PreSonus Quantum 4848 v.s. Rupert Neve MBC | Part 2

[@jamescave7102]

I understand now that those gears are really made for those who only work ITB, and would like an analog color or better converter than the cheap audio audio interfaces. If someone already owns some great gears, they will all together add that warmth (Hybrid Mixing). Now the marketing hype comes from those with big Studios to make you believe that’s where they get the sound from… This is the Best channel ever. Thank you for all you’re doing.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks James!!

[@DavidSJ_DAP]

EXACTLY! This guy GETS IT!

[@jamescave7102]

@@DavidSJ_DAP I spent lots of money over the years to get the “Sound”. December 2022, i sat down to think. Then i stopped listening to those game changing plugins. Gears returned, gears sold. I have much smaller set up now, it sounds satisfying to me. And finally understand the game.

[@DjMiflyn]

I got them all right 🙌🏽. The Neve had more depth than the Presonus, and the transformer made the added depth come alive.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great!

[@ParadNorthProd]

Nailed it! Disclosure: I own the MBC, and recognize what it does to midrange. Listen again and focus on the vocal. Print 1, the vocal sticks out more. Print 2, the vocal gets "wrapped" by the music, and sits back a bit. VERY obvious to me, and mirrors what I hear at home, AND in every other online a/b test of the MBC. Listen again.(I hear more difference between 1 and 2, then I do between 2 and 3.)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok great. I am not spending 4K on that box. I sent the same files to 3 other pro engineers and they heard almost no difference as well. If you hear it, then that's great the Neve box may be for you. Go grab one!

[@ParadNorthProd]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Discussing price without discussing ALL the features and ALL the things that go into the price of something is misleading. That $4k also includes a limiter, silk, high-end support, workflow, american made products, one's business model, etc.etc. You certainly wouldn't have bought a massive console based on an a/b test alone.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I did discuss the features and said why I did not use the silk. . If you think I make mis-leading videos, then go somewhere else.

[@АлексейВискалов-и6х]

I can really hear the difference! she's huge! Neve wants to listen!!! and Neve+transformer = very very want to listen!!! Thank you for such an important great work!!! very important!!! Good luck to you!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@KacyDennis]

Easily guessed which was which. The Neve (even without the transformers on) has a bit more detail and depth - that was the deciding factor. (Having the track with the transformers on also made it easier to figure out things between the three because the transformers' impact is pretty obvious). However the Presonus sounds fine and I would be ok with tracking with it - but I wouldn't master with it. Anyways, thanks very much Dave for putting together these comparisons.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@dronbana]

I’m glad i can hear more of a difference in the audios, but again I believe my gene 8351b’s are great at revealing depth and width. Thank you for these tests, waiting for the burl 🙏🏼

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikethetruth1056]

The bomber is the bomb! I just bought one a month ago and it has definitely taking my mix game up a couple levels

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Good for you!

[@timp410]

I completely agree with your assessment. Track number three is where I heard the most difference. However, I could not here a difference through my headphones.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks!

[@SenecaMeyer]

Agree, the quantum and the RND w/o the transformer are about 98% identical. Before the reveal my gut liked #3 the most (again subtle). It sounded a little more 'open' or . I agree with you - you can get that RND silk sound w/ the 542s for less money. The main issue is that converters are great today w/ 24 bits and high sample rates. There's not much more to gain from a theoretical standpoint by pushing sample rates any further - the headroom is there. It's not the 90s when 16 bit / 44.1 converters sounded awful. I think the manufacturers know this and so they will continue to add other features to convince us we need a new converter (transformers wound with unicorn hair, etc). Great channel Dave, big fan.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Well said. Thanks for watching!

[@CWealthMusic]

From A to B, I hear the midrange open up a bit and from B to C the bottom end has slightly more heft. I definetly hear a difference in the 3. Thanks for the comparisons.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You got it!

[@edwardcolon8614]

I think these tests are invaluable for pro audio consumers. On my system, I hear a distinct difference between the Presonus and the Neve (without the transformer). I'm hearing a much more definitive center image and a very clear kick drum with the Neve. The transformer circuit brought the center image too far forward disrupting the balance of the mix to my ears. Do I think it's a double the price difference? Not really. With Neve you're paying a premium for the name but remember you can't mix what you can't hear. Nice work!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlesrocks]

Dude…that MBC circuit without the transformer is SO GOOD. I prefer it over the MBC transformer track. The Presonus sounded cloudy.

[@robertjoyce8527]

Interesting. I’m completely new to this page and was listening on an iPad speaker. The Neve without the transformer in the circuit was clearly my favorite with the personus as close second. The transformer Neve was my least favorite. In all three, there was a very clear difference before the different converters were revealed.

[@chriswichmann3391]

Hey Dave! Would love to see a video comparing the Quantum 4848's clock vs an external clock like Black Lion. I've heard it makes a more noticeable difference but I'm not so easily convinced. Would love to see you break it down!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I dont have access to the BLA gear, so that wont happen here.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

unless the session was RECORDED at a higher sample rate, there is absolutely no advantage to taking a session that was recorded at 48K, for example and printing that mix at anything higher. We have a video coming soon to prove this.

[@JohnMichaelFord]

Chris, I have a pair of 4848s and a normal quantum. An external clock made a big difference for me.

[@braxal6983]

Thanks Dave. I still feel the same as I did over the last converter. It is not enough for me to spend 4K when I can get other gear that can really make a difference. I very much appreciate your time and respect others opinions.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Well said!

[@CP-mt1st]

I picked these out correctly listening on my car stereo…. Definitely heard a difference

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great. Thanks for watching!

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

I was right. The Neve with transformers kills bass, wideness, squezzes everything (3), the blue is more open sound, more depth etc. that is Neve without transformers (but the same sound I get with almost 20 years old E-MU sound card for 20 bucks used) and the first is Presonus. The presonus is good enough for work later. How I new? I have the box with Neve transformers and it's a dead end for music (on a full mix, great for individual tracks...) if you want to have an open, wide sound etc. Great video. Thanks.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@AkiyoshiBeats]

Very cool results. Quantum held its own. Print 2 is my personal fav, but definitely not a $3k difference. Thanks for the shootouts Dave. Looking forward to the Burl tests🫡

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Coming soon

[@preciseaudioblog]

I thought the blue had the transformers. Well, there is not a huuuge difference at all... I look forward for the Burl comparison. Great video! Thank you!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Coming soon!

[@DanDanNoodls]

I stand by my Comment on the previous video. Downloading the files and listening, I still way prefer #1. Sounds fuller and more cohesive.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Fantastic! you know what you like and that's great!

[@Alberto-Glez]

The same here. I can't believe it

[@coryplaugh1687]

I could pick the presonus print on my phone after learning the the signature from the dangerous video. I was kind of holding ny breath until you revealed hoping i wasn't crazy though. :)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That's great!

[@cefahprod]

Amazing video as usual. Just a question. Would you consider doing a conversion test like this one but with a full ITB mix? Because, it is pretty sure that your ssl alone change the mix a lot. I'm just curious to see if those converters make more difference if the signal does not pass through a full hybrid setup.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No. the whole point of these tests is to see if a new converter makes sense in my current set up, not do perform tests in different configurations that I am never going to use. Sorry

[@cefahprod]

@@MixingMusicAnalog no problem. I was just curious. Maybe I will try some stuff like that mixing ITB with the audient Id44 versus other converter to see if there is a big difference

[@jayjlyon]

I hear a slight difference between 1 and 2, but I don't hear $4K difference. You can pick up two 542s to get the silk if you want and save a couple grand for something else, if that's what you like. Thanks for doing these, Dave!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@amateurmusicstudio]

Well, I have managed to spot 4848 … but is that difference worth thousands $$$??? Well, not sure. Thank you so much for your hard work!!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Not worth the thousands to me

[@charlesrocks]

I knew it. I can spot a RND circuit a mile away. Sounds like rock and roll man. Love that Neve sound. It’s so minute and subtle, but does it change the mix? No way. It does nothing to the mix…it just adds that highly sought after sauce engineers like me love. It’s so minuscule but it matters in the end product. It’s more of a mastering tool than a mix tool.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@lightingwalk]

I downloaded the files and listen to the 3 prints only once and this is what I wrote in my notes. 1.bit raw, sterile snare slap 2.better smooth and organic, tight slap 3.more upfront than 2. ,med sterile snare slap I liked 2 the best and guessed 1 must be presonus cos it it had the subtle sterility of most cheep converters.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@natan_abdala]

In your opinion, what comes close (interfaces) to the Presonus Quantum converters? And, just out of curiosity, why would Presonus discontinue such a great unit?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Any interface over $1,000 the converters will be just fine

[@1ELiMusic]

Ok, so a huge important question here. Between the quantum and Apollo for an audio recording interface, would the difference be ‘the same’ as this comparison? In terms of conversion and quality and of course, price.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

They are completely different units but from a converter standpoint, yes they are equal

[@mixedbydense]

Great Video Series 👍 Please make a video on Comparing Neumann MT48 with your Current AD/DA converter ! lets just clear up the debate about ‘’DYNAMIC RANGE’’ what neumann is using as marketing thing & also please consider video series on printing masters on second machine on higher sample rate ! cheers up buddy😊

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

MT48 coming soon. Printing at a higher sample rate is another "myth" and does nothing. It's all about what the source material was record at. We have a video coming soon to prove that.

[@mixedbydense]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Totally Agree ! I am using Prism Titan From past 4 years for my AD/DA conversion ! Just want to know Does Neumann MT 48's Dynamic Range Worth it or not !

[@terry2315]

The Neve had less of a high treble type sound. The bottom one even less so. However, for the price the Presonus is probably the way to go. EQ can fix what I heard. Great comparison.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@Doctaj54]

Thanks! But I'm a little confused. I like mix print #1 in this test because it has the most clarity/depth. In the Presonus/Dangerous test I liked mix print #3 because it had the most clarity/depth and it was even easier to hear. However, being that I imported both sets of audio files into the same test session in Protools(6 stereo tracks) I compared them against each other. "Neve vs 4848_Print #1.wav" from the Presonus/Neve test is a lot louder and has way more clarity than "DM vs 4848_Print # 2.wav" from the Presonus/Dangerous test. Even when I clip gain it up 5-6db I still hear the same results. Am I mixing up the Quantum audio files or did the SSL mix change on the new test?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

As I mentioned in one of the videos (I forget which one) The Quantum prints for all these tests were run at the time of the test we were doing. Meaning, all the Quantums prints will sound different because they are not the same file. I printed one when we did the DM box, then another when we did the Neve box. Why? Because overtime you do a pass through analog gear, the print will sound a little different for a variety of reasons. So, I made sure that the passes on the DM and the Quantum were both done with in 5 min of each other. Same for the Neve. Hope that makes sense. :)

[@Doctaj54]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Cool and thanks again. I completely understand what you are saying. I began my time in music working on analog gear and still own several units that I use frequently. I was just surprised that the two Quantum 4848 audio files from both tests had a big difference in sound. I just assumed the files would only have subtle differences being that the actually SSL mix itself did not change any and it was only a 2day difference in printing the mixes. Those two Quantum 4848 audio files sound like they were printed through two totally different interfaces.

[@zonarecordingstudio]

I went from using a iz radar for over 7 years, with 96 kHz convertors, which sounded great, than I moved to the iz radar convertor box .and upgraded to ultra nyquist convertors, very happy, but it could be that I am tracking with the radar convertors, than when I do mix from the api,i hearing a difference ,sounds better to my ears,As far as your workflow, Stick with the personus,sounds great

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I plan to stick with what I am using.

[@zonarecordingstudio]

Nice@@MixingMusicAnalog

[@monovladd4392]

I don't understand why they discontinued this quantum 4848 interface. This is my main interface and it is the best I have had at the workflow level. I've been through RME, etc, but this is plug and play. I love my 4848

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Hopefully they will come out with a new version of it soon!

[@SoundKilterStudio]

Well its definitely not a $3k worth of a difference. But I can hear a difference between all 3. And honestly, from what Im hearing and for what I like, I would take the Quantum over the clean Neve. The Quantum has a little more lows/low-mids than the Neve. Especially the kick has more of a punch to the gut. However the Neve, with xfmr, does have the extra harmonic content and rounded top end. But overall the difference is incredibly minor to me compared to cost. Great video!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@allenlocke1935]

I heard the difference in print 3 from the get go, for me it seemed like more robust low end.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great. Thanks for watching!

[@ajaypradhan9172]

Hello Sir. Love your videos. I need help in choosing a multichannel pre amp. RME is complicated. Apollo 8p is costly. How about quantum 4848 with mac studio m2?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

the 4848 is discontinued so you are out of luck there. Try the Motu prodcuts

[@kos.studio9304]

The fact that I was right makes me really happy because I only listen to the tracks one time on my iPad Pro tiny speakers. Thanks again for your time and dedication uncle Dave 🫡

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Good for you!

[@VersatyleMusicGroup]

Hey dave can you add the cranesong hedd Quantum as your next converter to twst against the presonus? That would be awesome

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No, this Burl is the last converter test we are going to do here. I think 5 boxes is enough. I have learned what I need to know about this topic after all these tests.

[@engmix]

Might I suggest at some point in your tests (next time you do this) that you loop a few bars where there is more overall consistency. it's a tough call for the same reason you mentioned about the clap in the chorus. There's a lot of movement in the track and from section to section where the color and feel of record changes making it hard to dial in on it. Just a friendly suggestion. Barring that, I honestly can't hear much of a difference between 1 and 2, and quite frankly I'm not ever sure the Transformer is adding anything flattering, in my opinion. Perhaps if it were adjustable one could find a sweet spot?? It would seem thus far that the moral of the story is, the Quantum was a solid buy! I know you're doing the Burl. If you ever have some time, perhaps give the Lynx Hilo a shot. I A/B'd it with Cranesong and Lavry converters that I had, and like with your Qunatium, there was no major perceptible difference between the 3. I heard something, but it's totally subjective, and subtle. The Hilo's jitter / clock is supposed to be superior. And it's at a great price point. That said, at this point I would understand your skepticism with any converter going up against the Quantum. They've clearly nailed something top flight. Appreciate your efforts on this. I don't know how you do this and get work done??? I can barely find the time to shower with the daily workload. 👍

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

you could that same test the way you describe. download the files and listen for yourself. Thanks for watching!

[@DavidSJ_DAP]

We do thank you for making the time to shower, though...

[@engmix]

@@MixingMusicAnalog too busy, and that's what you guys are here for...of course I kid. Thanks...

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That's not why I am here, thats for sure. LOL. This is a free platform, if people want to start paying me, then I will take video requests. :)

[@engmix]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Hence saying, of course I kid. I certainly appreciate the grand effort of what you're doing. I have nearly 40 years of experience with making records. I thought about doing a KZbin channel for educational purposes. After seeing the effort that you guys put into these videos, forget it. I would never get my commitments wrapped up. I honestly don't know how you do it...respect.

[@MarcelloDeFrancisci1]

Great Video! Thanks for the reference!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You bet!

[@springV127]

I have eaten my words. You are right, it's only obvious with the silk mode.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

the silk is very cool! Get you some 542's.

[@velocitystudiomix]

Always helpful! Thanks!😎

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@djevetter82]

On first listen (on the crappy but revealing laptop speaker) I thought : Green is the Neve, Blue is with transformer and brown the Presonus. I prefered the green because the blue was too squished/fatiguing and the brown quite undefined. Seems like I have bad ears and no taste for great audio equipment ;)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@musicbrum1]

right away I realized that the blue channel had the best bass. Overall , all pretty similar .

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Right on!

[@jroz8111]

I agree with one caviat Send them to mastering and or listen to what happens after few rounds of limiting/compression/mastering etc. I noticed differences in these tracks when i did my listening test here. When trying convertors at my place it really was Eye opening after mastering. I wish i tried the Quantum however i kind of passed over it. Great video man, The slut in me says 2% in dna is the difference between humans and Monkeys lol ;-) Keep it up love it. Ohh please have dave check the THD and above the 20-20 khz limits. Lots of talk on all complicated stuff above our hearing limits

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Coming soon!

[@Rhuggins]

Can I ask you what racks those are?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I purchased them on Reverb.

[@t3reeproduction314]

To be honest in my opinion I hear a difference but it's not a night and day difference all 3 sound great.. unless someone just have a lot of money laying around I would not spend the 4 thousand dollars I would put that money somewhere else in my studio... now if I had money to burn I would grab it without hesitation.. I would say it's may be 3 to 5 percent difference whether it's your taste or not.. the presonus is more than capable of getting professional results..

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree. Never had a client say they did not like the sound of my converter. LOL

[@darylthisdelle7702]

I picked the Neve right from the get go.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

great, you made a luck guess...LOL

[@freshjellomusic5097]

I guessed right about the transformer , the other two were indistinguishable to me.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Me as well :)

[@HPC469]

3 def makes everything open up

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@JSSTUDIO-wr2jq]

🙂👍

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@jazzmastert]

I can really hardly hear any difference between modern converters, with the exception of the intentionally coloured ones e.g. Burl. I used to think I just don’t have “golden ears”…

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

LOL...me neither.

[@Alberto-Glez]

I don't believe it. I need to buy different monitors. for me the presonus sounds the best, listening from youtube and by listening to the downloaded file. ;(

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@rsbcenter]

I wouldnt spend 4k in that neve not worth it. I didnt hear any difference really.send it back

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

It was already sent back! Thank you

[@rsbcenter]

@@MixingMusicAnalog after the mt48 video. If you still feel the same. Since i mentioned it. I will take it off your hands for a good price. But my guess is you will not want to do that . I am sure you will use it for mastering and 2 channel mixdowns. But just in case