#1879631 - 01/25/08 09:24 PM
The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
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Griffinator
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A few important things all those new to recording via a computer need to understand:
1) Your AD/DA interface should not need software to connect it to your workstation software. If it does, you are inadvertantly wasting processing power you will need later for mixdown.
2) If your system is not equipped with multiple firewire interfaces (or a PCI-E card slot), you are already behind the 8-ball on incoming audio data, because a standard PCI card will not transmit data fast enough to compensate for the lag PCI interface creates by its inherent limitations.
3) DSP = signal processing. Has absolutely nothing to do with handling incoming data. Has everything to do with processing that data once it's already stored. Of note: Outboard DSP cards that claim zero-latency FX are liars - I know this from experience - I own a "zero-latency" DSP card, and while the FX that run onboard are great, they are by NO means "zero latency" - in fact, they can create upwards of 50ms delays on final mixdown - more than enough to create audible mix problems.
4) An interface that claims "10 inputs" typically does not have 10 usable inputs. Look carefully at the device, both front and back. Examine what "inputs" it actually has. For example, are two of the "10" inputs L/R analog RCA? If so, are you planning to record 2 out of 6 tracks of a drummer's performance via RCA jacks? Do you have any idea how you'd go about doing that? If not, those jacks are useless to you, and you need to shop for a different interface. By the same token, if 4 of those "inputs" are via a pair of "digital" inputs, what good does that do you if you need to spend 8 analog channels on a recording, but have no 2-channel ADC's to connect to that pair of "inputs"? In short, any A/D converter, realistically, only has as many inputs as you are capable of filling with 1/4" or XLR cables. Everything else is boosting their ad copy, not your utility value.
Edited by Griffinator (01/28/08 09:30 AM)
Edit Reason: clarifying
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#1879632 - 01/25/08 09:27 PM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Griffinator]
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Griffinator
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(addendum)
Feel free, those who know, to add to and/or revise the initial statements offered.
Edited by Griffinator (01/25/08 09:27 PM)
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#1879681 - 01/26/08 01:24 AM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Griffinator]
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Bill@Welcome Home Studios
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Griff,
Well, I take exception to number 2, in that a PCI card will transfer data fastest among PCI, USB, and 1394. But can that bus get dragged down? Sure it can. But on that basis, so can any other.
As to umber 4, ain't it the truth? Not exactly deceptive advertising, but at the very least, confusing advertising.
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#1880119 - 01/27/08 07:58 AM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Griffinator]
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Bill@Welcome Home Studios
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Bill - my point was 1394 on the motherboard is going to move data faster than 1394 on a PCI card. 
Is that true? I don't know. I do know that when I built my new studio machine last April, one of the guys from Magix suggested that I put the firewire on a PCIe card, as it would be faster than the existing firewire on the motherboard. I use the RME Fireface 800.
Bill
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#1880138 - 01/27/08 09:16 AM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Bill@Welcome Home Studios]
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audiorulez
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MOTU is notorious on #4, counting the HP outs as audio outs.
However the reference to RCA connectors is in a way not quite true, as the RCA's are typically spdif, not analog,, and if the user has a keyboard, sampler, or other source that has spdif outs, these can and often are quite useful. However potential buyers should definitely read all available data about products before buying, so they fully understand what it is they are purchasing, and it's capabilities and limitations, including, but not limited to, I/O sample rate, connectivity and included cabling.
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#1880240 - 01/27/08 01:45 PM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Bill@Welcome Home Studios]
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Griffinator
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Is that true? I don't know. I do know that when I built my new studio machine last April, one of the guys from Magix suggested that I put the firewire on a PCIe card, as it would be faster than the existing firewire on the motherboard.
PCI express is a different animal. I'm talking about the standard 66Mhz PCI slots.
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#1880241 - 01/27/08 01:45 PM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: audiorulez]
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Griffinator
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MOTU is notorious on #4, counting the HP outs as audio outs.
However the reference to RCA connectors is in a way not quite true, as the RCA's are typically spdif, not analog
I was referring to some of the lower end units that have analog L/R RCA connectors in the back.
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#1880582 - 01/28/08 08:05 AM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Griffinator]
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audiorulez
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Griffinator, I'd recommend you do some editing on your original postings, clarifying exactly what you mean, rather than assuming the reader knows. Both Bill and I have made comment because of this. Others might not read so far down as to see your clarifications.
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#1880637 - 01/28/08 09:36 AM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: audiorulez]
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Griffinator
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By all means, I was rather hoping that we could get some organic discussion that could then evolve the original post to add, remove, and/or edit this treatise.
I've made the apropriate corrections.
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#1924183 - 04/08/08 09:11 PM
Re: The Fundamentals of DAW interaction:
[Re: Griffinator]
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MILLO
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I've been looking at equipment again, no intentions to buy immediately. This has been helpful... I've wondered the same things you address here... I look at the pics, and look at them and go "where the heck am I going to put into that thing"? It is obvious I need to learn what each connection does, and what each hardware component does.
Yes, I've read about basic audio and recording concepts. Will start reading again soon.
Every time I start looking at equipment it's b/c I am reminded my generic 7-year-old frankenstein noisy mess of a computer is gonna crap out soon, this time might be for real (Last time it was just the power-supply). Next time I buy a computer I'll get something around which I can build a modest but good-sounding home studio for myself, my own projects and possible production of other people's demos every once in a while, for some extra dough.
But at the moment I still have too many questions and too little money, LOL! Man, the software alone is already thousands!
Edited by MILLO (04/08/08 09:15 PM)
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