Rob Watts
Member of the Trade: Chord Electronics
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- Apr 1, 2014
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@Rob Watts is there mileage in using a hypothetical new WTA3 from 256FS to 2048FS? Or, changing WTA2 so that it outputs 2048FS?
The original introduction of WTA2 in DAVE was a big deal and you've talked over the years about the possibility that WTA2 could benefit from more taps. I'm just curious if you've had the opportunity to play with a larger scope than simply increasing the taps in WTA2.
It seems that everywhere you go looking for possible sound quality factors you get big surprises. Apart from pure tap-count (whether in WTA1 or WTA 2) is there a danger that you're running out of surprises left to unearth?
About a year ago I looked into that very issue with new filters. There have been some small benefits, but as you get higher in frequency the benefits of WTA diminish rapidly. It seems that the ear/brain is sensitive to the area of the transient error; as you double the sample rate the area of the transient error falls by a factor of four, so it becomes less of an issue the higher in frequency you go. The exception to this is if you get aliasing (then of course the error is lower in frequency increasing the area) but that's another situation, but is vitaly important for sample rate conversion. More on this subject in the future...
Thanks for posting those exemplary readings Rob. I wonder do you have readings for when the Pre-amp is engaged? I just wonder what effect (or not) the Pre has on the measurements Edit: Regarding noise floor
So DAC mode and pre-amp mode are actually identical from performance POV - it's just in DAC mode the volume is simply fixed. The measurement was taken in pre-amp mode.
Regarding the potential future ADC product Rob, is it you plan to incorporate a couple of 48v phantom powers in the unit for Condenser mics? I obviously understand plans can change but it would be very useful imo.
For ADCs for studio use absolutely it will come with switchable phantom power.