USB output A-to-D converter and Mac software

[asdf1000]

Hi,

 

Can anyone recommend a decent A-to-D converter with USB output and MacOS software, all that comes under USD300?

 

Audio only, up to 24bit/96kHz 

 

I should tag @mansr and @Miskasince they've shared a lot of measurements around here on CA. Their personal preferred gear may be well above my budget but maybe they can still recommend stuff <USD300 

 

Cheers!

[GUTB]

Didnt read the question. Actually I have a Focusrite that I use for room measurements, and it has both usb and Lightning. Probably not that great as a ADC though.

[Ralf11]

this A to D might be ok

 

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FCA610?gclid=CjwKCAiAx57RBRBkEiwA8yZdUP0fkuH3kCb8XxmUsKQPN7NcTXE3cBaokGNfCtzEKknl-UAvelvC_RoCov0QAvD_BwE

 

audio, not video, right?

[asdf1000]

5 minutes ago, Ralf11 said:

audio, not video, right?

 

Thanks! Yep I just added a note in my OP to add this clarification - audio only

 

I should also mention, up to 24/96kHz resolution minimum. I'll add that to the OP too for clarity.

 

 

[esldude]

This is perhaps the best thing going for $299.

Audient ID14.  They do have Mac Drivers for it. And a Mac control app. 

 

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iD14

 

What are going to be your main uses for it?  That might steer you toward another choice.  

[Speed Racer]

http://www.schiit.com/products/jil

[asdf1000]

4 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

http://www.schiit.com/products/jil

 

You beat me to it. I just saw another thread that mentioned the Jil.

 

That's all I need. A pair of RCA inputs and USB output. A nice linear PSU too.

[asdf1000]

What's a good MacOS program that can be used with the Schiit Jil?

 

 

[Speed Racer]

Audacity. 

[asdf1000]

16 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

Audacity. 

 

Cool. I'm learning in real-time and seen that VinylStudio is another popular Mac option, although not free, it automates some steps.

 

[Speed Racer]

Options really open up if you are willing to buy software. 

[asdf1000]

4 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

Options really open up if you are to buy software. 

 

VinylStudio looks to be recommended by PS Audio so I'd probably just go with that. At USD30 for the software, it all still falls under the USD300 budget, even with shipping.

 

No harm in trying Audacity first.

[mansr]

What do you plan to use it for?

[asdf1000]

10 minutes ago, mansr said:

What do you plan to use it for?

 

Converting my old man's (my dad's) vinyl collection for personal backup purposes

 

[mansr]

14 minutes ago, Em2016 said:

Converting my old man's (my dad's) vinyl collection for personal backup purposes

Can we assume you (or he) already have a phono preamp with line level outputs that you deem good enough for the purpose?

[Samuel T Cogley]

As a starter setup, you can't go wrong with one of these:

 

 

Lots of people use these to capture vinyl.  It's cheaper than the Schiit Jil, and has way more features.

[asdf1000]

8 hours ago, mansr said:

Can we assume you (or he) already have a phono preamp with line level outputs that you deem good enough for the purpose?

 

Absolutely. The USD300 budget is for the ADC and software.

[Samuel T Cogley]

1 minute ago, Em2016 said:

 

Absolutely. The USD300 budget is for the ADC and software.

 

Can I ask about your phono stage?  What will you be using for this?

[GUTB]

BTW do any of you guys know of a native DSD capable ADC?

[Samuel T Cogley]

19 minutes ago, GUTB said:

BTW do any of you guys know of a native DSD capable ADC?

 

Best to ask that question here.

 

 

[asdf1000]

1 hour ago, Samuel T Cogley said:

 

Can I ask about your phono stage?  What will you be using for this?

 

He has the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS 

[Samuel T Cogley]

8 minutes ago, Em2016 said:

 

He has the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS 

 

That phono stage is ideal as it has balanced (XLR) outputs.  That Scarlett 2i2 and Audacity is all you'll need.

[plissken]

Presonus 26 $199 24/192

 

 

 

Reaper for $60

[gmgraves]

19 hours ago, Speed Racer said:

http://www.schiit.com/products/jil

 

I second this recommendation and would like to add that the freeware program "Audacity" for Mac is the perfect companion to the Schiit Jil ADC. 

[gmgraves]

4 hours ago, GUTB said:

BTW do any of you guys know of a native DSD capable ADC?

 

Yes I do. The KORG MR-2000S and TASCAM makes a Native DSD recorder called the DA-3000 as well.

http://tinyurl.com/yd282nov

 

These folks have it available for $800 after a rebate from TASCAM 

 

I must warn you, though, the Korg MR-2000S is more than $1000 new, but you can find one on E-bay for less. There are a bunch of them for sale there. I saw one just a few minutes ago for less that $700. Another way to go would be the Korg MR1 which is a "hand-held" DSD recorder. I have one of these as well, and it has excellent sound quality. I use it for location recordings all the time. It's basic DSD (2.8 MHz), but it has balanced or unbalanced inputs; will record PCM to 24/192, and with the addition of Korg's 'Audiogate' software for Either Mac or Windows, you change any supported format to any other format. E-bay has an MR1 right now that you can buy for US$350.

  

http://tinyurl.com/y7kylcrf

 

Be advised that the MR-1 sites to a sub-2" HDD, and not to solid state storage as does the MR-2000S. I have tried to find an SSD equivalent of this mechanical HDD, but I have never seen one in this form factor. Nice part of the MR1 is that it comes apart easily and replacement Li battery cells are available on E-bay for far less than the $125 than Korg charges for a replacement. I recently replaced the battery in mine (I've been using this MR1 since 2005) for $12!. Also, universal Wall-wart power supplies can be had from many sources and the connector tip used is a common one. So Power supply replacement (should it ever need doing) is a cinch as well. 

 

I hope this info is of some help