Rant: Microphone Preamps and audiophiles

[okyoureabeast]

I was in a heated discussion with my engineer today. The conversation started out as a difference between two microphone preamplifiers that are set up in his mobile racks.

We were sending long sustained guitar cords and vocals through microphones and DIs to hear the difference in the sound.

To me, there was a slight difference with the Pacifica with a small mid range EQ bump that I didn't notice in the Millenia. However the change was so small that the effect could be redone in post.

My buddy disagreed and claimed there was a HUGE difference between the two.

So we broke out more preamps and started playing. In the end, I just felt like an idiot because apparently there is some huge astounding difference between them that for whatever reason I can't hear or notice.

I tend to liken what I do towards cooking. The mixture of equipment ever so slightly changes the final "flavor" of the recording. However unlike spices which can be over done, equipment only ever so slightly changes the effect of the sound.

This slight change in recording is what bugs me. I can't hear it and I know that most people listening to music can't too.

One time I had my buddy listen to two recordings in an attempt to hear the difference between a lossy and lossless codecs. I threw a file in that was completely identical to its partner (checksum was completely identical!). And he claimed there was a difference.

I like what I do, but I can't stand it when I have a salesman/engineer trying to convince me of a drastic difference between equipment when I can't hear it!

So thanks again peachparts for being my soapbox. I appreciate it!