sound card recommendation at DVinfo.net

Ross Hunter · February 16th, 2010, 12:52 PM

I need to replace a Dell sound card and would like some advice. I am converting 30-to-40 year old radio station audio tapes to digital. Most of the tapes were recorded in the radio station and not off the air. The tapes are in pretty good condition, but they are not audiophile quality.

This is not exactly on topic for a video forum, but I have used some of the old radio audio in a documentary.

Thanks for your help.

Richard Crowley · February 16th, 2010, 10:36 PM

Easiest would probably be just plugging in a USB device like the Behringer UCA202. It is more than good enough for most audio tasks like digitizing radio station air check tapes.

Jay Massengill · February 17th, 2010, 10:27 AM

I also have a UCA-202 and it works fine. The UCA-222 is also available and I have one of those as well. The only difference in the two is the price, the color of the device and the 222 includes a disc of software rather than free downloading.
I use them primarily as a better output from my laptop than its built-in analog connectors (especially the headphone out).
Both devices have a switchable headphone monitor which is handy for latency-free listening to the input source if that's necessary.
I haven't used them as much for input, but I haven't noted any problems the few times I did capture with them.
They are about the lowest priced devices around and easy to use. They also work with the ASIO4ALL driver, which is a free download.

Ross Hunter · February 17th, 2010, 11:13 AM

Thanks, guys. Those looks like a good options. I can also use it at home on my Mac.

I don't need the disc or download software. I have all the audio software I think I need, but the red one is sexy. :-)

Jim Andrada · February 18th, 2010, 11:31 PM

I use a Lynx L22 - very nice, but not cheap.

Nicole Hankerson · February 28th, 2010, 12:56 PM

The Tascam US-122 is nice to. I use to use that about 3 or 4 years ago(the original blue/white one). Really great USB sound card and it offers midi. It can be purchased for around 150-160 if not less.

Nicole

February 16th, 2010, 12:52 PM	#1
Ross Hunter Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Orange VA Posts: 38	sound card recommendation I need to replace a Dell sound card and would like some advice. I am converting 30-to-40 year old radio station audio tapes to digital. Most of the tapes were recorded in the radio station and not off the air. The tapes are in pretty good condition, but they are not audiophile quality. This is not exactly on topic for a video forum, but I have used some of the old radio audio in a documentary. Thanks for your help.

February 16th, 2010, 10:36 PM	#2
Richard Crowley Trustee Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,238	Easiest would probably be just plugging in a USB device like the Behringer UCA202. It is more than good enough for most audio tasks like digitizing radio station air check tapes.

February 17th, 2010, 10:27 AM	#3
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	I also have a UCA-202 and it works fine. The UCA-222 is also available and I have one of those as well. The only difference in the two is the price, the color of the device and the 222 includes a disc of software rather than free downloading. I use them primarily as a better output from my laptop than its built-in analog connectors (especially the headphone out). Both devices have a switchable headphone monitor which is handy for latency-free listening to the input source if that's necessary. I haven't used them as much for input, but I haven't noted any problems the few times I did capture with them. They are about the lowest priced devices around and easy to use. They also work with the ASIO4ALL driver, which is a free download.

February 17th, 2010, 11:13 AM	#4
Ross Hunter Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Orange VA Posts: 38	Thanks, guys. Those looks like a good options. I can also use it at home on my Mac. I don't need the disc or download software. I have all the audio software I think I need, but the red one is sexy. :-)

February 18th, 2010, 11:31 PM	#5
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	I use a Lynx L22 - very nice, but not cheap.

February 28th, 2010, 12:56 PM	#6
Nicole Hankerson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 143	The Tascam US-122 is nice to. I use to use that about 3 or 4 years ago(the original blue/white one). Really great USB sound card and it offers midi. It can be purchased for around 150-160 if not less. Nicole