I am looking for a 4-channel (or 2x2) analog to digital converter. I would like it to be transparent and for it to be very low latency, connections are RCA (although I can deal with XLR/TRS). Any thoughts/recommendations would be appreciated.
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- Thread starter MerlinGS
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What’s the budget? What should it interface with? Do you need a box? A board? What do you consider transparent?
… still lots of open questions.
… still lots of open questions.
- Thread Starter
- #3
Thanks for the response. I want to use it to convert an analog signal coming from a single ended audio processor. I would prefer a box, but would consider a DIY project that is not too complicated. By transparent, I mean it does not alter the analog signal in a manner that can be heard; i.e. the digital content should be auditorily indistinguishable from the analog content once converted (it is not necessary that the ADC specifications exceed specifications that are beyond human hearing).
There really isn’t a lot out there. AliExpress has some cheap boards using PCM1802. I have no idea what real performance they offer, but in theory they give a 96 SINAD, so CD quality. I’d be interested to know though 
PCM1804 would be even better.
PCM1804 would be even better.- Thread Starter
- #5
It may be an option, if I can't find a reasonable box ready option. A PCM1804 board can be had for $19, so $38 for two including shipping (2 x 1802 can be had for $12.5 including shipping). The same vendor offers a power board for $17 including shipping, and it seems to provide sufficient power for two PCM 1804. I would like to read a DIY thread about someone completing the project before going down this path, just to make sure there are no hiccups. However, I would be happy to pay a couple of hundred for a proven ready-made box.
Do you have a link to the 1804 board? I can’t find any. Or is that the one that interfaces with a DSP board?
Yeah, so the one that interfaces with a DSP.
It could work. With a bit of luck you get the pin out of the connector.
- Thread Starter
- #10
Which Motu or focusrite would you suggest?
It will go to a Processor I use to convert digital to analog. The reason I need to convert the original analog to digital is because the processor I use for music and tv is setup to receive digital signals.
Yes, it is a bit of a mess
It will go to a Processor I use to convert digital to analog. The reason I need to convert the original analog to digital is because the processor I use for music and tv is setup to receive digital signals.
Yes, it is a bit of a mess
I guess because they need a computer to work.
What do you mean with a processor? Some sort of computer? An AVR?
If your processor is a computer, Motu M4 has a decent adc, 4 channels and was measured here. Its only digital output is USB. Don't know if it fits your needs, have a look:
audiosciencereview.com
If your processor is a computer, Motu M4 has a decent adc, 4 channels and was measured here. Its only digital output is USB. Don't know if it fits your needs, have a look:
Motu M4 Audio Interface Review
This is a review of Motu M4 4x4 audio interface (DAC and ADC). It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $220. The enclosure is heavy gauge metal and sturdy: The front inputs are for microphones with higher gain. For my testing I used the Line in (and out) in the back: For testing I...
audiosciencereview.com
I believe there are interfaces with spdif or adat outputs that can work standalone, that's why i was asking where the digital signals go
There are a few things indeed, not the budget ones I think.
- Thread Starter
- #15
A processor with RCA outputs (JVC XP 1010). It's a processor from the 90s with some nice features allowing it create certain hall effects. The system in my family room is not ideal for 7.1 + systems, but the configuration provided by the XP 1010 works well. However, for personal reasons I would like to digitize its effects output.
Trell
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I'd say this is an excellent opportunity to reevaluate your entire setup.
- Thread Starter
- #17
Thanks for your concern. I have 4 different setups, including Atmos, 7.1 and 5.1. I "high-end" analog setups, and very well designed digital setups. I am happy with the above noted setup and there is nothing to re-evaluate, I just need to be find a reasonable way to convert my analog effects signal
I'm having a similar issue, mixing analog Kali speakers with a digital only Genelec 7271 dual sub and 8260 monitors.
This is one solution I found, but it's expensive and just the cable to connect things is another ~$100+
I'd be interested in other options though.
Something like this with RCA inputs would work too:
www.bhphotovideo.com
This is one solution I found, but it's expensive and just the cable to connect things is another ~$100+
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I'd be interested in other options though.
Something like this with RCA inputs would work too:
Gra-Vue MIO AD-AUD Analog Audio to AES Converter
Buy Gra-Vue MIO AD-AUD Analog Audio to AES Converter Review Gra-Vue MIO AD
- Thread Starter
- #19
Those are interesting options. One would imagine the Genelec would be fairly transparent, but I would like to see some measurements to confirm it. The Gra-Vue also looks interesting, but I would need two of them, whereas the Genelec could handle 4 channels of analog.
Notice how the Genelec only has 4 output XLR plugs. The Gra-Vue has 2. This is because each AES/EBU over XLR output supports two channels. Sounds like the Gra-Vue may work if you need 4 channels.
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