BLA Revolution EXP vs Lynx Aurora N

Another option is a Midas XL48 preamp. It has Adat and aes outputs. I used it for years with my first gen lynx Aurora. When I upgraded, I went with the 24 channel version of the Aurora n so I don't use the Adat anymore, but I do use the preamps.

How much are you distorting things? if you’re using some stupidly distorted stuff, will it matter that much if it’s half decent and doesn’t use some jrc or njm junk and has linear phase anti alias filters? I doubt it matters what you use in front of an 1176 or la2a makeup stages pushed and like even the cheap junk Japanese opamps are better than what was used in some 70s gear like an La4.

A lynx aurora n sort of replaces everything you have interface and conversion wise.

The noise specs don’t matter in the real world unless it’s a Focusrite Scarlett or Presonus. Delta sigma chips are linear to their noisefloor, which is flooded with dither noise. The noise floors of all the modern ones are below a quiet mic amplified by a quiet pre and the quiet hvac systems in purpose built studios. Of course the cheaper chips junk uses often have inadequate built in filters and cheap current to voltage converters built in.

The main differences are the analog line stages, build, clocking, parts, filters, and digital code. Like using total mix to gain stage will truncate the audio. Something like Lynx or DAD is all there and someone like Apogee or Prism is all there but the software can be spotty and Dangerous just doesnt even bother with drivers and onboard mixers or in even making a multichannel ad. RME really cheaps out the analog parts of their multichannel interfaces but they’re trying to hit a price point half that of Lynx and UAD sits both above and below RME but their multichannel apollos try to make the money back from selling plugs. Of course now they are firesaling the plugs like everyone else.

Good points Dan, I have thought, I’ll be sending to tube gear with circuits designed in the 1950 and 60’s so kinda makes a joke out of me worrying about dynamic range and distortion figures !!

I’m very happy with my Avocet and HEDD 192 …. The HEDD has a ballsy musical rock n roll sound I really love.

You’re right - the Lynx N is really a replacement for the lot - and as I can’t afford to double up - I think I can dismiss the Lynx.

I’m down to the BLA or a Ferrofish unit Pulse 16 or A32 Pro … at least I’m thinning down the options.

Thanks.

Thank you - another glowing recommendation.

I've seen some very favourable reviews on Youtube too.

Also, IIRC BLA do mods to the UA Apollo?
So surely there 8x8 EXP comes pre-modded (so to speak) and their best foot forward in it's standard form.

How is the support, drivers, software, etc? That’s equally as important.

The current Revolution usb interfaces are class compliant so no drivers needed on Mac. On windows you have to download drivers and all that jazz.

IMO the build quality suggests that support will probably not be needed. Feels very solid in your hands.

Bummer.

They wouldn't help repair it or anything?

Does the M6 have the same level of sound quality?

Does the same go for the EXP 8x8 has that proven to be reliable?

A big UK online dealer offers a separate 10 year warranty for an extra £70, would that be a sensible add on cost?

Lynx Aurora (n) has been a super solid purchase for me, and I have signal chains that are hyper clear/realistic (mic - Gordon Model 5 - aurora (n) conversion) and some more harmonic stuff (mic - chandler REDD.47 pre - Manley Vari Mu compressor - aurora (n) conversion) --> Lynx captures it essentially as I hear it, zero complaints and zero thoughts of upgrading since purchasing (first time that happened with conversion for me). Just a happy Lynx user chiming in - was worth waiting/saving longer for me.

Black Lion won’t break the bank, so it’s worth trying out. Live with it for a few months, and see how it’s working for you. You can always use it till you save up the bread for a lynx if that’s really what you’re after. I’ve debated selling my Lynx here and there in favor of something else in order to pocket some cash, but it’s just so good, it’s hard to let go. I have 4 preamps in mine, and they are really fantastic as well.

Excellent! Good luck!