I write record music, but cannot achieve basic mastering volume in my current premises. I have a genelec 1030a powered studio monitor with laptop and mastering software, which I can run in my Van so looking for a portable mastering DAC. Just needs audio out basically with following specs.
- Sound Quality : Due to mastering involving judgement of EQ and compression the DAC has to be Flat Balanced across frequency ranges. Stereo separation not so important at mastering. Non fatiguing at medium levels for hours.
- Asio drivers at low latency 15ms or less.
- 24 bit /96k as that is the resolution of mastering software
- Entirely powered through USB at 500ma max as the USB power is limited on a laptop.
- Sub $200 budget if possible.
Ideas are welcome. I started out looking at DACs here. It became a minefield, so was then looking at pro audio equipment such as EMU 0404…but apparently these do not represent music well and require more than 500ma so ended up back here….
