Analog vs digital connection

[szurcio]

What are the advantages of recording through a digital input? I have an audio interface with only analog inputs and I was wondering if the recordings of my Fantom would sound much better after upgrading to a (more expensive) audio interface with a digital in and out. Less hissing/humming noise in the background (?)

[RikMaxSpeed]

The closest analogy would be copying tapes (analog) and copying a WAV file on your PC (all digital)

The digital connection should ensure that the signal leaving the Fantom is identical to what you record on your PC down to the last bit. (Assuming you use the same sample frequency etc.) ie: you're just exchanging binary data.

Alternatively, if you go the analog route you have:

Inside the Fantom:
digital signal -> digital/analog converter -> output jacks

Followed by:
-> analog cable to your PC card ->

Followed by;
low-pass filter -> analog/digial converter -> PC's memory

This introduces loads of places were the signal may be distorted or detiorated in some way. It introduces dependences on the A/D and D/A converters in both units, the quality of your audio cables, the quality of the power supplies to both units, minute differences in sampling rates, phases, possibly aliasing etc.

[da-man]

I have tried both and prefer the analog. The digital is very sterile and a bit too clean. The analog is a touch duller but much warmer.

Signal noise should not be an issue. If it is then you have too much gain somewhere in the process.

I like to record a lot of tracks through a mixer with EQ settings different for crash cymbals, bass guitar, piano, drums and pads. I sometimes group a few together if I can.

[RikMaxSpeed]

So what you're saying is that you like all the imperfections introduced by the D/A and A/D converters. That's a very common phenomenon and what you describe (ie: duller & warmer) is absolutely typical of the analogue process. But you have degraded the quality of your signal.

[da-man]

I just can't explain it RikMaxSpeed. I agree with both of your posts. Yes I know the signal is degraded and I can tell the difference.

I can monitor both signals from my speakers and the digital is definitely sharp and clean but my ears prefer it warmer and duller from the DACS. The part that doesn't make sense is that both signals at the end process are digital. It's just one has been DACed twice in the process.

I definitely can tell the digital is perfect and clean. But my ears seem to like the signal a touch more subtle? The Fantom has good DACS and I have a MAudio 24/96 which has good DACS.

I'm not an audio engineer and don't have a lot of gear. Most of music I record is ethereal sounding songs with the odd backing tracks I do for people. I am always striving to get the best sound I can out of a simple set-up.

[Diametro]

I like them both and would basically agree with the descriptions of each ... but since I'm using the Fantom as master recording device (i.e. monitors plugged into Fantom's output) everything is getting re-sampled internally ...

... I am using the digital out on my V-Synth and analog outs on V-Synth XT ... In a mix, I can't tell the difference ... but I think I prefer the digital outs on V-Synth ...

...honestly, they all sound so good it really doesn't matter ...

Mostly I just use the digital outs as a way to get another two channel with my MOTU 828 mkii, which is handingly all my i/o into the Fantom X ...