Apogee Duet vs TC Konnekt *shoot out*

[YUGA]

I did a quick but pretty fair comparison between the Apogee Duet and TC Konnekt 24D under the following conditions:

- The vocal was recorded using a Shure KSM44.
- The acoustic guitar was recorded using a Shure KSM137
- Used the -15db pad on both mics so that more gain is needed and the difference will be more perceptible.
- The guitar is a Takamine and I haven't changed the strings for at least 3 months...
- Used an XLR Y-cable to split the signal so they are identical takes.
- Tried to record them at the same level.
- Then, matched the average RMS of each track using WaveLab (0.01db precision).
- No effect is used.

Never mind my Japanese accent btw.

[edit] I found that the konnekt was actually clocked to the Apogee Mini-Me, and that probably changed the sound of the Konnekt to some degree. Check my post below in this thread for a test in which both are running on their own clocks. [/edit]

[blaugruen7]

same sound

[YUGA]

They are not the same.
Do a null test. You'll be amazed that the difference is huge. stike

[blaugruen7]

no no, they are not the same.

but there is no difference on my low budget equipment i care for...

i am monitoring on my konnekt 8

[mljung]

It's always difficult to say what sounds best in a shootout like this; how much is the performer, microphone, room and how much is conversion and preamp. Even though one could be voted as better than the other, maybe this other device would sound better if it was another microphone a.s.o.

Anyhow my first impression [on headphones] was that in this case, the sound from 1 was a tiny bit more homogenius [and therefore better] than 2.

Was it the onboard preamps?
If so the question remains; how much is the preamp contributing and how much is the converter influencing the produced sound?

Best,
Mads

[YUGA]

Originally Posted by mljung

Was it the onboard preamps?
If so the question remains; how much is the preamp contributing and how much is the converter influencing the produced sound?

Yes the onboard preamps of both audio interfaces are used, and no outboard gear is used.
I don't remember precisely but the gain was about 40-50db. So the preamps must've contributed to some degree.

btw I could hear the difference a little easier when they are soloed. But I know which is which so I'm not very shure...

[lakeshorephatty]

I'm listening on shitty headphones but if 1 isnt' the duet i'll then the konnekt is a really great piece.

night and day... 1 is MUCH better in every aspect of realism, tightness.. there is a blanket over 2.

[rectifier]

ok need to check this tonight at home, please dont give results too quick and thanks for making the test.

[blaugruen7]

Originally Posted by YUGA

Yes the onboard preamps of both audio interfaces are used, and no outboard gear is used.
I don't remember precisely but the gain was about 40-50db. So the preamps must've contributed to some degree.

btw I could hear the difference a little easier when they are soloed. But I know which is which so I'm not very shure...

thats easy. mix the files up and listen blind to it. every other test is playing with yourself...

[macleodgrant]

1 seem to have a bit more dynamic range though seems slightly compressed and a bit more cuddly - seem to be less harsh too

2 does sound a bit more honky though seems like it could be more natural though but definitely doesn't sound better than 1

i don't know which is which though.

i would hope that 1 is the duet

[Max]

As I have stated in many other threads of this nature, I do not think a test like this has any relevance. You must allow for the requirement to reference the analog source in order to judge how the audio has been impacted by the converter itself. To draw conclusions without this critical test component tells you nothing of value.

[sexxy]

1.
thumbsup

[jbuntz]

1 sounds better to me.

[sexxy]

Originally Posted by Max

As I have stated in many other threads of this nature, I do not think a test like this has any relevance. You must allow for the requirement to reference the analog source in order to judge how the audio has been impacted by the converter itself. To draw conclusions without this critical test component tells you nothing of value.

tutt BOOOOOOO

[YUGA]

Originally Posted by Max

As I have stated in many other threads of this nature, I do not think a test like this has any relevance. You must allow for the requirement to reference the analog source in order to judge how the audio has been impacted by the converter itself. To draw conclusions without this critical test component tells you nothing of value.

Yeah maybe you're right. It's not for someone to make a conclusion. Just a reference . Anyway, most of us self-producing musicians can't really hear the source while tracking because we're monitoring using headphones. And most bed room producers can't get an opportunity to attend such a test. So if the recorded sound is better, it's better at least for me.

[blaugruen7]

have you blind tested it?

whats your favourite?

[YUGA]

Originally Posted by blaugruen7

have you blind tested it?

whats your favourite?

I don't understand what you meant. I know which is which. how can I mix them up ?

[blaugruen7]

pm me your emailadress.
i rename it and send it to you per email?
:-))))


ps. now i listened with my monitors. 1 has a tiny bit more detail/hi-end
no difference i care about in my world

[macleodgrant]

so what's the final word on this?

[YUGA]

I realized the Konnekt was actually clocked to the Apogee Mini-Me. So this comparison wasn't very fair sorry.

I quickly recorded an acoustic guitar again. This time both converters are running on their own clocks. btw I finally changed the strings.

So why don't you compare them again. I'll show you guys the answer tomorrow.

[blaugruen7]

A is a bit brighter

[sexxy]

A.
thumbsup

[mljung]

I think they are very close; either because the first soundfiles had the extra 'information' from the voice, were easier to distinguish, or simply that the two units now sounds more alike. If I was pressed to take a decision based on this, I think I would pick A, but would prefer more complex material to see how the units would cope with that...

[Dr Gruv]

I listened to B first then A - in that short amount of time appreciated B as being full - nice sound lots of detail

went to A and it sounded brighter...

-m

still like B - sounds more natural

[YUGA]

Added gibberish singing and some effects.

[mljung]

Thanks Yuga -

My feelings are the same; not much difference, but I think I like A a little better.

If you would please record Mahlers 2. symphony using the same setup, it would be easier to make a final judgement


best,
Mads

[Max]

Originally Posted by Dr Gruv

I listened to B first then A - in that short amount of time appreciated B as being full - nice sound lots of detail

went to A and it sounded brighter...

-m

still like B - sounds more natural

Again, there is no way to determine any of this as it pertains to quality without referencing the original source. The differences will be even more degraded based on using another set of D/A's to listen so you do not even have the benefits of subjective opinion other than to say these two sound files sound a certain way being converted by the converter in my studio. It's such a waste of time and any results will have little reflection on either product's actual sound or performance.

There are so many of these threads on the web and all of them are useless. Please go to your local dealer and get a demo or find a dealer that will lend you a unit to test in real life. Pre-recorded sound files with no source material, played back on a different D/A do not tell you anything of substance.

[jeronimo]

Sorry Max but I have do disagree.

If I get one source and record it thru 1 1073 and a Aphex 107 at the same time, the result will tell something to me and anyone who listens to it.
I understand it's not a lab test but those files can help people decide about a product.

[blaugruen7]

i would guess the duet is much better, just because the drivers of my konnekt 8 SUCK IN A BIG WAY for me!!!

honestly.

[jeronimo]

way too close to me.
but A has a little more air and is a little "softer" on the low/low mid
I would take any of those...