Rant: Microphone Preamps and audiophiles
 

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. :D

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!

DI?

(direct input)

I know the type too...Their trained ears can hear those 22khz dog whistles and detect a 0.5 cent difference between bass tracks :rolleyes: Anything they don't touch is unlistenable!

You're both right. This kind of perception based opinion has gone on throughout music and recording history. Neuman vs. Sennheiser . . . JBL vs. Altec . . . was it live or was it Memorex. :D

Oh, ah, well. That's just bass ackwards. You shoot for the sound you want, not what sounds, "better." So stick your mike on the guitar amp and tweak it until the both of you feel that's what you're going for. If it's nothing you like then use the line input. Record your settings and see if you still like it the next day.

This thread doesn't sound as good as the last one. Sounds tinny.

Too much cowbell? ;)

Best way to judge preamps is a day with one and a day with the other. Rapid A-B comparisons diminishes your ability to accurately describe the nuances which you are seeking.
That and the right engineer can get a better sound out of a lesser preamp, so regardless of what gear you are using, you can always disparage the other persons abilities if they start winning the pissing contest about equipment...;)

Sounds like someone with golden ears, best left to their own devices.

They WILL hear a difference when there is no way of recording it. If it can't be measured, there is no difference, period.

This is an argument you can't win.

...and why audiophile companies can thrive selling 99.999% oxygen-free pure copper high-end cables that cost more than the average sound system!

Kind of like the vintage Gibson "Les Paul" ('58 I think) that has a unique sound tone due to a manufacturing defect whereas the bridge pickup transformer has one more additional winding than the other!!!

Who hears this stuff!???

^ LOL, the only folks who can hear the differences are the ones selling the stuff, or making money off the companies that sell the stuff.
Some of the audiophile rags.

Tut tut you're not suggesting it is all emperor's new clothes are you?

Elitism will never die as long as there are morons in need of ego-bolstering . . . .

Moi?

Surely you jest.

I take offense at your remark and as soon as you admit I am right I just might be benevolent enough to forgive you for even considering you are qualified enough to post this to me!;)