Is there a DIY ADC project?

[pixpop]

I need to add some analog input to use when recording LPs and other analog sources to my computer.

Are there any DIY ADC projects, or am I better off just buying a commercial unit?

 

[abraxalito]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/equipment-tools/160432-diy-analog-digital-converter-project-audio-measurements-tool.html

 

[Trevor White]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/equipment-tools/160432-diy-analog-digital-converter-project-audio-measurements-tool.html

I bought one of these to do some audio measurements but I note that it also has phono inputs to record from your turntable.

Sound Blaster Digital Music Premium HD USB Audiophile Sound Card | Creative Store (AU)

Direct recording from your turntable
Phono preamp with RIAA EQ allows direct connection of your turntable to the USB sound card to conveniently convert your vinyl to CDs or MP3s

 

[pixpop]

I bought one of these to do some audio measurements but I note that it also has phono inputs to record from your turntable.

Sound Blaster Digital Music Premium HD USB Audiophile Sound Card | Creative Store (AU)

I have a Pearl phono preamp, so I only need line level inputs. Thanks for the info.

 

[SoNic_real_one]

If you want real quality you need to look to something at least like E-MU 1212m. It has A/D converter AK5394A.
The SB soundcards have good DAC, but mediocre ADC. I know because I had it and upgraded to E-MU1820m.

 

[woodturner-fran]

I use a zoom H2 - its portable, very good sound quality and fairly cheap. Its very handy to be able to sit it right beside the turntable and not have to either move a PC to be beside it, or vice versa.

Fran

 

[Trevor White]

I have a Pearl phono preamp, so I only need line level inputs. Thanks for the info.

It has line level as well. It's a very good unit for the price.

regards

 

[abraxalito]

I use a zoom H2 - its portable, very good sound quality and fairly cheap. Its very handy to be able to sit it right beside the turntable and not have to either move a PC to be beside it, or vice versa.

And being battery powered, no worries about common-mode noise from mains 🙂

 

[pixpop]

And being battery powered, no worries about common-mode noise from mains 🙂

Actually, buying a portable recorder might be the best option. I was thinking about buying one anyway, for another project. Maybe I can kill 2 birds with one stone.

 

[abraxalito]

I have a Sony PCM-M10 - a few niggles but generally very happy with it.

 

[s3tup]

PCM4222EVM ADC EVM boards are available for $150, pretty nice.
These show-up on eBay for less than $100. Currently there is one board.
You'll need to build +/-15V and +5v supplies yourself.

This schematic uses Wolfson's ADC, and is made for measurements and vinyl recording:
“ADC8786″ – 24bit/96kHz audio ADC - Catalog DAC & ADC - -

 

[SoNic_real_one]

I have a Sony PCM-M10 - a few niggles but generally very happy with it.

THD+N = 0.03% (-70dB)
SNR = 87dB

You are easy to please. My X-Fi Xtreme Music was better than that and I still wasn't happy and sold it away.

 

[abraxalito]

It does better than that THD figure in practice. The SNR though is one of the biggest weaknesses.

 

[dirkwright]

PCM4222EVM ADC EVM boards are available for $150, pretty nice.
These show-up on eBay for less than $100. Currently there is one board.
You'll need to build +/-15V and +5v supplies yourself.

This schematic uses Wolfson's ADC, and is made for measurements and vinyl recording:
“ADC8786″ – 24bit/96kHz audio ADC - Catalog DAC & ADC - -

I'm interested in that board but I can't figure out how to interface the AES or S/PDIF outputs with my laptop's firewire or USB 2.0/3.0. This is considered one of the best ADC's out there from what I read on GearSlutz.