Recording Gear Quiz

[pdalmolin]

I would never advise that a client skip the mastering process, by a pro. Mainly because I've never been able to do what they do. I use the term "they" losely tho. It's my opinion that if people are putting your CD's in their player right next to Jonas Bros. and Gwen Stefani it better compare fidelity-wise or it won't stay there long.

Brandon, do you master all your own stuff or send some out?

[brandondrury]

Alright dudes, we are getting off topic here. Let's take the mastering discussion here:
Who Should Master? If Anyone?

Brandon

[midKnight]

Well I picked the right one every time, I could very easily tell the difference between the cheap signal path and the more expensive one. (there were subtle yet distinct differences that made the more expensive gear standout.)

That being said however, what I find fascinating about this test is that while I could certainly pick out the more expensive gear being used, the amount of "difference" in no way shape or form justifies the increase in cost.

I guess another way to state that is if the expensive gear gave me a 2000% increase in sound quality, then it might be justified, but after hearing these examples, I feel like I would only be getting a 10% increase in sound quality, which certainly doesn't justify the additional expense.

Thanks for doing this Brandon, it certainly puts things in perspective and keeps us grounded.

[Alarmist]

There is and will be bands/artists that 'do well' with recordings made on fairly cheap gear, but if you were to record them again using that more expensive Royer mic and pre-amp set-up, I expect the band and listeners would prefer it. But, ah in hindsight. I listened to the clips straight from my Macbook Pro into a pair of DT770's. I got them all spot on really, apart from the last one, which I think I didn't give it enough time, and hearing the same clip, my ears got lazy. So, 1 out of 5. I could hear the 'rich and full' sound, which I presuming was the Royer, especially the low end. Now it just makes me want a Royer R-121..... but after just checking the price (currently at £879 new in UK).... I'll wait til I've made enough money to allow that joy it will bring ME. (who cares if no one else really appreciates it!) In the mean time I'll continue to try and get my old Reslo Ribbon working (HELP on that would be good too! Thanks).

[LRStudio]

Wow, I managed to get the Royer in every case. At the end I was torn between clip 4 and clip 10. Clip 10 had more definition in the bottom end but somehow I preferred the ****th and lack of definition of clip 4.

So I'm pretty happy with my results.

Listening through my RME Fireface800 via Quested F11A monitors.

Cheers
Graham
Lakeside Recording Studio

[chucksampleton]

hallo brandon, just made the recording quiz on my computer boxes and i think they sound fine . i didnt hear any difference at all. sorry about my boxes.

[brandondrury]

if you were to record them again using that more expensive Royer mic and pre-amp set-up, I expect the band and listeners would prefer it.

Just to play Devil's Advocate, do you think the first Van Halen record's guitar tone would have benefited from a Royer mic over the SM57?

[thestorm]

well first of all, i have to be polite and say hi for the first time.it's a great site!
i'm impressed with the quiz, I'm happy to realize that i don't have to pay more and more to have a good sound.
thanks!!
NoRM

[pdalmolin]

So many guys say they hear a difference, but just playing them straight off this website and through my headphones I don't hear a bit of difference. Should I download these songs and play them through my monitors? I have no internet on my DAW (purposely)....I feel like an ass with no ears. I think I'll go to the trouble just to see...

[pdalmolin]

Ok, I couldn't download the clips so I played them through my laptop using my Ultimate Ears Custom UE7 pro in ear monitors. I guessed the better one 4 out of 5 times, but it was just that, a guess. Oh, I could hear a smidgen of difference I suppose, but nothing a tiny dash of EQ couldn't fix. Anyone that sez there is a "night and day" difference here must have bat ears...