has to realise that the people operating this kit are not interested in the slightest in computers, they never have recorded and want it to just work. Being volunteers its hard enough to find anyone with the time or the ability to talk and push buttons! grin. Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message ... In article , Brian Gaff wrote: I did post this yesterday but its gone missing. it is simple its just an analogue in line level line out card we need but the one we have has a fixed monitor level, and hence cannot be controlled or indeed switched of to allow editing of the recording. Use an external speaker/amp with a volume control? If you are stuck with a particular software, might be the easiest way. -- *I pretend to work. - they pretend to pay me. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
PC sound hardware need
Reading about it it seems not to mention what I want to know, which is can
you change the monitor level through the device without affecting the other levels, as it is this problem that causes the issue. its also expensive. It seems rather overkill for a talking newspaper. It should be a relatively simple voltage controlled attenuator inside the unit, but the Behringer seems either not to have one or the drivers do not support it, only having input output levels, the former not affecting the monitor level, which is a little daft, though of course it actually affects the true recording level. I noticed some flashy software mentioned and it does rather inaccessible stuff like change colour of halos on the sliders. Not a great help. It sounds a very capable device but really a little over the top. Its very annoying as I say as a cheapo soundblaster live card used to do what is required perfectly, but I'm being told that in windows 7, there is only a basic driver about as its now such an old device. Now if I wanted surround sound that would be catered for in spades by the look of things! Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "Jim Lesurf" wrote in message ... OK. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two inputs which can be used eirher for 'mic' or 'line' inputs as you wish. It also has input gain controls and a simple level indicator. So you can adjust the levels to suit. It provides a headphone monitor output with its own volume control. It also has two line outputs. But uses jacks/XLRs, so you may need adaptors if you're using Phono plugs. The page I referred to does show measured results. But mainly as graphs which won't be much use from your POV. However its performance is clearly better than the cheaper devices I tested. It is powered via USB and is Class compliant. Jim In article , Brian Gaff wrote: I did post this yesterday but its gone missing. it is simple its just an analogue in line level line out card we need but the one we have has a fixed monitor level, and hence cannot be controlled or indeed switched of to allow editing of the recording. its using software we have to use unfortunately called newsbridge which has an imbalance between record and play levels in any case making the issue worse. Brian -- Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me. Electronics https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa...o/electron.htm biog http://jcgl.orpheusweb.co.uk/history/ups_and_downs.html Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html |
PC sound hardware need
No idea where you read some of the things you seem to be commenting upon.
However the 2i2 has input gain controls PLUS a Monitor level control PLUS a headphone output level control. All real independent rotary pots on its front panel. So you can monitor via the headphone socket and change that level without altering the recording level. Beyond that, I suspect from what you say that you may want the features but then don't want to accept that they mean the unit will cost more than something that has no such controls - so won't do what you want. No idea what 'flashy software' you are referring to. It should work as a standard USB 'sound device' with any software that can use USB audio 'soundcards'. if your OS can't handle that you may be stuck in the stone age, I'm afraid. BTW one of the points of using a good 24 bit/sample ADC is that you can choose to record at a low level to stay well clear of clipping. Good luck. :-) Jim In article , Brian Gaff wrote: Reading about it it seems not to mention what I want to know, which is can you change the monitor level through the device without affecting the other levels, as it is this problem that causes the issue. its also expensive. It seems rather overkill for a talking newspaper. It should be a relatively simple voltage controlled attenuator inside the unit, but the Behringer seems either not to have one or the drivers do not support it, only having input output levels, the former not affecting the monitor level, which is a little daft, though of course it actually affects the true recording level. I noticed some flashy software mentioned and it does rather inaccessible stuff like change colour of halos on the sliders. Not a great help. It sounds a very capable device but really a little over the top. Its very annoying as I say as a cheapo soundblaster live card used to do what is required perfectly, but I'm being told that in windows 7, there is only a basic driver about as its now such an old device. Now if I wanted surround sound that would be catered for in spades by the look of things! Brian -- Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me. Electronics https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa...o/electron.htm biog http://jcgl.orpheusweb.co.uk/history/ups_and_downs.html Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html |
PC sound hardware need
In article , Bob Latham
wrote: Jim, I remember you did some tests on one these devices and wrote it up some time ago. Was the one you tested the 2nd generation one with 192/24 ? IIRC The Focusrite 2i2 I tested maxes at 96k/24 bit. If there is a '2nd generation' 2i2 then I didn't have that so can't comment on it. I have tested other devices that will capture 192k/24, but note that - unsurprisingly - the cost rises! http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/HFN/ADC/USBrecording.html The above shows the results I got from the types I suspect most people will use, inc. the 2i2 which I thought the best of the bunch. I regard these as general consumer/musician grade. They can work nicely in simple situations if used with care http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/HFN/ADC/HighQualityADCs.html Shows the more expensive ADCs I tested. Of these I preferred the Benchmark ADC1. This will record at 192k/24, but its USB interface is limited to 96k/24 because they made it USB Audio Class 1 compliant. It is aimed at studio use where at the time Windows required a driver for Class 2. However I think the later Benchmark models are now switchable Class 1/2 and thus can do 192k/24 via USB. But I'm happy with 96k/24 as all I'm doing is making transfers from old LPs, tapes, etc. [1] Frankly, I thought the performance of the benchmark in terms of noise, THD, etc, are its key advantages. I doubt anyone outside of a pro studio in very special cases will actually need 192k/24. Most mics, etc, won't produce anything that needs it. The Benchmark ADCs allow the user to have *three* digital outputs - via different interfaces *and rates* in parallel. So you can capture to a backup CD, USB, and a recorder that can take 192k, all at the same time. It also have very precise level controls and a useful set of indicators. Studio grade. But costs much more that something like the 2i2. So if you want good kit I'd say look at the Benchmark range. Is there a means of using a better power supply or isn't that necessary. I did find that the 2i2 and other USB powered interfaces could pick up rubbish from the USB power line. Use with a battery laptop or a well chosen mains-powered external USB hub may thus reduce this. The challenge is then to find a good hub and its PSU. Alas, this is a matter of experiment as the makers aren't likely to specify this. Jim [1] FWIW For a good DAC I'd recommend the Benchmark DAC3 range. Again, studio / pro grade results, but costs. USB Class 1/2, goes to 192k/24. Unlike some alternatives allows a good margin for intersample 'overs'. Handy for clipped material. -- Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me. Electronics https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa...o/electron.htm biog http://jcgl.orpheusweb.co.uk/history/ups_and_downs.html Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html |
PC sound hardware need
On 26/02/2018 16:52, Jim Lesurf wrote:
[1] FWIW For a good DAC I'd recommend the Benchmark DAC3 range. Again, studio / pro grade results, but costs. USB Class 1/2, goes to 192k/24. Unlike some alternatives allows a good margin for intersample 'overs'. Handy for clipped material. I've got a MOTU unit I use. But the reason it was bought was the ability to record lots of channels at once; the fact that I can pull in my LPs at 88.2/24 before claning them up for CD is a bonus. Do you have any experience of them? Andy |
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