This is a fairly new hobby for me, and I should know more about this
by now... Ive got a fostex fd 8 which Ive had for 8 years - it records
at 16 bit, 44.1 kHz I think - but I might need a souncard to transfer
my mixes to my PC so I can burn them to CD, Ive tried it using a line
from the headphone output to the line in input on my PC but it picks
up all sorts of interference, and the souncard is crap I think. So:

1. Can I get a wire which goes from a 1/8" stereo to two white and red
audio jacks for the proper output on the recorder, and will this
eliminate the interference?

2. If not, which type of soundcard should I be getting to do it
properly? I think my Fostex has a S/PDIF optical output for digital
audio transfers, but is it worth getting a 24 bit 96kHz card if my
recorder doesnt record at that quality? Im a bit short for cash you
see.

I know, Im as thick as two short planks, but one of you boffins has
the answer.

Neil Grant wrote:
This is a fairly new hobby for me, and I should know more about this
by now... Ive got a fostex fd 8 which Ive had for 8 years - it records
at 16 bit, 44.1 kHz I think - but I might need a souncard to transfer
my mixes to my PC so I can burn them to CD, Ive tried it using a line
from the headphone output to the line in input on my PC but it picks
up all sorts of interference, and the souncard is crap I think. So:

1. Can I get a wire which goes from a 1/8" stereo to two white and red
audio jacks for the proper output on the recorder, and will this
eliminate the interference?

You can get a mini-jack TRS to stereo RCA converter (which is what you
appear to be describing) from guitar center, zzounds etc. If it costs
more than $10, you've been had. Not sure if it will eliminate the
interference unless it's shielded - if so expect to pay a bit more for
the converter cable.

2. If not, which type of soundcard should I be getting to do it
properly? I think my Fostex has a S/PDIF optical output for digital
audio transfers, but is it worth getting a 24 bit 96kHz card if my
recorder doesnt record at that quality? Im a bit short for cash you
see.

Well, you didn't say what the machine was, operating system or your
budget (which can't really be *xero* right?). The EMU 0404 sound
card is fabulous and presently costs $80-100 depending on where you
shop. This card has 1/4-inch I/O as well as S/PDIF and comes with a
truck load of bundled software that should do whatever you want
(including re-mixing, editing, re-recording ...)

"Philip N. Daly" wrote in message
...
Neil Grant wrote:

2. If not, which type of soundcard should I be getting to do it
properly? I think my Fostex has a S/PDIF optical output for digital
audio transfers, but is it worth getting a 24 bit 96kHz card if my
recorder doesnt record at that quality? Im a bit short for cash you
see.

Well, you didn't say what the machine was, operating system or your
budget (which can't really be *xero* right?). The EMU 0404 sound
card is fabulous and presently costs $80-100 depending on where you
shop. This card has 1/4-inch I/O as well as S/PDIF and comes with a
truck load of bundled software that should do whatever you want
(including re-mixing, editing, re-recording ...)

And just to answer your question, no, there will be no improvement in the
results from a higher-res. soundcard if you're transferring 16-bit 44.1kHz
material. A better soundcard, though, may give you better sound for
monitoring as you edit than the crappy one will.

Peace,
Paul

Neil Grant wrote:

which type of soundcard should I be getting to do it
properly? I think my Fostex has a S/PDIF optical output for digital
audio transfers, but is it worth getting a 24 bit 96kHz card if my
recorder doesnt record at that quality? Im a bit short for cash you
see.

In that case, you might want to try a card with a C-Media 8738 chipset and an optical port.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?scoring=p&q=cobra+850deluxe&btnG=Search+Fr oogle