Topic: Real Time V3 vs. Aerco Comp

[tgakidis]

The Amorphous Band
2009-2-18
Muddy River Smokehouse
Portsmouth, NH

These comps were done with two sets of AKG 461's set to the same configuration and position.
The Microphones were set dead center 18 feet from the stage about 7 feet high.
The files were interlaced switching every 30 seconds throughout the songs.

Thanks to Jason Sobel for hosting my files!

http://www.turtleside.com/misc/Aerco-V3-comp/v3.vs.aerco.set1.flac
Song: Use me
0:00-0:30 Source 1: AKG c460b/ck61(DIN,18'FS) > V3 Digi > R-4 (24/48)
0:30-1:00 Source 2: AKG c460b/ck61(DIN,18'FS) > Aerco MP-2 analog > R09HR (24/48)
switching every 30 seconds

http://www.turtleside.com/misc/Aerco-V3-comp/aerco.vs.v3.set2.flac
Song: Stand As One
0:00-0:30 Source 1: AKG c460b/ck61(DIN,18'FS) > Aerco MP-2 analog > R-4 T-Mod (24/48)
0:30-1:00 Source 2: AKG c460b/ck61(DIN,18'FS) > V3 analog > R-4 T-mod (24/48)
switching every 30 seconds

[Myco]

Very interesting! I thought the Aerco actually sounded a little tighter, I would have thought it would be the opposite.

[tgakidis]

I actually think the v3 digi has more warmth then the analog, granted the analog is going into the t-mod.

[stevetoney]

Nice Ted.  Thanks for the comp.  I think the main conclusion I'm reaching is that the Aerco is a hella sounding preamp is such a small little package.  Very little difference in flavour between the the Aerco and V3. 

Because of the difference in recording devices, do you really think we can reach any legitimate conclusions between the digital and analog V3 samples?

[Myco]

I actually think the v3 digi has more warmth then the analog, granted the analog is going into the t-mod.

They actually sounded pretty similar to me, but the warmth was a little cleaner and more defined with the Aerco than the V3, IMHO. I like em both, and run em both myself. 
It all depends on what appeals to your ear really. The main diff between you and I is that you're running AKG's and I'm running Gefell's.

[SmokinJoe]

Because of the difference in recording devices, do you really think we can reach any legitimate conclusions between the digital and analog V3 samples?

There is a certain contingent amongst us who have spoken most unkindly of the V3 A/D (I am NOT one of them).  At one point there was a comp claiming the (original) R09 A/D sounded better than the V3 A/D.  I heard the comp, and both sounded good.  Which was "better" is a matter of opinion (as in, which is better ice cream, chocolate or vanilla?).

Question: If I wear headphones and listen to the V3 analog versus Aerco I hear "stuff" which make the V3 sound wider.  Did you notice that?  What exactly is that?  Is it low notes which my headphones are straining to reproduce and which the aerco has rolled off?  I find that interesting that it is there, although kind of distracting to listen to.  Maybe on a big stereo it is called "huge soundstage" but in my headphones it's kind of an unpleasant distraction.
 

[rich]

Song: Use me

source 1 >  sounds like a V3; warm but with just a hint of low end smearrr; well rounded lows (again, just a pinch of smearrr) with airy mids and highs

source 2 >  same as above but minus the low end smearrr; very well defined attack and decay; maybe not as airy mids and highs, but very crisp and pronounced; more musical in my opinion

i prefer source 2



rich

[rich]

Song: Stand As One

source 1 >  again, consistent audio profile of the aerco..i dont like this as much as the first tune sample..just not quite as musical.  but still very nice

source 2 >  this is my favorite source.  maybe i am just not a huge fan of the V3 digi out.  but i hear the same low end smearrr from when i ran 210's > V3.  the difference between the V3 analog / V2 and the aerco is recognizable but subtle.  i love the aerco but have to say this is my favorite source.


rich

[prof_peabody]

I find the V3 digi out to be a bit disappointing.  My experiences with 402X > ACM V3 were even more disappointing. I don't think the ACM V3 is suited to these mics - sounds like crap.

[edtyre]

It's all in what your ears prefer. I really dig the 4023 >ACM V3 sound, but not every band,
every room, every time. I think this combo is more suited for real loud stuff.

I ran both of these last night for Kathleen Edwards

4023 > ACM V3 > CM R44 digi in
MK-41 > KC5 > CMC6 > Aerco > CM R44 analog in

The schoeps recording smokes the dpa set this time
and its quieter stuff.

The aerco is underated for open taping!

[prof_peabody]

It's all in what your ears prefer. I really dig the 4023 >ACM V3 sound, but not every band,
every room, every time. I think this combo is more suited for real loud stuff.

I ran both of these last night for Kathleen Edwards

4023 > ACM V3 > CM R44 digi in
MK-41 > KC5 > CMC6 > Aerco > CM R44 analog in

The schoeps recording smokes the dpa set this time
and its quieter stuff.

The aerco is underated for open taping!

But you're also running schoeps - with muddy low end...

[rich]

so very very true mr tyre

[willndmb]

i liked the aerco in both
#2 was much harder to hear a difference though

[L Ron Hoover]

Listening with MDR-V6's, the bass seems more extended and warmer in source one. To me, source two seems to have better separation though. That said, I like source one better.

They really do sound quite different to me.

[tgakidis]

Listening with MDR-V6's, the bass seems more extended and warmer in source one. To me, source two seems to have better separation though. That said, I like source one better.

They really do sound quite different to me.

Love the DRI logo....