DAC/audio interface for pc

BAcon

BAcon

BAcon

Soldato
Joined
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near Bristol
Hi all.

I've recently built a gaming pc and have been using a basic headset connected directly to the 3.5mm connections on the mobo I/O, Hyper X Alpha jobbie. I also have some Superlux HD 668Bs that I use when I don't need comms in games.

So my next steps, what USB DAC/audio interface do people recommend for the following:

*Usb to PC
*Active speakers (Mackie mr524, JBL 305, Adam T5V etc) - various connection options available depending on the speaker of choice, some have 1/4" TRS, some have XLR etc. as long as I can get an analogue connection from the dac to these that's fine.
*Headphone connection
*mic connection for voice Comms in multiplayer games with mates. I am assuming where an interface has an XLR in for a mic, I can use an adapter to go from 3.5mm to XLR? If not then I might have to consider a separate microphone.
*Independent volume control, or a switch, for changing between speakers and headphones.

I've been researching and can see various interfaces which have far more connectivity than your standard dac, as well as being a pre amp for headphones. For a budget of around £100, what would you recommend? These are what I've found so far:

Audient ID4 MK2 £120
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th gen £120
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen £90 uused
Fosi k5 pro £60 or so
Behringer 302usb at the cheaper end, £40, looks a little messy though.

Would appreciate feedback, if I'm barking up the wrong tree, or if any of these are overkill/sub standard etc for my usage.

Cheers
Mike
 
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Maybe not the best for gaming but hifi is more my bag. I use a Cambridge audio DacMagic 100, decent little DAC for the money, then you can follow with whatever audio devices you like.

Seperate USB mic - Razer Seiren
 
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Other than the Fosi, I think the rest of your list are audio interfaces, so it depends on exactly what you want to achieve

As for budget DACS iFi Zen Air (around £100) or, so you'll be able to connect it to your phone and use it on the go if that's your thing, iFi Go Link (around £60 and my daily driver, got it for my phone, I use it on the desktop to listen to music too).

.
 
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mpj88 said:
Maybe not the best for gaming but hifi is more my bag. I use a Cambridge audio DacMagic 100, decent little DAC for the money, then you can follow with whatever audio devices you like.

Seperate USB mic - Razer Seiren
Click to expand...
I have a UMC202HD which was a cheap audio interface (I think about 50 quid) when I got it 5 years ago, would yours be a lot better sounding? Maybe time for an upgrade.
 
BAcon said:
Behringer 302usb at the cheaper end, £40, looks a little messy though.
Click to expand...

My dad uses one of these for some basic audio editing if I recall it is limited to 16bit 48KHz audio and while OK for light productivity type use is a bit flat sounding for music enjoyment and not really suited to gaming.

I've not tried them myself but I've seen people say the Fosi K5 Pro and SK02 (SK02 lacks microphone/line-in though) work well for gaming with good positional results, but especially the SK02 there are some concerns about the audio quality compared to alternatives - though not stuff which would bother the average consumer.
 
Thanks all,

I was initially considering the ID4, but in the end I found a decent deal on ebay for a SMSL C200, no mic connection, but for the times I need comms for online gaming I'll just connect it into the mobo for now. Though will grab a separate USB mic at some stage.

Just awaiting some cables to hook up the JBL's and give it a proper go, drives some Superlux 668 headphones well though.
 
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