Mic Pre / ADC

[pindrop]

Hmm, where to start?
Basically, with 24bit adcs, is an analogue mic preamp of typically 20-40dB really necessary these days. I mean with 16bit being the broadcast standard and 20bit more than I'll ever query, does 24bit afford an acceptable quantization of the low levels straight off a microphone. I appreciate that actually implementing a true 24bit converter is a difficult task and that the mic may not have sufficient drive and so may require a buffer (noisy?), but with regards quantization, what do you think?

Rob

 

[Speedskater]

A true 24bit converter is far more than a difficult task, as it's made out of unobtainum. It's easier to optimism a circuit for low input levels than to make a low noise line level input ADC. Much of the sound of a mic has to do with how it interfaces with the pre-amp first stage.