USB output A-to-D converter and Mac software

[gmgraves]

10 hours ago, Samuel T Cogley said:

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.

 

Behringer sell essentially a very, very similar device called the UMC-202HD and right now, it's on sale for less than $60! My considerable experience with Behringer gear is extremely positive!

[Ryan Berry]

20 hours ago, Em2016 said:

 

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.

 

Another vote here for VinylStudio.  Ayre worked with them to get the features (such as DSD) that we needed added to the program when we developed the QA-9 for users and studios.  Great guy to work with and super responsive. 

 

Audacity was my next choice, which wasn't bad either, but a bit difficult to navigate at the time.  That was some years ago that I last worked with it, so I'm sure it's different now. 

[esldude]

On 12/6/2017 at 10:51 PM, Em2016 said:

 

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

 

Reaper is good for recording, editing, and a tremendous bargain.  Audacity is unbelievable for free, and with some experience and knowledge there is almost nothing you couldn't do if your goal is needledrops.  Nevertheless, if you are doing needledrops and plan on more than a handful, get Vinyl Studio.  

 

I would suggest picking an ADC (and I think you can do better than the Schiit if you have a phono stage already).  Use Audacity for an album or two.  Time well spent because it will be very educational.  Then get Vinyl Studio. 

[mansr]

Don't forget that many recording interfaces come with some software or other.

[pooger]

On 12/6/2017 at 7:06 PM, esldude said:

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

 

I have the ID22 (b+h has a great price on this, but it is more than your budget) and have been very  impressed with both the ADC and the preamps in it. I'm thinking that the ID14 would be worth the extra $ over the focusrite, etc. that are about $100 less. The ID22 does benefit from a better power supply.

[Bob Stern]

Mac driver support is an important factor in choosing an A/D.

 

Tascam A/D's have had a consistently good reputation for supporting Mac.  Their cheapest model is $150:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1079897-REG/tascam_us_2x2_2_channel_usb_audio.html

 

I've read several reports over the years that FocusRite drivers are buggy.

[Miska]

1 hour ago, Bob Stern said:

I've read several reports over the years that FocusRite drivers are buggy.

 

I think most new Focusrite USB devices are UAC2 compliant, so you don't necessarily need their drivers.

 

RME is good, but it is not cheap. I have two ADI-2 Pro's, the normal and Anniversary Edition, it is UAC2 compliant.

 

For room acoustic measurements and microphone recordings I use Prism Audio Lyra, because it has mic-preamps built-in. But for some of the configuration things it needs it's own control panel application.

[blownsi]

The Apogee Duet is designed for Mac and can be picked up used in your price range.  I'm using it with Audacity and am very pleased with the results.  I bought mine used at a local Guitar Center.