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Audio Interface for Computer (External?)

E

egroeg555

n00b
Joined
Aug 7, 2009
Messages
59
I'm looking for some advice on what hardware to get.

Primary goal: Budget line-in input for my computer for making recordings from my turntable/reciever (something that's better than on-board line-in)
Secondary goal: Improve sound quality for my HD 555 headphones (again over on-board output)

After much reading I think the Behringer UCA202 may solve the line-in goal, but not any better for headphones. Or perhaps headphones would work with this if I got a separate headphone amp.



Long story (skip if you want):

I tried recording some records, outputting my old turntable/receiver combo to the line-in on my motherboard. However, there was a whirring sound that could be heard during quiet parts of the recording. I feel that I don't need a super high quality recording, but this noise was too annoying.

Then, I did some research and figured a sound card would solve the problem. So I got an ASUS Xonar DG, hoping to improve the recording and also improve output sound quality. This card was appealing because it had an integrated headphone amp.

After installing the Xonar DG card, I find that it outputs high pitch noise while the headphone amp is enabled. A number of people have expressed the same problem, but with no solution. Seems it could be any number of things (OS, electrical interference, bad card, etc.)

Anyway, I'm thinking at this point I may fair better with something external, so it's separated from any conflicts or interferences in the computer.

Bottom line: I was mainly trying to make some half way decent recordings of old records, but now that I need to purchase some hardware, it would be nice to improve my computer's output quality also (mainly to my HD 555 headphones).
 
I have an external soundcard that I use for recording/editing and mixing and I know that it does phono inputs and headphones quite nicely but also cost upwards of $400. Kinda get the feeling you aren't looking to drop a pile of cash for this project. I know some of the lower priced units out there have issues with gain and headroom. If you find a unit that seems to fit the bill you might want to check out the manufacturers website to see if they have a user forum or other forums and see what if any problems people are running into.

You might want to check out dedicated audio forums for tips on what hardware would be best. You will probably want to look into what freeware audio recording software/plug ins are out there so you can clean up/tweak the audio coming in. I know some people that have used Audacity with great success in the past as it handles the recording part quite well and has all the plugins to get the job done for free.
 
The Behringer should be acceptable -- I've seen good reviews of its audio quality, especially for the price. Next step up would probably be something like the Tascam US-122 mk2 -- the drivers are a bit dodgy, but it's decent for higher fidelity recording.
 
Thanks for the input. Here's what I'm thinking at this point, let me know if this makes sense.

There are several nice units like the Tascam US-122 mk2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that would work really well, but I think they are more than I need. I don't have any reason to have the mic inputs and such.

So, for now, I'm thinking I'll get the Behringer UCA202 or possibly the UFO202, with phono pre-amp, so I can bypass using my old receiver as an amp. Would this give better sound?

Then, down the road, I'd address upgrading my headphone sound separately with something like an Fiio E7 or E10.

Is this a sensible solution?
 
Last edited:
Just a quick update:

After going back and forth on this I'm pretty sure I'll be ordering a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I think this should suit my needs with good sound quality, and give me more long term usefulness. I'll be using it for some recording, but mostly just as a high quality PC sound card.
 
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