Re: [linux-audio-user] Multi-channel audio with a computer front end

I'm replying to both of you Paul and Mark in one email. It's just easier that
way and clearer. Thank you for both of your responses. Now, on to my
clarifications and questions. I apologise for the confused questions, but
i'm well confused. My aim is to use my computer as the front-end and and have
it do all of the DSP for maximum flexibility. I want as few components as
possible between the computer and amps, unless i *have* to use a pre-amp for
extra gain. More clarifications are below.

>On 1/15/07, Paul Davis <paul@email-addr-hidden> wrote:
><SNIP>
>
>> first of all, D/A conversion associated with the computer does need to
>> be noisy - there are many devices with external breakout boxes now - and
>> it does not need to be jittery if you are willing to spend money on good
>> equipment. i would agree that doing it inside the chassis case is
>> probably not the best arrangement, but thats not much of an issue these
>> days.
>
><SNIP>
>
>I agree with everythign PAul said although I *think* he meant to say
>"D/A conversion associated with the computer does (NOT) need to be
>noisy". D/A converters inside of a computer are a bad idea but mounted
>externally in a breakout box they are no different than the same
>converters sitting inside a recording studio.
>
>
><SNIP>
>
>> RME solutions have too high a channel count for you, however.
Actually, i used to have an RME Hammerfall 9636 it worked very nicely, except
that there are no mixers in it. In fact it was Paul that helped me with the
Alsa config files to keep it going. Thanks Paul! In the years since i've
forgotten all about it. It might be just what i need. Currently, i am using
nvidia on-board sound and i can hear the fans of the PC in my speakers along
with a little buzzing. Horrid :) Granted this is with my ear near the cone,
but any noise adds coloration. I'm looking at purchasing a pair of Gallo
Reference 3.1 and a set or Red Dragon Class D monoblocks all of which are
which are *very* revealing and this noise must go.

><Revisiting your original post>
>
>Will a linux
>movie player using xine or gstreamer be able to send the correct channels of
>the Dolby Digital/DTS to the individual channels on a multi-channel pro
>device?
>
></Revisiting>
>
>I run an RME HDSP 9652. I suspect that's similar to what Paul is
>running these days. I have used xine with hdspmixer to mix 5.1 output
>into other formats, like stereo. There is no reason you couldn't do
>the same mixing 5.1 into 4.1 or some other arrangement that works with
>your specialized setup. It worked great for me. xine outputs six
>channels of audio. You can do whatever you want wither each channel -
>ladspa plugins, combinations routed how you like, etc. It's quite easy
>with hdspmixer.

>As others have said I would stay away from the FreeBob solutions at
>this time, unless you have a stomach for working through whatever
>issues you are going to come across. You could do a *Very* nice
>high-end home theater system using an HDSP 9636 and a good set of
>D/A's. You might look at one of the low-cost (<$250) 8 channel ones
>for all the extra channels and use something like a Benchmark DAC1
>which has really great sound, albeit a bit pricey but not totally over
>the top, for left and right.

I'm a little confused as to what connection i would use with the hdsp 3696 and
the Benchmark DAC1 to get 24/192 in at least 4 channels.

Yes, thank you. I'm looking for 4 channels actually as i don't like center
channels (left, right, rear right, rear left). 8 channels is fine actually
as i can use the other channels for something. I may use it as as DAW
sometimes or multi-zoning,

Hsdpmixer sounds just like what i have been looking for, but i looked around
for details on it and could find nothing. Is this an app to interface with
the internal mixer of the card or is it the name for the mixer on the card
itself?

I've read in the audiophile press that usb/firewire is more desirable then
spdif because usb/firewire has lower levels of jitter. Of course if the
difference is truly inaudible i don't care.

The less components and cables between the computer and the amps the better
(generally unless you need extra gain provided by a pre-amp). If i were to
use an RME Hammerfall DSP 9632 and go straight into an amplifier (monoblocks)
I would still get all the computer noise as i would be doing D/A inside the
box, right? Of course i could get a fanless video card, power supply and
chipset, but then the case fans might still add noise, not to mention the
electronics itself. Of course this won't work if the gain on the RME is not
high enough (i'd be using the balanced outs). However, i assume i'll get the
Buzz of Doom if my computer powers down and the amps are on.

So if need to send it out to a breakout box. Would this be better done through
adat or spdif? I'm looking for at least 4 channels of 24/192 being delivered
to 4 monoblocks and i thought that neither could do that. If i got 2
Benchmark DAC1s they would not necessarily be in synch right?

I've always liked the RME cards and i just read somewhere that Paul is
actually a RME dealer. I'd be looking to buy a card sometime this summer.
I'll contact you then.

>Hope this helps,
>Mark
Received on Tue Jan 16 08:15:02 2007