USB Soundcard for measurement

[dsavitsk]

My old FastTrack Pro has stopped working. Does anyone have a suggestion for a decent quality USB soundcard for measurement use? Budget is that I'd like to spend as little as possible, but I am willing to spend a little more if the quality justifies it. I already have spdif output, and do not need spdif input in the foreseeable future, so I only need analog connectors.

 

[SY]

The Echo2 is excellent- more features than you probably need, though.

 

[31697B]

I am trying an E-MU 0204 for this purpose. Then adding notch filter as needed.

 

[gaetan8888]

Hello

I use a M-Audio Transit, it's a good one.

Bye

Gaetan

 

[Shelby]

I'm using a RME FF400 - excellent

 

[Bksabath]

I have Audiophile 192 and for mesurament purposes is prety noisy being internal PCI
big bump at mains frequency probably due to my set up

So I am looking as well
EMU 0202 came up as with low noise -125 dB but after making the mistake with the Audiophile I need same help

I got told that EMU drivers are a pain to install

So sorry to hi jack this tread, but if any is using sound card for test rig let me know please

 

[Bksabath]

After posting last night I had another look at my set up.

I found the source of the mains bump which was caused by the PC monitor after I unploughed those this is what I have

I/O connected with Loop back
Signal generator off.
Pink noise
at -10dB

I still wonder if an external sound card like E-MU 0202 can do better?

 

[dgta]

Looking at the E-MU boxes myself, they seem like a good deal for basic measurement needs. Any owners here who could give some feedback on these units?

 

[Bksabath]

Looking at the E-MU boxes myself, they seem like a good deal for basic measurement needs. Any owners here who could give some feedback on these units?

100 % with this so please help

E-MU 0202 is the one I am tempted to buy as sems that noise level is about
-125dB

Only snag I have been told are Creative Labs Drivers problems.

Any sound card that can do better on noise?

 

[skidave]

This thread might help.

I would not recommend the Tascam USB interface I purchased because the E-MU product seems to be much better for around the same price.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/equipment-tools/217871-help-arta-software.html

Dave

 

[Bksabath]

Tanks for the link Dave

 

[euro21]

M-audio Transit.

 

[CharlieLaub]

I am currently using an M-Audio Firewire 410. It's an external box with Firewire connection to the computer and its own wall wart PS. Noise floor falls from -120 dBFS at the lowest frequencies to -140dB FS at the highest frequencies. Max sampling rate is 96k Hz. It also has a built in mic preamp with defeatable phantom power. They are discontinued, but you can pick them up on Ebay for easily under $100.

The newer option is the ProFire 610. Mostly the same, but sampling rate up to 192k Hz. This goes for about $250 I think.

See attached pic of noise floor. This is done using REW:
REW - Room EQ Wizard Home Page

-Charlie

 

[luvdunhill]

Doug, I can loan you a EMU 0404 USB, which in my opinion is the best choice. How can you beat try before you buy?

 

[ScreamingLordByron]

Some more EMU0204 and EMU16 measurements are here

Soundcard Noise Performance - QuantAsylum Home Page

Some Roland measurements are here:

http://www.spectraplus.com/Downloads/QuadCaptureTestReport.pdf

 

[skidave]

I'd like to try the Emu 0404 if you are willing. I'll cover return shipping.

Dave

 

[triplej]

I have an E-MU 0204 and MI software and can measure down to 0.0003% distortion (without notch filters). Must use the balanced input to avoid earth loop noise even tho earth lift switches are part of the unit. For $230 odd dollars all up its a very effective solution for relative measurements.

 

[dsavitsk]

Doug, I can loan you a EMU 0404 USB, which in my opinion is the best choice. How can you beat try before you buy?

I may take you up on that. I actually owned one for a week or so before I returned it. I recall there being a driver issue with it -- something like asio being required for using the digital output, but the free version of RMAA not supporting asio. But, I could certainly try it again as my current computer setup uses a different spdif output allowing me to work around that.

In the meantime, I picked up an M-Audio "MobilePre" that was on a huge sale and thus pretty cheap. Even cheap, it was probably not worth what I paid for it.

 

[dgta]

I have an E-MU 0204 and MI software and can measure down to 0.0003% distortion (without notch filters). Must use the balanced input to avoid earth loop noise even tho earth lift switches are part of the unit.

How do you use balanced input? Don't see that provision.
Just got my 0204 and haven't studied it yet.

 

[triplej]

Ahh yes its disguised as a 1/4 inch socket at first glance. It’s actually a combo XLR / 1/4 inch. It's definitely there

Specs:
Combo Preamplifiers (2)

Type:
- (1) Ultra-low noise combo preamplifier with Mic/Hi-Z/line inputs

- (1) Combo preamplifier with Hi-Z/line balanced input

- (1) 1/8" condenser mic input with 5V power