QUestion abour preamps vs computer.

S

samsagaz

Member
Hi guys, i want to know if someone know if some external PC audio card (maybe USB) will get nice sound quality compared with preamps like sounddevices 744 and SD302.

I see that have some usb preamps for less than 500USD, with specs better than some dedicated PREs.

I want to know that because i see some good specs like

Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
ultra-low noise preamps (-129.5dBu) - Mic/Line and true Hi-Z inputs via Neutrik connectors, with analog soft limiter, 48V phantom power and 60dB of gain


 
I use a Motu firewire preamp with my laptop for acoustic tests and sound system tuning. Extremely clean low noise class A preamps and it supports SMPTE linear time code too.
It was recommended by the instrumentation software provider. If it is good enough for critical acoustic measurements it is certainly good enough for double system sound recording.
 
Razz16mm said:
I use a Motu firewire preamp with my laptop for acoustic tests and sound system tuning. Extremely clean low noise class A preamps and it supports SMPTE linear time code too.
It was recommended by the instrumentation software provider. If it is good enough for critical acoustic measurements it is certainly good enough for double system sound recording.
Click to expand...

OH im a stupid i spend like 300USD into an Portable recorder :/ maybe an usb external pre to use with the PC will get better sound :(
 
The only computer/USB interface that has mic preamps as good as the Sound Devices 302 or 744 is the Sound Devices USBPre 2. Sound Devices is regarded as easily in the top 2 or 3 of all mic preamps available, at least for production recording. Attempting to compare them to anything else is pretty much downhill. Of course some are only a bit downhill from SD, and there are MANY other factors besides the quality of the mic preamps.

Other external computer sound interface products have good mic preamps. And it seems quite probable that the microphone itself, its placement or your recording location would have a bigger impact on your recorded sound than the difference between a great mic preamp and a good mic preamp. A great mic preamp will NOT improve the sound from a lousy microphone or an ignorant placement or other poor production practices.

A computer is NOT a good replacement for a portable/field recorder. Unless you have long setups, dedicated sound mixer with a cart, etc. The reasonably good computer interfaces are not designed for portable use, and juggling the interface AND a computer is much more difficult in the field than using a portable recorder.

Published specifications are certainly better than no specs, but they are not necessarily reliable, or even comparable. The reputation of the company would be a bigger factor in my decision than published numbers.
 
Last edited:
samsagaz said:
Hi guys, i want to know if someone know if some external PC audio card (maybe USB) will get nice sound quality compared with preamps like sounddevices 744 and SD302.

I see that have some usb preamps for less than 500USD, with specs better than some dedicated PREs.

I want to know that because i see some good specs like

Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
ultra-low noise preamps (-129.5dBu) - Mic/Line and true Hi-Z inputs via Neutrik connectors, with analog soft limiter, 48V phantom power and 60dB of gain
Click to expand...

Check out the Sound Devices USBPre-2 stereo interface. I understand it actually has the same preamps as the 7xx series recorders.

Ooops, didn't see Richards post before posting my reply, so what he said goes for me too.
 
I agree with Mr. Crowley on the general utility of field recorders vs PC/preamp setups. My intended use of the Motu with my laptop is as a master 10 channel recorder taking a submix off of a house console for live events. It will provide the master clock time code for the production and the ability to post mix sound to suit the video.
 
Razz16mm said:
I use a Motu firewire preamp with my laptop for acoustic tests and sound system tuning. Extremely clean low noise class A preamps and it supports SMPTE linear time code too.
Click to expand...
Very interested....could you post a link about the Motu preamp that says "Class A"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top