Neumann MT48 vs PreSonus Quantum 4848 | Converter Shootout PT 2

[@JasonBuffin]

This has been a great series of videos. I think your assessment is correct that if you already have a better than entry level interface, you really aren't going to notice a difference with these "mastering grade" converters. It's really diminishing returns once you get to that ~$1k price range.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree. If you have a good interface, your converters are just fine. Spend the money where it really matters and will make a large impact....like your monitoring

[@JasonBuffin]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Completely agree on the monitoring. So many ignore the importance of getting that right. Anyway, looking forward to the next year of videos!

[@jonlieberman997]

This video is spot on. I have personally owned and extensively used the following converters-- iZ Radar, Apogee, Motu, Lynx Aurora, Protools, Tascam, Crane Song HEDD 192, and now the MT 48. With decent quality converters I had to get up really early in the morning and obsess to extremes to hear a single pass difference. I tried doing 24 passes daisy chained before print to see if I could detect a difference. Then it became more clear. To me the Lynx Aurora seemed less colored so I settled on Aurora years ago, and it played well with Protools AAX HDX which I was running at the time. I ultimately sold off all my other multi-converter racks. There are serious challenges to compare the quality of high end stereo converters such as HEDD 192, Lynx Hilo, MT 48. I really like the MT 48 for my specific purpose. It is a plug and play dream for a Macbook Pro on the go. The two headphone jacks make total sense. The MT48 preamps are good enough. And the effects are useful on occasion. (of course in my studio I usually go to the Neve 1084 just because they are there.). There is absolutely no reason to use the MT 48 in my full blow studio as it just becomes a distracting step. The performance and vibe of the music always trumps the converters. I really like being able to chill on the couch by myself or with others and track into my MBP with a box smaller than most bibles. I also take this setup when I travel. It is so easy to use when camping my my travel trailer. It easily runs off of a Goal Zero battery. As a musician and engineer (serious hobbiest) I have more creative moments out side of the full blown studio when I put myself into creative environments. Further, an inspired performance on a cheap ZOOM H6 at the flick of a switch can be more usable as a cornerstone for a creative project that a contrived rehash through a 10K tube mic, 5K preamp, and 3K converter. I just go for the most purpose specific tool and get the best that I can afford and then try not to look back. Yes, I am influenced by the brand because reputation gives me someplace to start. I have discovered in retrospect that if I decide to move on from a piece of gear, I will typically get a better return on my money when I go to rehome the equipment if I purchased top of the line to start with. Or I buy something cheap like the ZOOM H6 knowing that I will give it away if down the road it doesn't work for me. A person on a very modest budget, with a modest ego, energy to learn, ability to be creative can assemble a killer setup by snagging the cast offs from those with gear acquisition syndrome. I am always wrong when I blame my so so projects on my tools. Most importantly, have fun and be kind to yourself and others.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@АлексейВискалов-и6х]

The difference in sound = huge and colossal! Thanks for the important test! Good luck and happiness to you!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks, you too!

[@aaronthomas7790]

Using the MT 48 now and compared with my UAD and RME interfaces before I sold those. To me the biggest difference is the DAC/headphone amp. The ADC has more depth with things like reverb trails but the difference is hearing what I'm mixing better with the DAC and translation.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonlieberman997]

Totally agree

[@TonyKilaBeatz]

You bought a merging Anubis, with a Neumann skin. Old interface being sold as new. Placebo is a thing.

[@harpoleon6806]

Still a more affordable pro style interface and sounds better than apollo x6 when u look at each manufacturer has certain bumps and drops as they wanted to have a certain sound

[@PaulBondMusic]

I came here because I'm checking out getting an MT48... Like almost ready to drop my hard-earned on one. I Downloaded your files, and I find the Presonus to be a little warmer. I prefer it! It's Just that little 1 or 2% I notice it on my HEDD monitors and slightly less so on my OLLO headphones. It's very VERY subtle, but it is there. Does anyone else feel the same? I KNOW that there's an argument that the Neumann is flatter and thus more appropriate for mastering, but the the Presonus is just more pleasing to listen to. Presonus! ... now I'm in a quandry 😉 Thanks for the files.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@braxal6983]

Sounds like the the interface companies have done a great job convincing consumers in believing there are big differences in converters. Perhaps they are different in how they are made but not in the sound they make? Dave you and David have done a great job on these converter videos. For me I strain to hear a difference and end up with believing my mind is playing tricks on me that one is better than the other. For those that hear a difference. I respect that.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks! Yea, I think there are people that can hear a small difference and hey, that's great. For me, all the units we have tested are great and yes, there were small differences between them. however, for me, not enough to upgrade.

[@SynthexS]

Most videos I watched about the MT48 say how amazing the converters are. I replaced a Scarler 19i20 for a Clarett 8pre and I noticed the difference in quality in playback. Now, doing mutilple A/B testing with different audio sources between the Clarett and the MT48, I didn't notice any difference in sound quality. There might be difference for recording, but for playback, there's nothing noticeable.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I think for recording, the converter makes more of a difference but overall, I always say.....if you have an audio interface over $1,000 the converter is of high quality and you are not going to hear any difference from one unit to another. That's just my opinion and I have done A/B test myself.

[@Luancwav]

I got it right in 3 seconds the frequency extension in the low end in the Neumann is very audible imo! Nice video as always :D

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Cool, thanks!

[@neofunkysoul]

Thanks for your work on this series. Before you close this series out would you be interested in comparing more affordable current products? It would be great to know how the AudioFuse 16Rig and the Motu 16a compare to the 4848.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No, unfortunately we are done doing converter comparisons. Sorry

[@v3zMedia]

Last test I need to see is this Quantum 4848 vs one of the latest RME Interfaces now. I own the 26x32 Quantum currently.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That comparison won't happen here, sorry.

[@v3zMedia]

@@MixingMusicAnalog that's alright, you've done more than enough. Hopefully Presonus releases another Quantum for Thunderbolt 4/USB4 soon. Maybe even a bus powered portable version.

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

I struggle to leave the quantum 2626 for a new interface. The quantum has been rock solid in my studio. Hopefully yours as well ​@v3zMedia

[@rsbcenter]

STEPHEN MARSH MARSH MASTERING STUDIO - USA - Sterling Sound NYC. Are using Merging Technologies Hapi and Horus. For mastering major label recordings. So that says something. The major reason why is the converters. And the ability to go 32 bit audio at 384k.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, that's great, thanks for sharing

[@dirface]

A lot of major label recordings have also NOT been mastered at 384k, so that says something too.

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

Converters matter on the monitor controller. Presonus monitor stations when compared to sat dangerous music Dbox or st is night and day. Literally your mixes sound band on the monitor stations in comparison. I'd imagine smaller interfaces have the same Converters

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree with the monitor controller. I used to have a Presonus monitor station and when I upgraded to a Herritage Audio Ram series, the sound was more transparent. The Presonus had a dulling / dark effect on the audio. I was shocked when I realized that.

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

​@@MixingMusicAnalogyou are spot on correct! The monitor station will have you making poor EQ choices and mix decisions in general. The RAM series is solid! Revive Audio actually mods the Monitor station for 300 bucks and it sounds excellent after their upgrades.

[@MockManor]

Interesting. What are your thoughts on the Cranborne Audio 500 R8 as an audio interface? How would you rate their AD/DA converters?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No idea, never used them

[@ChaxSouthSide]

i mean, isn`t it just as simple as null test? print both tracks, switch the phase, and listen to the difference... and even put some analyzer to see which freqs are most affected... there will be obvious differences between different converter types, but what are we looking for? are we looking for a difference or an improvement? at this point we are splitting hairs and most of high end converters have their "own signature" sound - which is great, but that doesn`t mean that it would make a big improvement in the end...

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

We have a more deep dive into what you are saying in a future video, just like we have done on every converter box shoot out. I agree, what I have said 10,000 times is that the converter itself may sound a little different but does that really mean anything? Is that going to change your final product? In the end most people fall for the "marketing" hype and think that buying a high end converter is where's it's at. What does a high end converter really mean anyway? In all the boxes I have tested, NONE OF THEM were "better" than the other. They all sounded so close to each other it's amazing and for me there is no reason for me to switch out my Presonus Quantums for anything else.

[@fernandoguerra6841]

Converters are important only for recording, for recording you need a good AD and preamps, for DA not so much. I really notice difference in my recording with my current apogee in comparation to the audient id14 MK2, for DA, is better but no soooooooo much in my opinion. Actually my best mixes was with the audient lol

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching

[@bighousemusic628]

For me that extra cash is subject you would suprise how good the black lion revolotion series sound even better than some high end converters and the new revolution 6x6 sounds just live a lavry

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@martijn_nl]

I really prefered Print 2! So again the Presonus wins to me like it did with the Burl. I Need to get a Quantum 4848 asap

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Good luck, they are discontinued and are no where to be found on the used market

[@martijn_nl]

@@MixingMusicAnalog hopefully you can do a comparison with the Ferrofish A32 pro some day.

[@mpmi7588]

Do you have a video on small summing mixers? I have a tascam model 24 and Im looking for a summing mixer to use with it. something that has 12 to 16 in and 8 outs with mute and solo buttons

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No, I do not have access to summing mixers, sorry

[@deeseen3495]

Great stuff

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@masadampc]

Love the channel and congratulations on the weight lost.. kinda off question.. besides connection I/o .how do the quantum 4848 and quantum 2626 compare sonically ? Respect 🙏

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

They are the same sonically in my opinion

[@masadampc]

@MixingMusicAnalog and in your comparisons u found the quantum 4848 equivalent to the Apollo. So I draw the 2626 would probably fair the same.. your channel should be ALOT BIGGER! thx for the reply

[@Brain504]

I own the Neumann mt 48, I’ve also owned the Apollo x and even a Scarlett/volt (low end) I can honestly say that, whatever you can’t hear as a difference, you can feel, Mt48 also unlocks my vocals using the Neumann Tlm 103 , I also track at 192 khz and also bounce down inside the daw at that rate and all I can say is wow

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@TonyKilaBeatz]

These vids are so good 👍. I know a lot of ppl dont want to hear this about converters lol. The truth always hurts😂 plus the mt48 is really a 6 year old interface reskined by Neumann. How much cleaner can converting get? Its all snake oil past a certain point.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Truth and I take soooo much heat from all the nasty haters, but that's ok. If these videos help just 1 person then its all worth it!!

[@lamasteve6905]

PreSonus Sounds good !

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@CorNigrum]

These all have the same handful of chips made in the same few factories. To design and do a manufacturing run in a fab will take several millions, the market is not there to sell enough of those magic convertor chips to break even. There's of course more in a circuit board than just the chips, though. And don't forget power supply and device shielding. Just no guarantees, use your ears.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!