How can I compare different D/A converters on sound cards?

[Johnny Stecchino]

Hi to all,
In the moment I have 3 sound cards and I wonder which program can I use to compare the differences between the D/A converters and get to see some parameters (a part of using my ears for the checking with my very average Yamaha MSP5 monitors...)

Cards are:
Pci - Terratec EWX 24/96
Firewire - Presonus firebox
USB - Sound Devices USBPre2

Software I own already (and maybe be able to use for the cause):

NI Komplete 6
Steinberg Cubase 5.5

Thanks in advance!
Jonathan

p.s. I know this is the recording forum but I thought that will be the right place to post though my question is the opposite way around

[Fran Guidry]

You might try Rightmark: http://audio.rightmark.org/index_new.shtml

Fran

[Goddard]

Might find some helpful links here.

[Johnny Stecchino]

Thanks Fran and Goddad!

Regarding the Rightmark software:
in the manual http://audio.rightmark.org/downloads/RMAA%206.0%20User%27s%20Guide.pdf
"This mode requires a high-quality reference sound card for recording test
signals. Before running the test, the examined sound card output must be
connected to the reference card input" etc.

I presume in the case of the SDUSBpre2 I should contact its own IN and OUT and let the sofware runs? Right?

Thanks again! Seems like i'm gonna got lots of work to do now on the case...

[Mixedup]

To measure D-A, you need a calibrated test system, including the hardware you use to record what's played out through the converters as well as the file(s) to be played out through the system — not just some software. Think in terms of Audio Precision analysers, or Lindos test measurement kits.

[Hugh Robjohns]

If I were you, I'd simply listen and pick the one that works the best for you -- both aurally and practically.

Modern converters are all extremely good, and the differences between the very best and the very average amounts to no more than 6dB of noise floor and THD distortion... and that just won't be audible to someone with typical home studio equipment and less-than-perfect monitoring conditions. I'd really not give it a second's thought!

Added to which, do make a genuinely useful technical assessment you'll need measurement equipment which performs itself significantly better than the thing you're trying to test. Finding high resolution digital test files to feed out through the D-A you're interested in isn't that hard. Finding a decent analogue analyser with a sufficiently low noise and distortion performance is... and your interface A-D won't come close!

Hugh

[Johnny Stecchino]

Thanks Mixedup and Hugh,

If I were you, I'd simply listen and pick the one that works the best for you -- both aurally and practically.

I see,
I was wondering for the test 'couse the USBpre2 sounds very open in the high end and I even took down the highs in my monitors because it disturbs me. I wonder if it is my hearing (which is very sensitive for some frequencies) or the device, hence why I wanted to check it, but after I read all what you wrote things are clearer.

Btw: will it be possible to have a review of the USBpre2? I know I already own it but just for curiosity, to see what the professionals think.

Thanks again, and thanks for putting things in proportion.
Jonathan