Affordable (<$100) stereo A/D convertor

[Peter McFerrin]

Any suggestions? I know ART makes one.

 

[Droog]

What do you need one for? Less than a $100 for a stand alone AD converter is kinda unrealistic.

 

[Peter McFerrin]

Extremely basic computer recording. My computer has a S/PDIF input built-in. I want to use the synth sounds on my S30 rather than using it as a MIDI controller for a soft-synth, and I want to be able to record bass and vocals through an outboard mic preamp into the computer.

 

[Droog]

I think the best way to go it to just break down and get an affordable sound card or interface. Look at the M-audio Duo. USB, 2 mic pre's, 2 line outs and headphone jack. They do a good job. Even cheaper is their mobile pre, which is under 200 I think. In my experience you really need about 300 bucks to get something decent.

 

[Peter McFerrin]

That's not a bad idea at all--it's certainly cheaper than what I was planning on.

 

[Phat Ham]

Check out the M Audio Audiophile 2496 while you're at it. It has a MIDI interface along with 24bit/96khz conversion. MF has it for $200. I think the PCI version has been out for a while, and the USB version just came out.

 

[Trevorus]

Edirol makes a USB a/d and d/a converter. Has 2 (r/l) RCA's in and out. I think they are about 85 bucks. It's 16 bit, 44.1 kHz. It's the same quality of cds anyways. If you don't do a ton of processing, you won't notice much of a difference anyways. It's also easier on the processor.