choice of sound card for measurements and DACs

[DcibeL]

I am trying to understand if E-mu 0404 USB has the requirements I am looking for

Sure, if you can find a driver that works with it on a modern Windows version, that equipment is a bit of an antique as far as computer hardware goes. You may be surprised to find that spdif input to a PC is not a very sought out feature.

 

[arivel]

Yes, will work with REW and has mic inputs.
I would check if drivers for whatever version of Windows you are using are available.

(I bought an old Tascam audio/midi interface but Win 10 could find drivers and Tascam didn't have any either, so it was useless.)

https://support.creative.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?page=2&prodID=15167&prodName=E-MU 0404 USB

does it work as a DAC without a computer?

 

[batteryman]

does it work as a DAC without a computer?

Unlikley as it's designed for use with a computer.

There are plenty of low cost dacs which don't need a computer. such as:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Toslink-Converter-Adapter-Optical-Black-96-KHz-2-0CH/dp/B00KNNSKV0

 

[esl 63]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 3 seems to be quite good. I have not seen measurements though.

 

[Turbowatch2]

View attachment 1105461

 

[Turbowatch2]

This is from a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 1 bought used for 70€

 

[Turbowatch2]

I may add, this was the first measurement when I hooked up the interface to my old Lifebook S Win7 32 Laptop.
This is without any fine tuning or compensation.