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radio:soundcard:analog [2017/01/12 02:42] aldavis [Balanced] |
radio:soundcard:analog [2017/01/12 02:58] (current) aldavis [Record, Capture] |
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| Setting "line in" to lower than 0 db will result in analog clipping ahead of the volume control. It may be tempting to turn down the computer's volume control to lower than 0 db, but don't do it because it will sound bad. If the record level is too high, you need to reduce the level going in. You can do this with a distribution amp, by turning down the source level, or with a resistor voltage divider. | Setting "line in" to lower than 0 db will result in analog clipping ahead of the volume control. It may be tempting to turn down the computer's volume control to lower than 0 db, but don't do it because it will sound bad. If the record level is too high, you need to reduce the level going in. You can do this with a distribution amp, by turning down the source level, or with a resistor voltage divider. | ||
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| + | Now, let's look at the input circuits you might find. | ||
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| + | The cheapest sound cards use a simple unbalanced input that clips if the peak-to-peak voltage exceeds the power supply. That's fine if it is being driven by another cheap sound card or consumer device. A step up from that would use a different configuration, a higher voltage supply, or an attenuator on the input so it can take a higher input level. If you are feeding it from any "pro" source, you will probably need to cut down the level with an external "pad". You can be sure the input is unbalanced if it has RCA connectors or a single stereo TRS connector with left and right on the same connector. | ||
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| + | You need to be careful if you are feeding an unbalanced input from a balanced source, especially if the source is the "non-floating" type. | ||
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| + | A better choice would be a balanced or differential input. Even if the outputs are unbalanced, a balanced input is always preferable. You can ground either side of a balanced input, with the only consequence being that it isn't really balanced any more. It is still better than an unbalanced input because it breaks ground loops. | ||
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| + | Balanced inputs usually will accept a higher level, but you need to check to see what it really will take. Some of them still have less headroom than a professional grade mixer would have on its output. | ||
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