No problem! Since I started this thread I have learned quite a bit and to update a little, I have been using the Behringer UCA 222 and Audacity with good results with at least 25 lp's recorded, however I may soon update the ADC to this one:Edit: sorry for resurrecting an old thread. I'm lying in bed as I'm typing this, unable to go back to sleep after a late night/early morning feeding of our new baby, and spaced the fact that we're not in 2017 anymore, LOL
Vinyl Studio is worth every penny. Makes ripping so much easier and faster. I didn't know about the Schitt ADC - that is very interesting. I had been using the Music Hall PA2.2, which does 96k/24bit, and more lately direct to a Mac Pro line in, also does 96k/24bit. One issue I found with the USB ADCs I have tried, and in particular the UCA 222, was that the USB timing signal bleeds into the audio at around -80db or so (a extremely low level 1khz 'tone' - you can see it in audacity when you most easily when you record with the needle up). Granted, you can't hear it (or at least I can't) unless you really crank it, but it is there. More expensive USB converters I suspect shield against this better. The Music Hall has a pretty good RIAA preamp so it is a one stop shop.No problem! Since I started this thread I have learned quite a bit and to update a little, I have been using the Behringer UCA 222 and Audacity with good results with at least 25 lp's recorded, however I may soon update the ADC to this one:
Schiit Jil
Not that the Behringer doesn't sound good but for under $30 I keep thinking there might be some SQ to pick up,. and considering how much time gets invested in ripping vinyl I want it to be worthwhile sound wise. Also there is an issue of a slight background buzz playing over the speakers while recording (that doesn't seem to be there on playback at all).
I have also been testing a new digitizing software called VinylStudio which seems to automate quite a bit of the tedium found in Audacity. For one it apparently detects needle drop and delays for it. Also it can look up LP's and assign track names so long as the artist and album name is correctly entered. It records in WAV so converting from Audacity's file structure is another step not to have to do. It has pop and click repair built in and if that works I wont need ClickRepair anymore (yet another step removed). Also it really handholds you through the process with help that can later be switched off. I still haven't bought it yet, but think I will soon...
Oh, yes and Congrats on your new child!!
however I may soon update the ADC to this one:
Schiit Jil
USB 2 data rate is 480Mb, so it seems unlikely something around 1kHz would have anything to do with it. Even USB 1.1 min rate is 1.5Mb. Keep in mind the theoretical maximum SNR for a cartridge is around 70dB, and unless you're running balanced from the cart you're going to have a very difficult time keeping gremlins out below ~50dB or thereabouts.
Interesting. Can you post a file? My chain is flat mm pre -> Benchmark ADC1 -> Tascam DA3000 -> miniDSP openDRC (for RIAA) -> Benchmark DAC2 DX -> monitors. Rips come off pre RIAA which makes finding and dealing with nasties far easier. The last step is to apply RIAA via DSP in the DAW.
I'll see what I have for unbalanced vs. balanced examples.
With the max attainable noise floor of a cartridge, there isn't much need to find gear that can get down past -130dB (or anywhere close, really). Everything I do is typically an exercise of extremes. It entertains me.
Have you tried isolating? Shorting the inputs to the ADC and seeing if the noise is still there, then adding your ICs and shorting the far end of them, and on down the line?
Honestly, I wouldn't buy that, 'cause why pay more for a USB-ADC with only an unbalanced, stereo line-level input, if you can get very nice, little prosumer sound-interfaces for less, which wouldn't only additionally sport a DAC section as well, but would also be more flexible in terms of what you could hook up? And the additional headphone output with adjustable volume and direct-monitoring capability can't harm either...
Manfred / lini