Right, done some digging on the deck..
The model below (Str8 90), is quoted as outputting 16/44.1 from the spdif option. I can't see them spending more money on a dac for my deck. So I'd only see the benefits of higher bitdepth if I connected via analogue.
The problem here though, is I think my mixer is old and sounds quiet noisy. That said, I think it's an easier problem to tackle with something like Logic Denoiser (basic but just about works) or Waves X-Noise. I had Waves and Soundforge on my pc, but im no longer on a pc... I posted here yesterday that Soundforge is the app I miss most from my old days..
The other possible option, seeing as the deck doesn't need a dedicated earth in line mode, would be hooking the turntable up directly to the card by using phono to 3/4 jack cables. I'd then just have to turn down the input either on the sapphire's input/software or in Logic.
Why record so far down? won't that result in a generally poorer s/n ratio when converting? I can see why it's useful for getting rid of the clicks, because it leaves more room between the wanted noise and extreme unwanted. But -18 seems a large drop..
Incidentally, I have found a program with a preset for lifting the curve. It's Amadeus Pro. I may d/l the trial and experiment with it later. I need another editor... after the antics of soundtrack yesterday, I'm looking to move on !!
I'm leaning towards the idea the deck must correct the curve before it hits either output. That said, I still prefer the sound with the eq's in place. I'm not sure exactly what it's doing, but the record seems to have more presence when they're on.
Here's another q. Should I dither the analogue inputs, or will the hardware or software do this automatically ?
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