So, I've got to say no to the Behringer UCA202.

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Hank Davidson

Hank Davidson

Affordable, yet priceless.
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Nov 15, 2006
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History: The card slots of notebooks have changed from PCMCI to Express rendering my Indigo useless.
After seeing the raves and low cost of the Behringer, I jumped on the wagon.

I got one a few months ago and thought it sounded pretty good. So, I've been using it in my new box since then. However, in my down time this month, I was able to do a side by side comparison against my old Echo Indigo. I guess 8 bits do make a difference.
(For those who don't know, the Behringer is a 16 bit card while the Indigo is 24.)


I'll admit, the difference is not something the audience would generally pick out.
Since I can, I had to do something. Today, I ordered Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook. It's 24 bit and has wireless capability. I'll let you know how it is when I get it.

I did find an adapter for the Indigo here, but I'm not sure I trust it to work right.
 
Hank - I had that - in fact I had offered it up for sale here with no takers. With the software installed....this is a wicked sounding card. You will be pleased.

I sold it as I could not split the out puts so that i could run two decks into 2 channels on my mixer.....
 
I guess 8 bits do make a difference (For those who don't know, the Behringer is a 16 bit card while the Indigo is 24.)
Click to expand...

Not really Hank...

What you're hearing, is the difference in quality of the DACs. Almost all DJ software that I am aware of, is only sending out 16 bit samples -- the extra 8 bits really only come into play outbound, if you are sending out 24 bit audio. If sending out 16 bit, the DAC will pad the other 8 bits (basically ignoring it).

Also note that MP3 files are not capable of 24 bit.

Inbound, it's a whole different ballgame for recording into the computer.


As you say, side by side comparisons (which I do using near field monitors), will show a difference, based upon the quality of the DAC in the card -- but is washed out on the dancefloor, much like the difference between WAV and MP3.

I still always recommend the Behringers for DJ work though, as given the price and performance level, they are a perfect fit for mobile DJs.


What makes you happy, is most important though -- as it will make your comfort level better, which will show through in your performance :)
 
Rick call me the Lucifers advocate here.With Disclaimer I own the Behringer unit in question but you make the claim that us DJs ought to spend top dollar on a proper computer but your willing to buy and use the cheap behringer unit? What say you? By the way on side note Kid Rock knows how to wear a Fedora proper.
 
Jon Tuck said:
Rick call me the Lucifers advocate here.With Disclaimer I own the Behringer unit in question but you make the claim that us DJs ought to spend top dollar on a proper computer but your willing to buy and use the cheap behringer unit? What say you? By the way on side note Kid Rock knows how to wear a Fedora proper.
Click to expand...

Just pure experience on my part Jon...

I have a couple of them plugged in, and listen to them all day, every day. From a price/performance perspective, they just work, and do it very well :)

They also seem to be designed by a DJ -- as they are easy to mount in a case, have 3 foot cords, and RCA jacks.


The reason I recommend a proper computer, is because most DJs are not computer geeks. I won't even go into some of the wacky things people tell me every day -- I'm not sure some even know how to turn the thing off -- they just unplug it :sqerr: :sqlaugh:

Based upon the calls I get, the average Joe Computer DJ, does not know, and does not care how their computer works -- they just want it to do magical things for them, with little, or no effort whatsoever.


Somebody with good computer know how, can take any POS, and tweak it to work like a fine tuned machine -- but for the average guy, they are better off spending the money on a machine that is built for work, and not web surfing. Using a cheapo computer, will cost them more in time, effort and frustration, than the difference in cost from buying a decent rig... All comes down to ROI ;) :)
 
Rick, a question on that Behringer unit. It has a built-in volume control. Where do you recommend it be set?
 
dunlopj said:
Rick, a question on that Behringer unit. It has a built-in volume control. Where do you recommend it be set?
Click to expand...

Makes no difference -- it only controls the headphone output...
 
The only thing I don't like about the behringer usb sound card is I can never get the damn thing setup to record with my mixing board, altho that has probably more to do with ignorance than the actual card.. heheh

-James
 
I have and use the unit for straight ( non-karaoke) music. I read a post or two involving their software. I've never used it, as it wasn't included, though I can download it. What enhancements does it offer?
 
i used the soundblaster pcmia cards and then the express cards. Two of my computers still use them. Sounds fine.

but since using the denon hd 2500 as a sound card and then the bose t1 as a sound card...the difference is amazing.

But then again, I am comparing a $90 piece of equipment to $700 and $500 pieces of equipment, so you'd expect better quality....but the difference is striking.
 
Scott Hanna said:
i used the soundblaster pcmia cards and then the express cards. Two of my computers still use them. Sounds fine.

but since using the denon hd 2500 as a sound card and then the bose t1 as a sound card...the difference is amazing.

But then again, I am comparing a $90 piece of equipment to $700 and $500 pieces of equipment, so you'd expect better quality....but the difference is striking.
Click to expand...


Its interesting to note the difference in what we hear...

I've been doing a ton of testing over the last few weeks, and I've been using lots of different devices; Denon 4500, Gigaport AG, Gigaport HD, Behringer, Maya, couple other no name brands, etc.

Certain cards hurt my ears, and sound too harsh to me. I've also spent a whole lot of hours on the phone with George (my main beta tester), and he has similar hearing to mine -- we hear very well in the upper mid, and high to ultra high ranges.

So, as I mentioned in another thread, it is a very subjective thing.

One thing to remember, IMHO, is that there are a number of us out there, that can hear a quartz clock movement from 2 rooms away, or an LCD vertical refresh. When we hear stuff that has mid-high enhancement, it comes across like fingernails on a chalkboard :sqerr:


So, my bottom line is -- just because it sounds good to one person, it may not sound good to the entire room -- and that is something to take into consideration, along with the coloration of your particular speakers and amp setup, when you choose a sound card for a particular room -- otherwise, you need to ride yer EQ...

Just something to think on... :)
 
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