Half the size of a brick, SonicPort, a 20-bit analog-digital converter, features sophisticated music recording functionality that suits musicians as well as MP3 fans. There are two connectors on each side of the Sonicport. One analog input connector is dedicated to connect CD-players, MD-players, VHS, microphones, or even your old record player so that SonicPort can preserve your old music collections. The other analog connector is designed to output the audio. The gold S/PDIF coaxial connectors – input and output – serve similar roles but for musical instruments, such as guitar, keyboard, and violin.
Installation and software
Installation of Sonicport is easy and straight-forward. There are few things that users must note. First is to install the drivers before plugging the device into a USB port. Next limitation is that SonicPort only supports Windows 98. (Mac support is due out in early 2000.) Also, users must choose to configure the SonicPort as the primary audio device under Multimedia section in the Control panel. The bundled software includes N-Track which is responsible for recording and editing audio. In addition, N-Track also supports Direct-X plug-in effects and MP3 conversions.
The record process requires minimal technical expertise. Simply plug in the cables to the analog input connector on the SonicPort. (This could be the output from CD-Player, Stereo, DVD, MD, microphone, or even VHS.) Hit the record button and finish
with a stop button. Users are given the option to record at other sampling rates rather than the default rate at 44.1K.
Converted from a CD source, the
sample MP3 file, compressed to 321KB, contains no drop-outs, high-fidelity
results and near CD-quality.
Conclusion
Priced at $250, SonicPort is designed for pure musicians. This technology benefits both laptop owners and also creative musicians. For laptop users, the Sonicport serves as a solution to record high quality sound on the road.
Nonetheless, the price of
SonicPort is quite high and can not be compared to soundcards at its price range. But if you are a musician, I can guarantee you to have a wonderful experience with this product.
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