Universal Audio Apollo vs Presonus Quantum | Do Audio Converters Make a Difference?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Check out all the different ways I can help you. www.mixingmusicanalog.com

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Another thing to keep in mind is that when you run a mix through a console 2 times in a row, the SSL components could react slightly different between the two passes. Analog gear does that as well

[@JeanmarkRodriguez]

I’m at my day job right now listening to this on my iPhone earbuds and if I CAN’T notice the difference at all between both of them through these earbuds were I listen to music everyday and I already know if a mix is good or not than PreSonus is doing a great job. When I get back to my studio I’ll give this video a second listen through my studio monitors. Thank you for these types of videos. I wanted someone to compare that Quantum to a higher end converter. I got the Quantum 26x32 which is $999 and to me the conversion is great but the best part of these Quantums is the total integration with Studio One. They are built to be controlled mainly through Studio One. You barely have to enter Universal Control. If you end up getting 2 Quantums I would highley recommend buying an external Word Clock so you Can push those converters to it’s limits. Get the Black Lion Audio Micro Clock MKIII XB Master Clock. Thanks again.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks

[@ci8298]

I feel the green waveform sounds more open, snappy and has more definition on the high end. I like it better. To me there is a difference. Let's see next week which converter corresponds to the each track.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

hummm, interesting

[@MrTruwall]

I agree with you, I know that UA sound 😂

[@henrikhansson1]

Of course. Green always sound better.

[@knuckleheadrecordingstudio2050]

I did hear a little more punch in mix 2. Kick specifically. Also I felt the vocal push toward a hair in a nice way. There was something in the low end or low mid area in mix 1 that worked for the bass and possibly the littlest bit more depth and space overall of the track in mix 1. No matter what mix is which, the difference wasn't big enough to spend an extra $7,500 on the UAD Apollo's to my ears. Both sounded great

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@soundboyinc_]

@@MixingMusicAnalog No way can you tell the difference and I had on my Beyerdynamic headphones for this test on and I am an Apollo user, like Mr. Dave said, "Everyone opionion matters! but on the conversion on both units, they both sounded the same

[@eternalgospels]

I agree, the green sounded more defined and cleaner.

[@brianvillage5]

$7,500 for an Apollo? Who are you buying gear from?

[@MrCrabbattle]

I Agree, the attack of the kick and bass together was noticeable punchier, not a lot but enough to discern. eek I have two apollos and haven't looked at the end of these videos, but I'm afraid of what I'm about to find lol.

[@peterk743]

I use RME fireface 800s. I bought a Quantum for my live rig and love it. I would have no issue recording and mixing with them. They are amazing!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for sharing!

[@paulmolive1821]

Mix 1 sounds a little bit darker. The transient information has more punch on mix 2 and it’s a very tiny bit brighter.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielpool2039]

Agreed. That’s what I heard as well. I’m guessing that if you can hear a difference on KZbin, the difference will be more apparent sitting in the studio since KZbin compression can mask fine details. I’m not sure that I would call mix 2 overly bright or the other being irreparably dark. Meaning that the differences could be compensated for with a little eq.

[@p.m-audio]

I thought the same

[@MartinVanDerSande]

Thanks Dave, a great comparison and I feel personally that using your ears for the gear rather than looking at the marketing goes a long way. Great video as ever!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

It sure does and 99% of people don't get that concept. If I told everyone which was which I would be most people would say the Apollo sounded best because of the price tag. Its human nature....LOL

[@Noisa]

@@MixingMusicAnalog right? On topic but different scenario, I recently got an Apollo usb in great condition for $350, so I couldn’t pass it up. Of course they send you all of these coupons and I wanted to dive into buying a bunch, but held off as I demoed a variety from other developers as well, so I could hopefully only get the ones that there are no replacement for. Honestly, in the end, UAD had some better offerings in some plugs, but some others sounded better to my ear as well at half the cost. Just had to keep reminding myself that just because UAs are more expensive doesn’t inherently make them all better than the competition.

[@Rhythmattica]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Im Still rockin 2 x Original FW Apogee ensembles (still work under 10.14 and thus far 11.. Thanks to Core Audio System wide drivers)....They still sound 'most excellent" Thats my excuse.

[@kennethhwilliams3350]

@@MixingMusicAnalog I don't know which was which ( Presonus or Apollo) and I'm an Apollo x8p owner. I do know that "very" slightly #2 sounded better to me and I was listening in my studio. Contrary to what someone else said, A person that is trained to listen will hear a difference. Now whether that difference is preferable or not to the other is a matter of personal taste. But as I said I know which sounded better to my ear. I'd love to know which was which.

[@royrivers3735]

I watched the mutes carefully for the first minute or so (which sounded exactly the same to me), and then closed my eyes and listened even more intently for the rest of it. To my ears there were no perceptible changes in the quality of any of it. I admit, I don't know exactly what I was listening for... when it comes to AD/DA conversion, but my gut tells me that if I'm listening that intently and can't discover any differences at all, then that bodes very well for the value of the PreSonus.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks!

[@jaydiggsmusic]

I instantly heard more top end in mix 1! It's subtle but undeniable to me.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great!

[@SoundsLikeLotus]

I think mix 2 does sound a little better especially in the high frequency region. Also with the depth of the drum room and overall marrying of all the sounds together. Somewhat subtle though.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@GTStudioAnalog]

For me, there is no difference between the conversion of both. Tks for this test! Congrats.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you!

[@dylanhughes4548]

Green stem for me - sounded more open, better separation of parts, slightly better overall clarity, slightly better transients. Just seemed a little more engaging and exciting overall?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Some said the purple sounds like you say the green sounds

[@2011Rollsroyce]

Hey Dave please Keep up the great work your doing in 2022, God Bless you and Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you my friend. We will see how things go on this channel moving forward.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Reading the comments is really interesting. It is truly amazing how we all hear things differently and if you listen long enough, you can convince yourself of just about anything. LOL...I did not put the audio on an analyzer or do a null test because if I did that you all would use your eyes to decide which one was "better" and not your ears. We will do a video like that in the very near future just so all the tech geeks and enjoy that sort of data. The bottom line is how does it sound in the first 3 mins of listening. Does it sound the same? Some of you say yes, others say they hear a difference. Either way I think this was pretty intresting

[@quiquepuche6393]

To me #2 has smoother highs

[@ANTHONYFERNANDO]

I don’t know man. These comments seem to be like 90% in agreement that #2 sounds wider and a bit better, but that they’re both great. Not a $7000 difference obviously. But still a difference nonetheless. I personally hope #2 is the Quantum, I’m all for an underdog story

[@elonlove343]

@@quiquepuche6393 Yea. Number 1 is a little muddy. The SSL might of changed up the sound.

[@eladberger7148]

The purple track sounds a tiny bit more expensive IMO.

[@parachuteman4]

I don't hear a difference.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I listened through on my Yamaha HS8 speakers while watching and then listened again with my screen just out of view. When I thought I heard a change I'd look over to see if you had switched. Every time I looked over, you had switched. The green mix seemed to be a bit more open and wider. I would look when I heard the stereo image collapse a bit and you'd be on the purple mix. But I'm not a pro and not as trained in the ears as some. What I was hearing was very subtle so I'm willing to accept that I'm just hearing things. As for which is which, I have no idea but I preferred the green mix. I don't usually nerd out about such minor differences, but this one was fun!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@RETCHED-METAL]

Cool I just got the 48x48 its on the truck coming my way. Cant wait to get my patch bay working. I've been staring at my analog rack all year trying to get it into my daw n not having enough IO.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Congrats on your purchase.

[@johnrichardson8652]

The difference is negligible, especially considering the tracks are basically flat/raw. Any differences would easily disappear once both were actually mixed. You did a great job trying to mitigate any outside influence of the console etc

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks John!

[@leadvillejim]

I think 1 (purple) is the Apollo and 2 the Quantum. To my ears 1 has better resolution, separation and depth. 2 sounds more smeared and 2D to me.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, great!

[@reallyniceaudio]

that's funny because I thought the opposite. Do you have room correction? I thought the green had clearer bass response and tighter top end. Can't wait to hear the results!

[@jimmyhunter2799]

i suspect you are correct

[@joeridder3]

2 things. 1-First. 2-They, to me, sound exactly the same and i look forward to one day owning a quantum when the day comes such a device is needed in me studio. And thank you for all your vids i really enjoy your content and your way of explaining things. Also i would love for you to do a full mixdown of a song youve recorded. They are my favorite type of videos regarding audio recording, when an engineer goes througj the entire process from tracking notes to final mastering.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I have done a mixing down on the in the past

[@DarwinTilleryMedia]

Whoa! I really enjoyed your video. You did a great job setting up this comparison and you are concise with your dialogue. I'm very much looking forward to the follow up video. Keep up the great content!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Wow, thank you!

[@SoundStudio412]

I'd love to hear a null test between these two.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Coming soon

[@finchisfunny]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Good news. I wondered the same.

[@cjwallgor]

this is Charlie - formerly of AudioScape; I remember you well - you're AWESOME! ANYHOW! This is an AWESOME test! I wasn't familiar with the Quantuam4848 but DANG - that thing would be PERFECT for my needs. All that yummu I/O & beautiful conversion for only $1500 - INSANE! That being said, I "THINK" I hear a slightly more punchy/solid kick drum & SLIGHTLY more glued kick/bass gtr relationship in MIX 2. Reading through the comments and I see the majority of folks weighing in are favoring MIX 2 but then exclaiming the high-end sounds better/different/etc - to my ears, everything from basically 120hz and up is IDENTICAL - but the difference I'm hearing in the 120hz-ish and down area could certainly be biased by wayyyyy too many other factors - perhaps because the track is green? Or because it's kind of in the center of the video? Or because you started with Mix 1 first? Everyone kind of catch my drift? Hahaha... please let me know which is which! Honestly, it really doesn't matter at the end of the day though - way way way to close to make an unbiased judgement and because this is YT and my eyes/visual cortex is involved - I simply can't help myself... and yes, I DID close my eyes, in a dimly lit room, as I always do when trying to critically listen 😜😜 Cheers brotha and thanks again! 😎✌❤

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks Charles! I love Audio-Scape equipment! They make really wonder gear and affordable prices!

[@scottspaulding7965]

Your timing on this vid was fantastic for me. Currently have a 16 sum set up using two Apolo x8. Was going to get a x16 for 32 sum set up until I saw the price increase . Then was looking at the 48 from presonus. To my ears in my studio I really could not hear a diffreance. For $1500.00 I will give a shot and can always return it. Would use my Apolos for tracking and 48 for sum mixing with hardware is my thought. I have plenty of uad dsp for mixing but seance I went to a sum set up with hardware I use way less plugins . Appreciate what do here . Very insightful.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you Scott!

[@TheAmericanWoodcock]

As a Quantum user I have been really impressed with these units. I hear minor differences between the two tracks. I defiantly don't hear $3,000 worth of a difference so UA needs to get a clue.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@DMarlow83]

Listening on my entertainment system speakers, I believe mix 2 is the UAD. Their conversion has a bit of a boost in the highs and more punch in the lows, they aren't a totally flat converter. Additionally I noticed more separation in the mix elements, and a wider stereo image in mix 2. I'll try to check later on my studio monitors. I'd like to hear a null test as well. UAD conversion , while they spec well, is not the most transparent or "flat" in frequency response when compared to other high end options. It's definitely not Lynx, but not nearly as colored as a Burl. I null tested my x16 to my Dangerous AD+, using the clock from the AD+, and phase aligned them down to 1/64th of a sample using Eventide alignment plugin, they null down to about -60db or so, but then there is a audible information that is clearly not nulled.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks!

[@i_make_sounds]

Mix 2 sounds slightly deeper and the stereo image sounds slightly wider to my ears. Fidelity wasn't less per se on mix 1, but the imaging sounds just a touch more open on mix 2. Thanks for the great content!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Kauzzi1]

As a studio one user for the last 5 to 6 years (so tired of people asking me why I don't even open pro tools anymore), I would have to say for the bang for buck it would be the quantum. My dream interface is an Apollo, but some of us are on a 9 to 5 budget lol. Great vids my guy, I've been learning and most importantly relearning a lot of things I've forgotten over the years of going from analog to completely in the box

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Glad we are helping and serving a purpose

[@Charliemac1393]

Great reference video, understandable education, easy to understand an relatable. I appreciate the knowledge! Peace an blessings be upon you!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Much appreciated Thank you for your support!

[@EricTheAxeMan]

WOO! I guessed right. Awesome video man! As soon as you said watch the solo button I looked away haha! I figured mix 1 was apollo just from the slightly more "organic" sound that be heard in certain parts of the track. The quantum had parts in the same areas that sounded slightly "flat or duller". That being said the quantum seemingly sounded better in the louder dynamic parts. I'm a full Presonus guy who still loves using an old ass 2 input firewire interface for playing guitar because it just works. I'd easily grab the quantum considering the price. It's just nice to have UAD for that slight improved clarity that could make a difference if I'm recording someone else(I'm just a metal guitarist so ears probably shot anyway)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback and I'm glad you liked the video!

[@andrewhunt9058]

Love the set up guys. This set of videos really helped me make up my mind to upgrade my ageing firewire Focusrite interfaces (Liquid Saffire 56, Saffire pro 40 and Octapre) which I use to plug all my hardware synths into so that I can use them like 'plug ins'. I recently purchased a new M1 MacBook Pro Max which Focusrite are no longer supporting, driver wise (the infuriating cause of all my interface de-commissions!). Ended up with the Quantum 2626 which is a great value proposition and seeing you guys happy to convert the input/output of a ~£40k SSL desk really makes the case that these quantum interfaces are disrupting the traditional high end audio game. The cherry on the cake is the 2626 has 2 adat ports (2 ins and outs) that allow me to use my old Focusrites in 'standalone' mode giving me 16 more inputs/ouputs. Latency is also non existent when recording. :)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I am glad the video has helped :)

[@natan_abdala]

To my ears, the green mix definitely sounded more open, and the center was more defined. When the purple mix would play, it made me miss the green mix. In other words, sonically speaking, purple mix sounded good, green mix sounded great!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Fair enough!

[@beethewizard]

Mix A sounds slightly brighter than B but they both sound perfectly fine. Thank you for sharing Dave, this was a great comparison because I have been on the fence about the 4848 but not anymore it doesn’t matter which was which the difference is so slight I will go with what my budget can afford at the moment.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@beethewizard]

@@MixingMusicAnalog You’re welcome I am behind in viewing your videos I have much to catch up on. Thank you for always providing such great insight.

[@ianmcgranaghan9888]

Loved the test!! I couldn’t tell the difference and have no idea which is which hahaha but that’s good I guess so that there’s not a quality difference! I would definitely sell the Apollo’s and buy 2 Of the presonus so I have money to buy some outboard gear such as effects units!!! Great video and loved how in depth you went with it. Thank you!!! Merry Christmas!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@reallyniceaudio]

I feel I could do more with the green version. The purple does not have the low end clarity the top end sounds dirtier. Can't wait to hear the answer. I went with a ferrofish A32 connected to an RME Raydat.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@hondbanjer]

its a pity you didn't do a Null-test. That way you can tell the difference between the converters. I'm nowhere near my headphones or monitors, so I can't tell much about the differenec listening on laptop speakers. You did a nice job on this test, keep the videos coming!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

no reason for that. Use your ears, not your eyes. That is what this video was all about. Keeping it simple.....how does it sound? That's all that matters.

[@jeremy_woods]

I would say purple has an immediate air around it especially the drums that go away when switched, which in terms of superior conversion tells me it's the Apollo. I hope I'm wrong too because we're looking at a cost effective solution for mobile band recording lol.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You'll have to wait and find out

[@arkistriph1]

Guessing the green mix is the PreSonus, no rhyme or reason. I think it sounds more present with little difference in the low end. With only You tube audio to go by I would go with PreSonus regardless of what mix it is. They are very close. I would be interested in hearing isolated tracks. Listening to tracks in isolation can sometimes help to pick out things that may go unnoticed in a full mix. Love the song by the way. Thanks Dave, Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks and you as well. )

[@Decedo]

Thanks great video. I think the differences are very slight, although I did hear a slight difference in the mid frequencies. Mix 1 was a little warmer around 3k-5k, and mix 2 was a little thinner

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Interesting!

[@Da1Prophessor]

I can’t really tell a difference in the converters. They both sound really good. I didn’t pay attention to your mute/solo when listening because I didn’t want to be biased based on my eyes. By the it’s a great mix👍🏽

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

thanks and it's not a mix. it was simple raw unprocessed audio

[@nicolasmelgarejo]

Incredible video Dave thank you very much for everything you are sharing and teaching us ... I think it would have been interesting to invert the phase of the tracks ... there then we would hear if there is any difference ... once I did that experiment exporting Mixes of logic and pro tools to see if there is any difference in the software and to my surprise it was completely silent when reversing the phase ... but it would be great if you can share part of the tracks that you printed so we do that experiment ... May the successes continue for you and your work! Cheers!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

no reason for that. Its two different units with different component inside so there has to be some difference right? The point is....can you actually hear the difference. 98% of people listen with their eyes and not their ears. they see me muting and unmuting and are telling them selfs they hear something different.

[@robertl.6919]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Do we need " reasons" to do a curiosity test ?😁 I mean, it would be interesting to hear whats going on with these 2 units... Or in other words, what parts of the spectrum is " missing" if you pay 1/3 of the price ? Please ? And Merry Christmas Dave !

[@nicolasmelgarejo]

@@MixingMusicAnalog of course ... what I want to get to with the proposal I made was to actually know exactly what the difference is ... but I understand your point and you are very right ... I hope I can see more about how the tests you are doing are progressing ! Cheers!

[@wily_rites]

Hands down prefer the second green track, the first has a very slight stereo image collapse, seems that the treble is loosing a little precision, giving better clarity to the second track. That said, it could be that there are artefacts due to the setup which may cause such, so difficult to tell, running a tape master as an input rather than anything that has used either of the converters in its recoding, would make for a better starting point. I am also listening using presonus converters which could of course also effect that which I am hearing.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@toddgac4282]

Nice comparison Dave. My ear can't tell the difference. This was perfect for me as I am in the process of buying an audio interface to process my drums. Sweetwater recommended the Apollo X8P for $3350 which to me is way more than I wanted to spend for my little hobby. Can the PreSonus Quantum 2626 get the job done with Studio One as its DAW? Sure seems like it. Thoughts? Great video. Thank you for the comparison. Todd Gac

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Yes, of course. You don't need to spend that much and honestly, you shouldn't. The 2626 will get the job done.

[@RobertRyda]

25:00 The GREEN sounds better just by attentively listening through the AUSTRIAN AUDIO HI-X55 headphones. Their higher frequency spectrum is similar to the famed KRK6000 twitters, which utilize K45 (i might be wrong) yellow focal twitters and they are superb! The qualities of the "MIX2" are silkier and sorta grouped into a cohesive silk sound, whereas "MIX1" is just that but without silk, and also sounds as if a very very transparent bus compressor got suddenly bypassed. Maybe if the "MIX1" got raised 0.1db gain it would change the A/B difference, but in this current case my ear prefers the "MIX2" as sounding more as a whole, sounding kida 1% more saturated altogether!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesjames77777]

Thanks for the video! I’m about to buy, could you let me know which one the green mix is please? Then I can buy through of your affiliate links. Cheers!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

there is a video telling you which is which already

[@jsvydhb]

I use a Allen & Heath gl3300 and will definitely be purchasing a presonus quantum 48 after watching this video! 🙏🔥

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Good choice!

[@nafawi7965]

Green sounded warmer to me. Initially, more natural. Mix 1 seemed more stressed in the high-end. Image-wise the green seemed to have more material in the center which made Mix 1 seemed to have a wider image and sound more open. But the more I listen, I feel like I could listen to purple more times and not fatigue.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@carlbrady6132]

Very nice! Thx for doing that. Where do we get the answer ? I feel the mix 2 is slightly brighter. It excites the ears a bit more, but overall I feel the first mix is a bit more balanced and once mixed might work better. Just a theory.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

The answer is coming soon. We have a couple more videos to do for this test first, subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay up to date!

[@toufanrecords]

In the mix, dbu output is less than -6 dB. The converter shows your best performance in Master at approximately 0 dB. for mixing is good and easy . but for master you can use Mastering Converter like LYNX , ANTELOPE , BURL and ... .

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@GrievousAngelProduct]

I prefer Mix 1. Mix ! (Top) felt more open & wider with a touch more 'air', while M2 (Bottom) was a bit darker & felt a little thicker. Mix 2 may be preferred for a typical rock session. Really going out on a limb . . . Mix 1 is to API as Mix 2 is to Neve. I think. I listened via my Mac Studio headphone out to my AKG K361 Reference Headphones with no EQ or amplification. K361 are 32z therefore the volume level was somewhat low. I'll playback via RME ADI-2 Pro FS & Mackie HR824 active monitors later and get back.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@williambrewer3150]

Biggest thing to me is that Mix two was much less controlled. Mix one had a very define center channel, you could tell what instruments were panned or stereo, but mix two seemed to jump and waver a bit more. Not sure exactly what causes it, but while it sounded more interesting, it seemed like it'd be far harder to mix properly.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching

[@PcruProducer]

I listened without looking at the screen. And Concluded that it wasnt Noticeable enough to justify a Purchase so big if you are starting out. this does certainly close the Gap for those without the budget! Great Video

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks you

[@oledahl.]

Tbh I don't think I can hear a difference. But like you say we do have a tendency (or at least many of us) to listen with our eyes. And I can tell that because: When I listen and pay attention to you switching channels I think I can hear a difference, but as soon as I close my eyes I have no idea which one of them is playing or when you switch. So that only means that I'm imagining stuff right? Thx a lot for taking the time to make this video. And other videos. I instantly subbed. I have subscribed to so many other ppl on KZbin too but I find it harder and harder to find something without clock baits or real good info/learning material. Keep it up and ill watch everything you post and comment and like. I'll even advise my colleagues to watch your channel. 😉👍👏👏👏

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you very much! This channel is all about being is honest and un-biased as possible. It also serves as a learning experience for us. There is no one on KZbin that is showing hybrid mixing in the way we are trying to show it, so we really appreciate all the support and the kind words. Unfortunately, when it comes to analog equipment there are a lot of people who get down right nasty and personal and I spend quite a bit of time deleting comments and blocking people from this channel.....LOL

[@Mattkeys_88]

I've not read any of the comments, I watched the video up till the test started. At the part of the test the only way I could be subjective was to just listen. As soon as I heard any kind of difference from the comparison, is when I looked. This was roughly at the 25 minute point. At this point what I noticed seemed to be a volume difference, so I looked to see if one of the meters showed a difference in the incoming signal volume. It appears to me the green one is a bit hotter. This doesn't have anything to do with quality as I didn't hear a discernable difference. I will say, however, the overall signal level will still have to be dealt with during mastering, and it is generally best practice to leave some room. I am curious if you happened to be running a PAZ or some other utility to measure the gain stage before going through the conversion process. A cheep way to sell tires in the past was a fake whitewall. Embellished gain could be said to be a similar practice. So I have no clue which is which, please let me know. I am interested as I have partnered up with another engineer, and we are building a tracking room. We both are Studio One Pro users, he has the analog gear, the summing mixer the Avalons, Neve's etc. I bring the mic locker and have all the plugins, with the knowledge of how to use them. I still rely on outboard compression. I have a few select compressors, a hot rodded 1176, a clone LA2A, and a VCA stereo bus compressor. I have found the hardware just gives a sound which has a different feel to it than the plugin predecessors. I would really like to know which is which, as my partner is using his Quantum 48-48. I was guided to $6,000,000 and even $9,000.00 A to D converters because that is what the major studios use. I have been really trying to do my research, and wanted to set others involved in the business at ease. Thank you for your time in doing this video. I imagine the editing alone to at least a day if not more. Keep it up! I am a new subscriber!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

The levels are identical, trust me. Watch the rest of the series and after that, of you want to spend $9,000 on coverters be my guest. I have not-tried anything other than the U/A Apollos so there may be other converters that sound better than the Quantum for sure but I have not tried one. If someone wants to send a unit here for me to compare it I would certainly do that but in this particular use case, I think the U/A is way over priced for what I need. I'll say it again, 32 I/O is $9,000 vs $1500 for the Quantum and the sound quality difference is so minimal. Does that mean there is not a better product for conversion out there? Of course there is. Will you hear a real audible difference or "enough" of a difference? That is the question.

[@Mattkeys_88]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Well this was a really great video for me personally. In my tracking studio we are using the Quantum 48/48, so as you said, 9K, ugh no thanks. We invested our money into a 16 channel summing mixer from API. We wanted to get the 'Console Sound' without out the console real-estate. Question, does the SSL have a summing mixer on the output? I can live without the physical compressors on every track, without the summing mixer though, I am not sure I would be in for it.

[@michaelrice6620]

Wow this is crazy I honestly didnt think i would hear much of a difference but it is definitely noticeable. Whichever 1 green one is sounds better, the highs sound smoother and clearer and has a good presence to it. Im guessing the 2nd one (green 1) is going to be the Apollo. Just cause the price tag lol, im sure if mixed they would both come out sounding great though.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You must have "golden ears"...LOL

[@PepeRubio77]

I have to say I hear practically identical both mixes. Probably one of the in the solo part sounds to me different, like less fat, but the rest is the same for me. Thank you fr the video.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@JesusArmasOficial]

The first mix to me at least sounded with a little lift in the low mid area. Specially between the bass and some range of the kick. Both sound great and I'm pretty sure that with both units, results can be great. However, if I had to choose one to keep with I'd choose the first mix. Great vid!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Fair enough!

[@EricRabb]

I like the Green mix. Bottom end is slightly thicker. Vocals are slightly more forward. Greens mix has slightly more sizzle. I’m listening on studio monitors.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks

[@LocaliLLocano]

I do use a merging anubis and Burl b2 ADC and they are the few AD interfaces that can handle the high output of the Neve Portico MBP when running your master hot. A lot of prosumer interfaces will clip when limiting my master hard. Both Merging and Burl have a soft clip option just in case I get too wild with the levels

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the info!

[@amossingleton7921]

Man that Burl gear sounds amazing! I had the pleasure of hearing a 32 i/o mothership configuration with an API console and was spellbound.

[@peterbigblock]

Maybe a tiny bit more mids in the vox in the purple mix? It could be psychosomatic. Nobody could possibly say one is better than the other in my opinion. Sure, over KZbin so that makes it harder. I think they sound practically identical.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

They are identical to me and I have listen to these samples dozens of times on multiple systems

[@johnmartin1888]

Awesome test. First I didn’t look at the screen when you was A-B them, put on a cheep per of headphones that I use to reference my mixes and only listened. I couldn’t tell the difference.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

EXACTLY! I did that this morning after being away from the video for a few days. I listen back on my Bose headphones and I sat with my eyes closed during the entire playback and I could not tell where I was switching between the tracks. To my ears, there is no difference between the two.

[@MrBlessup247]

Same for me volume match perfect couldn’t tell which is which 💯👌🏽😁

[@carlosborunda]

Almost identical but if there's anything that I'm self convincing that I heard , was a bit more of an scooped out sound on the green track and a bit more bottom in the purple one.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChrisBrooker]

Honestly, I love my 4848 and feel like its one of the best purchases I've made in a whiiiiiiile. They're also DC coupled if you want to get some CV into your modular gear!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyhunter2799]

the purple fader on the left seems clearer (slightly brighter) to my tired old drummer ears but I have mixed 5000 song in my life soooo.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@lucianappleton1212]

First off I use a Quantum in the studio. The green channel sounds better than the purple and I assume it's the Apollo, but with that said the Quantum represents the best bang for the buck as I can spice up the two bus to compensate. Now tell us!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

you have a 50/50 chance of being correct!

[@unique863]

purple is the apollo and i'd bet anything on it... people are saying green is more open and thats because purple has more definition and reference your ears to the point of the instruments sitting in the track... less definition creates an illusion of open and warm as clarity zooms in on location of where things sit

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, great Thanks for watching!

[@electrodynamicwaves]

Green gave the snare more room than the purple. The purple seemed to compressed it slightly.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok thanks

[@gweeds334]

Definitely more low end presence, warmth, and clarity in the 2nd Mix. As a diehard Presonus/ Studio One user using an 1818VSL my guess is that track 2 is an Apollo. I hope Im wrong and I get to go buy a quantum. When using the Quantum, what was your block size set to via Universal Control? I wonder if this has anything to do with the quality or if there is a similar setting on the Apollo.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Setting were the same

[@rockchunk9417]

I’ve been looking at the quantum 4848 for the last couple of months, I’m in the same boat as you I don’t track through the uad plugins I use hardware,so that side of the apollo is redundant if what Barry Johns says is true that the new apple chips are so fast that you can set your buffer to 32 and forget it , then there is no need for dsp for me in the audio interface,and it’s time to sell my uad apollo

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@tisbonus]

Well done! I'm getting old so I may not be able to really hear much of a difference. That said, my experience in audio tells me: 1) Presonus and 2) Universal Audio. If that isn't the case then it sounds like you're going shopping with the money made selling those UA's. That still might be a good option considering the two are so close in sound, unless you intend to record classical music or jazz (I'm assuming my guess is accurate).

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I don't know, maybe you are correct, maybe you're not.

[@mottamix]

Mix 1 sounds more open to me, I believe it's Apollo. But the difference is so, so small that it does not justify in any way paying the difference in value. Thanks for the amazing video, you gained another subscriber.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Hey Thanks! Welcome to the family!!

[@hjorte.]

Great preparation and presentation, Dave!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you!

[@popsfitch7938]

Thanks. can’t wait for the upcoming video could save me big $. I am upgrading my studio soooooo you next will be most helpful. Sincerely, Pops Fitch

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You got it Pops!

[@Rantila718]

The green sounds more full to my ears…i could definitely hear a difference between the two

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks

[@jayclas4023]

I have on some great ear buds, the JBL Reflect Minis and I put my phone down and just listened. There’s one part where the vocal harmony stood out but it wasn’t something I would’ve missed while mixing. They are very close, it doesn’t matter which was which because Unison pres are amazing as is Studer A800 and Ampex 102. The Apollo interfaces does not limit what I do.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@Markinhorv]

Great comparison, in my humble opinion both sounded great but I personally felt a little more clarity in the higher mids on mix 2, so I could tell that mix 2 could be the UAD and mix 1 the Presonus but I could be wrong.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Wait until you see Dave's deep dive analyses video, coming next week. For everyone that "thinks' they hear a difference, that video may change your mind.

[@deanmasi6684]

Oh boy, I feel the same about Mix 2. Felt more relaxed to me and better, more accurate lows. Perhaps we’re all wrong!!!! Lol. Looking forward to Uncle Daves next video on this! :-/

[@Markinhorv]

Can't wait to see next episode

[@mixedbyedd]

Wouldn't say either is better - all personal preference and will get the job done. To me, the differences are in the stereo imaging of the a/d. Green sounds more wider. Red sounds more center focused. Similar to when i tested the prism to lynx hilo. both can work - lynx has a wider image and clean, prism is clean with a slighttt color but narrow image. imo of course. Appreciate vids like this - thanks for sharing.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@АлексейВискалов-и6х]

Mix1 = PreSonus Quantum Mix2 = Universal Audio Apollo x16 - - - - - I was on Apogee / switched to Universal Audio Apollo = after a month I sold and left for Apogee Symphony I / O Mk1 - happiness !!! - - - - - if I have the console I dream of (Solid State Logic Origin / Solid State Logic Duality 48channels /// I would EXACTLY be on = Apogee Symphony I / O Mk2 TB 32x32 + Apogee Symphony I / O MKII TB 2x6 SE and get the best sound in the world for a lifetime - - - - - thank you for such a job! for your important videos !!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks you for your support

[@robertjensen2774]

I found that the random switching between versions had a large impact on my listening. I would have preferred to listen to the first 10 seconds of each then the next ten seconds etc. Is it possible to post those files or a portion of? More importantly I would like to hear you assessment. Thanks

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

not posting the files, sorry

[@hitmakerstudio6405]

The green track is my favorite... Somehow more open and 3D like! I wonder which interface it is? Good video Sir....

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

one day, I'll reveal which is which

[@richiefamus8778]

As a previous owner of the Studiolive MK3 and current owner of the Apollo 16 I’m going to have to say that the Purple sounds like the UA & the green sounds like the Presonus converters. 🧐🤔

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok.

[@BlueJavaTN]

Love the song and both options sound good to me, but I hear more depth/harmonics on the first/purple option.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thank you

[@BlueJavaTN]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Loving this discussion. Took the eyes closed challenge and I can hear the difference when focusing on the bass. Probably couldn't get it 100% of the time as it is that close. I'm listening with ERIS 8" monitors.

[@asbrinkman]

I have two 4848's and basically eliminated my need of patchbays. I really like them. I also have an Apollo QUAD (silver) that I updated to thunderbolt. I daisy chain all three together, utilizing one of the QUANTUMS as my clock for the Apollo. I also have UAD PCIe and USB OCTO cards. I've got the two systems running seamlessly.

[@fattohead]

Excuse me ,did you daisychain Apollo and Presonus using thunderbolt cable?!?! :/

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

NICE!!

[@asbrinkman]

I listened closely last night and initially I liked mix #1 better. It seemed to be clearer. As I continued to listen to all aspects of the mix, mix #2 started to sound overall larger and warmer. Although I think both versions are fine, I would be interested in knowing which mix came from which interface. This was a really good shootout.

[@scottspaulding7965]

You can have apollo and 4848 running at the same time running in studio one?

[@Capons_Place]

@@fattohead I would like to know if this is possible? Can we chain it wit UA interfaces?

[@wesstarmedia]

They sound very similar, so if the presonus drivers are solid, then it is a great value unit.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@CarlBDrummer]

I could not tell a general difference. Until the lead guitar came in. I noticed a very slight difference in the transients. Not enough to constitute a HUGE price difference!. I love Presonus gear. I would like to see a plug in faceoff. Presonus Fat channel vrs. UA vst. Mainly the LA-2A and 1176.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@donteschner8604]

I think both mixes are the Presonus. I first listened with my eyes closed and heard no differences as the track played. then I listened with my eyes open and my brain told me the green one sounded as most of the comments said .. more open. I wonder what would happen if you swapped the colors, would the green one still sound "better" again. I think That may be the real test.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

LOL.....not even close. got to love a conspiracy theory. It further proves my point that most people listen with their eyes and not their ears. There are no "tricks" or deception here.

[@kdw735]

Great video. I have a quantum 4848 and I've been wondering if I'm missing out on anything by not spending thousands more. This answers the question and I'm really happy.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I would not say you are missing out, especially if you dont need the interface for recording capabilities

[@Bcwilderness]

the big trouble in all of this journey for me the last ten years, i upgraded to prism, then realised everyone else out there listens on a thousand diff systems so only you enjoy it in the home studio, ad or da rooms or earbuds, everyone just needs great bass and clarity, i really thing rme and audient can get you there, ive got a 3500 pound titan and my mates mix from his audient sounds superb, its the mixer at the end of the day

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@2011Rollsroyce]

Dave do not get rid of the Apolls x16, they are the BEST in the Industry as far as I'm concerned.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

based on what? I love when people say the "best" what is that based on? Just curious. I am a U/A fan boy myself

[@terrelwilliams926]

The purple waveform has more clarity and detail to me especially from mids to highs. The difference is so small that you could get a great sound from either.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree!!

[@terreldante3224]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Which is the Apollo and which is the Quantum?

[@CrazyFloridaMan]

​@@terreldante3224, purple is apollo. Green sounded a little more open to me.

[@manojmohata3199]

I hear the purple one to be just a tiny bit smoother and the green one slightly edgier. There is a subtle difference. Which one u like more..that's individual taste..both are close but the purple one felt just a little easier on my ear..I go for that 💜

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks !

[@coywood203]

on my speakers it sounded like the green mix (mix 2) was a little more saturated...it just sounded a little fatter (in a good way)...like someone else said, both mixes sounded really good and at the price difference the Presonus seems like the way to go!!!! BTW, happy StudioOne user here too...great DAW!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@nbsnowden]

I don't hear a difference! I am listening through an Apollo x6 into Adam A7X monitors... After KZbin does its conversion I bet the clarity might be lost on both. One thing you could try is a Null test to see what subtleties there are. Flip the phase of one of the tracks and play them together... I too am a fan boy of UA and Presonus... I have a StudioLive III 32 channel for all my bands live stuff but my recording rig for one track at a time is through the Apollo x6 so I can throw some different preamps on the way in. Great video! If it were up to me I would go with the quantums for that board because you aren't using any of the DSP options with the Apollos and two quantums would make it easy to finish out your board.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Null test is coming on Thursday

[@KanlydNorge]

I have no idea what is what.. the purple mix 1 sounds slightly more open. Anyway you put it they are both great and the value for money of the Presonus blows the Apollo out of the water. I have two silver quads and the Apollo 16x in my studio with my API console. I also have a octo satellite. I’m also currently toying with Luna so I can’t really sell my Apollo’s. But if I only used Studio One and did not need my Apollo preamps I probably consider going for the Presonus interface.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching

[@wearashirt]

For me and my 90's soundcraft spirit live board, I prefer to maximize the outgoing signal from the interface, so I have to use less gain on the board and - supposedly - carry less noisefloor. I just minimize console gain as much as I can because readjusting gain is a PITA!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

On the SSL, a large part of the sound is driving the preamp.

[@ElectromagneDikk]

Really digging the Santana and Rob Thomas vibe. The artist is really good. Which if you think about it, if that's all I heard from this video, you did your job and it doesn't matter which I/O you choose.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@ElectromagneDikk]

@@MixingMusicAnalog quite welcome my friend.

[@Ricksterpt]

I love my Aurora Lynx N. Love your channel brother great job.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Much appreciated! I never used the Aurora Lynx but I have heard they make great products

[@Ricksterpt]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Once you try the Aurora I promise you ain’t going back to anything else. They really do sound fantastic.

[@RogerWessel]

Great video. Have an Apollo X8. Don’t use the preamps anymore, so have been thinking about moving to X16 or similar to connect more analoag gear. But then which to choose that gives me the best conversion. I think the B was slightly brighter and more open, but I’m not listening from my studio, so I’m not sure. I would recommend the free HOFA 4U+ plugin for this kind of blind test. It’s really great.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching

[@markszymanski1177]

So you're using the X16 Heritage pricing? I'm pretty sure you can still find their reg Apollos that are like 31-3500 I believe. So big price difference there. I use the X16 currently and had the 4848 for a bit, that interface is impressive. When I tracked drums with hardware pre's and tracked same performance to both interfaces, I did notice some difference, but not night and day. I would've just mixed them a little differently... The bigger difference to me was the DA, and I liked the Apollo quite a bit more. I'd say some other pro's on the X16, that I don't believe you mentioned are: 1. Dedicated Monitor outs, annoying that you have to use 2 channels from a dsub on the quantum and in turn lose 2 outputs for monitoring if you're doing hw inserts. 2. X16 has AES for conveniently adding alt converter for IO or monitor controller if needed ( 4848 has ADAT which is also cool for other reasons ). 3. X16 added 3 buttons to the front for meter changing, ALT monitors switching and a FCN button to assign another function of your choice, like MONO. So for a standalone interface the X16 offers more I believe, but if using with a console, I could see pro's for each...

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for your thoughts

[@michaeltablet8577]

Great video as always! Very honest and informative! Thank you so very much!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Glad you enjoyed it!