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DAC for Cans and Mic
Jul 29, 2012 at 12:26 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 38
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SMOR3S

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     Item I want: DAC
     Price Range/Budget: $0-$200
 
     Was looking into getting a DAC for my cans and mic, as well as something that would be decent as an audio interface, for sound monitoring, when I need to listen to frequencies closely, as I produce music. I am currently using some SteelSeries USB Soundcard, and lord forbid... this thing is meh... drivers are incompatible with Windows, and Windows drivers their self aren't to great... I am thinking about a DAC, cause they are all in one, and some even come with pre amps/amps (correct me if I am wrong about that..)
 
     I was looking into getting the M-Audio MobilePre, cause my friend has one, and it works good for the purpose that he is using it for, which is relatively close to my scenario as well..
 
     I found this one on Ebay for $90 and it's still Brand New (supposedly).. They are like $150 brand new on Sweetwater, so I feel this is a good deal...
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Audio-MobilePre-Recording-Interface-NEVER-USED-w-PRO-TOOLS-7-Extras-/280927144997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4168900c25
 
     If anyone has any recommendations on DAC's, then let me know, cause I would like to possibly get the best for my price range..
 
Thanks,
 
- SMOR3S - Kevin -
 
Jul 29, 2012 at 1:13 AM Post #2 of 38
Quote:
smor3s said:
     Item I want: DAC
     Price Range/Budget: $0-$200
 
     Was looking into getting a DAC for my cans and mic, as well as something that would be decent as an audio interface, for sound monitoring, when I need to listen to frequencies closely, as I produce music. I am currently using some SteelSeries USB Soundcard, and lord forbid... this thing is meh... drivers are incompatible with Windows, and Windows drivers their self aren't to great... I am thinking about a DAC, cause they are all in one, and some even come with pre amps/amps (correct me if I am wrong about that..)
 
     I was looking into getting the M-Audio MobilePre, cause my friend has one, and it works good for the purpose that he is using it for, which is relatively close to my scenario as well..
 
     I found this one on Ebay for $90 and it's still Brand New (supposedly).. They are like $150 brand new on Sweetwater, so I feel this is a good deal...
 
     If anyone has any recommendations on DAC's, then let me know, cause I would like to possibly get the best for my price range..
Click to expand...

DAC, Digital to Analog Converter.
Your mic would use an ADC, Analog to Digital Converter.
 
Jul 29, 2012 at 3:08 AM Post #3 of 38
Quote:
purpleangel said:
DAC, Digital to Analog Converter.
Your mic would use an ADC, Analog to Digital Converter.
Click to expand...


Would it matter really, cause if I just use XLR then I could plug the mic into an XLR lead, or use XLR to 1/4", cause my mic is XLR... I do see where you are coming from, and I can't test your knowledge... I mean, I am an audiophile, but you probably know more :3..
 
+ Could you recommend some good audio sources... I like the MobilePre, but I can't help to think that there is probably something better....
 
I know, I know... It's all about testing and experimenting, and I could go to my local Guitar Center, and test some cans with audio sources, in their sound booths, but I honestly just need something that will work...
 
- SMOR3S
 
Jul 29, 2012 at 3:30 PM Post #4 of 38
Quote:
smor3s said:
Would it matter really, cause if I just use XLR then I could plug the mic into an XLR lead, or use XLR to 1/4", cause my mic is XLR... I do see where you are coming from, and I can't test your knowledge... I mean, I am an audiophile, but you probably know more :3..
 
+ Could you recommend some good audio sources... I like the MobilePre, but I can't help to think that there is probably something better....
 
I know, I know... It's all about testing and experimenting, and I could go to my local Guitar Center, and test some cans with audio sources, in their sound booths, but I honestly just need something that will work...
 
- SMOR3S
Click to expand...

Yes, it would matter. A mic transmits analog signals, so they would need to be converted to digital. A "digital to analog" converter can't do that. Also, not sure what you mean by audio source. The MobilePre is a preamp.
 
Jul 29, 2012 at 8:57 PM Post #5 of 38
Quote:
awolf97 said:
Yes, it would matter. A mic transmits analog signals, so they would need to be converted to digital. A "digital to analog" converter can't do that. Also, not sure what you mean by audio source. The MobilePre is a preamp.
Click to expand...


I am looking for something like a Soundcard, but in a unit like that.... DAC's aren't soundcards too?
 
Jul 29, 2012 at 9:03 PM Post #6 of 38
Quote:
smor3s said:
I am looking for something like a Soundcard, but in a unit like that.... DAC's aren't soundcards too?
Click to expand...

DACs are not really sound card.
Sound card contain DACs and ADCs.
"Sound card" usually means it contains an audio processor (which is not a DAC).
 
Jul 30, 2012 at 2:11 AM Post #8 of 38
Quote:
smor3s said:
So if I was to get something like an ASUS Xonar STX, it comes with a preamp, and good audio processing, would that be something I am looking for?
Click to expand...

The Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card comes with one set of analog RCA (line-out) output jacks.
A line-out signal can be sent out the front of case headphone jack, if so desired.
7.1 headphone surround sound audio can be sent out the back panel's 1/4 headphone jack and the "Front Panel" headphone jack.
The STX comes with the PCM1792A DAC
Surround sound audio processing can also be sent out the S/PDIF (coaxial & optical) connection, to an external DAC.
 
Jul 30, 2012 at 3:12 AM Post #9 of 38
Quote:
purpleangel said:
The Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card comes with one set of analog RCA (line-out) output jacks.
A line-out signal can be sent out the front of case headphone jack, if so desired.
7.1 headphone surround sound audio can be sent out the back panel's 1/4 headphone jack and the "Front Panel" headphone jack.
The STX comes with the PCM1792A DAC
Surround sound audio processing can also be sent out the S/PDIF (coaxial & optical) connection, to an external DAC.
Click to expand...

 
I am also wanting to use a pair of Stereo Speakers that have speaker wire... Would I need a soundbar or a receiver to even use them with my computer... I am totally lost when it comes to that lol :3...
 
Jul 30, 2012 at 9:37 AM Post #11 of 38
Quote:
smor3s said:
 
I am also wanting to use a pair of Stereo Speakers that have speaker wire... Would I need a soundbar or a receiver to even use them with my computer... I am totally lost when it comes to that lol :3...
Click to expand...

Minimum of some sort of speaker amplifier, sometimes people can find a decent receiver of Craigslist for $50.
Usually there are low priced speaker amplifiers sold on eBay.
 
Jul 30, 2012 at 9:40 AM Post #12 of 38
I made a post about a receiver I found on Craigslist for $35... I would like to know if it has a line in for a soundcard..
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/620578/tecknics-sa-160-stereo-receiver-question
 
 
Jul 30, 2012 at 9:44 AM Post #13 of 38
Quote:
smor3s said:
I made a post about a receiver I found on Craigslist for $35... I would like to know if it has a line in for a soundcard..
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/620578/tecknics-sa-160-stereo-receiver-question
 
Click to expand...

Should do the job, just run RCA cables from the Essence STX to the receiver.
 
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