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Post by kcatthedog on Aug 2, 2013 17:51:06 GMT -6
they haven't said so the guys @iajg and cat5 are going to pop the top and do the reveal and then record: stock apollo, modded apollo, maybe 2192 and dbox and post clips this weekend !
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 2, 2013 18:36:28 GMT -6
Nice...keep us updated...
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 3, 2013 1:31:35 GMT -6
The difference between junk conversion and a great conversion as systems, is the difference between night and day in my view and to my ears. it definitely matters. And i will bet my last penny, that when the reviews of this apollo mod come in, it's going to be dramatically better.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2013 1:56:48 GMT -6
But the difference between a stock high end converter and a modded one? I don't think I'd hear it.
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 3, 2013 2:56:09 GMT -6
But the difference between a stock high end converter and a modded one? I don't think I'd hear it. Hi jordan, i think you are correct, you wouldn't hear much a diff between a bla modded convertor, like a modded digi 002 and something really, really high end, the clocking portion of the conversion is the biggest part of the mods, and their clocks are really good, it makes a remarkable difference, especially as the track count goes up. i know this because i have a modded 002 w/fm clock, and IMO it's as good as any converter i've ever heard, and i've heard many. As far as modding other equipment, opamp mods, caps, and other high quality components can make a huge difference in audio quality when put together by the proper hands. Have a piece modded by jim williams, and tell me you don't hear a beautiful difference? It is so. this link runs down what BLA does to the digi 002, i doubt the apollo mod varies much from what works. blacklionaudio.com/product/digi-002r/ |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2013 3:09:34 GMT -6
I'll give this a look when I'm at a comp tomorrow. If the clips surface and I hear it I'm gonna take a look at having the alpha link modded. I have never had jw mod anything for me. He seems like an exceptionally knowledgable guy though. I'll give clips a go. I'm usually okay with picking out different stuff.
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Post by IamJohnGalt on Aug 3, 2013 8:43:31 GMT -6
But the difference between a stock high end converter and a modded one? I don't think I'd hear it. Unless you have your room acoustics in order and a high quality monitoring chain in place, that you know well, you probably wont hear it. oops....that was a classic purple place response. Face palm |
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 3, 2013 12:06:36 GMT -6
Everything i'm saying here is from my experience, and is JMO.
I think if you record an identical track with the 2 said converters, you won't hear a dramatic diff with all things being equal(PSU, signal path work), if you listen to a modded vs stock bla rig and you don't hear a diff, then refer to the above post. It is when you start adding more tracks that the precision clocking really starts to shine, I can tell you that the digi 002 stock turned out flaccid, lifeless, greyworld recordings when using more than 2 tracks, to the degree that i ignored it as a piece of gear completely. Since the mods, I get excited to use it. I would also suggest that, tracking to mixing, the clarity and precision imaging given by the employment of a great conversion system, culminates in a big, clear, wide and translatable final mix, due to the fact that you could REALLY hear what you were doing in the process.
I know a lot of guys will say, "it doesn't matter, everyone listens to mp3's on earbuds" I think the above is analogous to a couple cars driving by, one is a spit shined muscle car, the other is a 1975 pinto duct taped together, you don't have to fine tooth inspect each ride to see the difference in the seconds that it took them to drive by, this applies(in varying degrees) to mixes in my view.
hope this helps
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Post by jimwilliams on Aug 4, 2013 12:03:55 GMT -6
How about some real info on it? What did they do, what converter chips are used, the usual stuff "under the hood".
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Aug 4, 2013 12:50:57 GMT -6
@ Jim
Cat 5 took the lid off and had a look. They were up all night tooling around with it. I'm sure he'll chime in here with some pics when he gets his legs back.
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 4, 2013 12:56:29 GMT -6
How about some real info on it? What did they do, what converter chips are used, the usual stuff "under the hood". hey Jim, here's a link that gives you some of what your asking for, these mods are over my head(you know my level for sure), but it sounds night and day better to my ears, and these here ears, I do trust. blacklionaudio.com/product/digi-002r/ |
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 4, 2013 12:57:22 GMT -6
Product Description
The Apollo Premium Modification is the newest addition to the BLA family! The modification includes the following:
Analog Stage Upgrade
New, high performance op-amps on EVERY analog input and output (mic preamps, line inputs, Hi-Z inputs, headphone outputs, monitor outputs, and line outputs)
New, high-grade signal path capacitors on EVERY analog input and output (mic preamps, line inputs, Hi-Z inputs, headphone outputs, monitor outputs, and line outputs)
Improving the performance of these circuits makes a drastic difference for tracking, mixing, and mastering (expect amazing micro-dynamics and space)!
Converter Decoupling
Proprietary decoupling on all A/D and D/A converters using methods found in our Signature, FM, and XB modifications
This reduces noise generated during the conversion process, leaving you with crisp, clear audio!
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 4, 2013 12:57:41 GMT -6
What does "de-coupling" mean anyway...?
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 4, 2013 13:07:58 GMT -6
What does "de-coupling" mean anyway...? As i understand it, it's when you go out on a date with one girl, and you come home with another...he he he 8/ |
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Aug 5, 2013 12:05:11 GMT -6
Here's some A/B files of the BLA Mod done by IAJG and Cat 5. Should be interesting to hear some opinions. All done with a split cable so the takes are identical. soundcloud.com/iamjohngalt-1 |
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 5, 2013 12:14:42 GMT -6
Cool Cowboy, with a real quick listen, i say A is the BLA, but IMO, the real test is stacking tracks. That is when the detail and punch should reveal itself with the more accurate clocking. The other thing that's problematic, is soundcloud compression, a dropbox would be better no?
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Post by wiz on Aug 5, 2013 16:30:47 GMT -6
I liked all the B's
there seemed to be a fair bit of daylight between A and B, which I reckon is a good thing, regardless of which is which... its a distinct choice.
(of course having said that, I will find out they have been switched around in which case, I will just put my head back from whence I pulled it out......)
8)
cheers
Wiz
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Post by IamJohnGalt on Aug 5, 2013 16:53:08 GMT -6
Thanks for posting the link Cowboy...I couldnt log on earlier for some reason.
Yeah...the difference is clear imo. The test was only one track so all of the difference cant be appreciated. We tracked this at 4am as we wasted time with some troubleshooting but i think you can get a good idea if you have a decent monitoring environment.
Ill continue to test it out and share my findings if there is interest. Cheers.
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Post by wiz on Aug 5, 2013 17:06:00 GMT -6
I would be interested. For sure. I also appreciate the time and effort you put into this, regardless of the financial outlay, but the work and providing the examples ....
I am glad, that the difference, is "significant" because its a considerable amount of coin (percentage of the apollos cost ) and previously some mods (not necessarily BLA mods) have been far more inconclusive.
So at least, people can listen, and then decide if they like dark chocolate or vanilla, rather than 2 different types of strawberry... 8)
cheers
Wiz
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 5, 2013 18:14:59 GMT -6
Here's some A/B files of the BLA Mod done by IAJG and Cat 5. Should be interesting to hear some opinions. All done with a split cable so the takes are identical. soundcloud.com/iamjohngalt-1OK, apparently Macbook Pro speakers aren't gonna cut it...was hoping it might be whopping enough to be audible even there... |
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Aug 5, 2013 19:02:26 GMT -6
Here's some A/B files of the BLA Mod done by IAJG and Cat 5. Should be interesting to hear some opinions. All done with a split cable so the takes are identical. soundcloud.com/iamjohngalt-1OK, apparently Macbook Pro speakers aren't gonna cut it...was hoping it might be whopping enough to be audible even there... I found the most noticeable difference on the acoustic track when Cat 5 played the quick, tight strum. That section really brought out the pretty harmonics better with the modded unit. |
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 5, 2013 19:20:23 GMT -6
I only listened to the Vox sample quickly earlier, on the guitar tracks, i preferred B on both samples, but still pretty close, B had more fullness, and less whoomphy jump. I stand by the multiple tracks will show the bigger difference statement for sure though, also soundcloud chows files, it would be a better show in a drop box? imo
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Post by tonycamphd on Aug 5, 2013 19:21:14 GMT -6
OK, apparently Macbook Pro speakers aren't gonna cut it...was hoping it might be whopping enough to be audible even there... I found the most noticeable difference on the acoustic track when Cat 5 played the quick, tight strum. That section really brought out the pretty harmonics better with the modded unit. which is the modded unit? |
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Aug 5, 2013 19:39:19 GMT -6
B is the mod.
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Post by IamJohnGalt on Aug 5, 2013 23:54:01 GMT -6
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