> I want an inexpensive way to connect a hydrophone to a ... card. I will then write the software to read the audio-in port. I want to read frequencies between 1 Hz and 100 kHz and use my own software to read the input .. Does this make sense? ... <
No, it doesn't make sense. The ordinary built-in soundcard in a laptop is low quality and doesn't have a frequency range like the one you mention. Neither will the signal/noise level make you happy. There will be a kind of impedance mismatch between the hydrophone and the microphone preamplifier, which will degrade the S/N further. If you can accept a flat frequency range 20 Hz - 40 kHz, and can accept to use a mic preamp instead of a real hydrophone preamp, you might find Core Sound's Mic2496 interesting. (From the sales blurb: Mic2496 is a handheld 24-bit/96 KS/s dual mic pre-amp and A-to-D converter that runs on a single 9 Volt battery, provides 48 Volt phantom power and offers very fine sound and very low noise. It's a great front end for our PDAudio high resolution recording system. We're proud to say that there's nothing else like it in the world! It's available now for $499! ) The web-site is www.core-sound.com. mvh Anders Heerfordt CSC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a PRIVATE message. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete without copying and kindly advise us by e-mail of the mistake in delivery. NOTE: Regardless of content, this e-mail shall not operate to bind CSC to any order or other contract unless pursuant to explicit written agreement or government initiative expressly permitting the use of e-mail for such purpose. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
