Post by gcmoog on Feb 23, 2017 7:38:51 GMT
Hi all,
Recently I saw a thread discussing the benefits of using a power adapter for a consumer grade interface vs bus power. The OP showed a picture (of the box their interface came in) where the manufacturer implied that an optional power supply would "enable a wider dynamic range", suggesting higher performance than if it was powered over USB...
It also had a nice diagram showing how USB (2.0 in this case) cannot provide the same amount of current as a 9V DC power adapter. This is true, but as the current draw for this particular device is only 240ma, and USB 2.0 can provide up to 500ma of current, how could "wider dynamic range" be offered by using a power adapter? It doesn't mention any of this on their website either, and of course, the interface doesn't come with the adapter, it is just listed as an accessory ($40+shipping!).
I don't know enough about this but I am skeptical. I used to have an 8 channel M-audio interface that could offer limited use with bus power and needed a power supply to record all 8 channels at once with +48v @ up to 96k, if I remember correctly. The difference being that the adapter came with the product, and in a situation where an interface needs additional power outside of the capacity of the USB port or it won't function fully, I get it, but is there any benefit to having a power supply in a situation like this where bus power is more than sufficient?
Also, are there any good articles, or supporting information, to show that there would be an audio quality/performance improvement in using a power adapter over USB bus power?
Thanks
Recently I saw a thread discussing the benefits of using a power adapter for a consumer grade interface vs bus power. The OP showed a picture (of the box their interface came in) where the manufacturer implied that an optional power supply would "enable a wider dynamic range", suggesting higher performance than if it was powered over USB...
It also had a nice diagram showing how USB (2.0 in this case) cannot provide the same amount of current as a 9V DC power adapter. This is true, but as the current draw for this particular device is only 240ma, and USB 2.0 can provide up to 500ma of current, how could "wider dynamic range" be offered by using a power adapter? It doesn't mention any of this on their website either, and of course, the interface doesn't come with the adapter, it is just listed as an accessory ($40+shipping!).
I don't know enough about this but I am skeptical. I used to have an 8 channel M-audio interface that could offer limited use with bus power and needed a power supply to record all 8 channels at once with +48v @ up to 96k, if I remember correctly. The difference being that the adapter came with the product, and in a situation where an interface needs additional power outside of the capacity of the USB port or it won't function fully, I get it, but is there any benefit to having a power supply in a situation like this where bus power is more than sufficient?
Also, are there any good articles, or supporting information, to show that there would be an audio quality/performance improvement in using a power adapter over USB bus power?
Thanks
