Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: Jonas Karlsson on March 14, 2016, 06:17:20 PM
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Hello fellow audiophiles!
In 2014 I finally decided to buy new, class A, microphones (AKG CK61+63) and with that active cables + the tinybox (mostly because of the small size/big sound).
Now... I've tried to read as much as possible here regarding both the tinybox AND the Nbox platinum, but can't really figure out if anyone has ever compared these two? When searching for an option in 2014 I found out that it was 50/50 regarding what people thought of the two, so therefore I chose tinybox, because I only stealth, but since I always want the BEST possible sound:
What differs in soundquality between the two? Some like A better than B - but can anyone say which one actually SOUNDS the best and why?
Anyone up for linking soundclips? Has anyone compared? Feel free to give me your thoughts!
P.S. This is in NO WAY an attempt to piss anyone off (since the people making these great products both will read this) - this is just me trying to figure out what people think of both of these products. Kind of like consumer TV-show, you know?
/Jonas (Jontebus on Dimeadozen etc)
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This would be a rather academic exercise. TB are no longer made, were basically built to spec, and rarely appear on the used market. The NBox build and sound quality is outstanding.
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were basically built to spec
Could you explain what you mean here? "Built to spec"?
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When ordering a Naiant pre, the buyer could request various different input, output and power configurations. You could choose to have transformers or not, etc. They were built to the buyer's spec/preferences.
were basically built to spec
Could you explain what you mean here? "Built to spec"?
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When ordering a Naiant pre, the buyer could request various different input, output and power configurations. You could choose to have transformers or not, etc. They were built to the buyer's spec/preferences.
were basically built to spec
Could you explain what you mean here? "Built to spec"?
I see, thank you for clarifying this.
;D
Still wonder what would sound best with my setup - and why? What makes it outstanding?
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Beyond the basics--design, value, build quality--outstanding is a subjective opinion I suppose. Two people can hear a piece of gear and have two differing opinions about the "sound." Things I value--dynamics, wide bandwidth, low noise, neutral presentation--this preamp has in spades. The sound is very natural. Uncompressed. Reflects what is feeding it signal-wise. Some people match gear to balance sound. Mics that might lean toward a more clinical sound might be paired with preamps that have warmth. Tube mics might be paired with a preamp that sounds leaner. You get the idea. The Nbox is designed to be small, simple, and great-sounding. Those of us who bought it had a good idea of what it could do by listening to recordings made with gear similar to what we own.
Trust your own ears. It's that simple. :D
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But to compare, using my ears, I have to buy one :D (since not too many people have the AKG CK61+63's) and I thought someone had used both and could give his or her reply of what the difference is ^-^
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What actives do you have? The nBox will only work when modded with the nBob actives.
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I have one of each pre-amps but I don't run AKG's.
This is strictly anecdotal (of course) - I've run both to get a sense of what my preference is. They both sound very good. I enjoy my recordings made with either pre.
When all things are equal - I grab one of my Classic Nboxes 99.99% of the time. With that said I would never sell my Tinybox and its so small I often bring it along as a backup - just in case.
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What actives do you have? The nBox will only work when modded with the nBob actives.
I have the nBob's... :D
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What actives do you have? The nBox will only work when modded with the nBob actives.
I have the nBob's... :D
Then all you have to do now is hit Nicky up and have him build you an nBox. NO BRAINER...I love mine and the tapes I have made with it are pretty damn awesome.
I'll have my AKG cables soon but run the MG actives with the nBox currently.
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Love my nbox platinum. Very happy with the results. If I want a different flavor I can run nbob>PFA but haven't yet.
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I also run an nbox platinum. I know both units sound great but all things being equal I know Nick stands behind his products. If something goes bad, he will fix it. I don't know whether or not you would get the same with a Tinybox but if you read threads on here you will not find any examples of Nick not responding to issues. He is a taper, one of us.
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Not sure if this matters to you... but a Tinybox looks like a piece of audio gear. An Nbox looks like an "unknown" device with female RCA connectors.
As far as I know, NboxP is currently in production. Tinybox is out of production.
I use to run an Nbox+ and loved the sound.
I've never run a Tinybox, but have friends that do and they love it.
I've never run AKG's.
I have nothing to offer regarding sonic comparisons.
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I also run an nbox platinum. I know both units sound great but all things being equal I know Nick stands behind his products. If something goes bad, he will fix it. I don't know whether or not you would get the same with a Tinybox but if you read threads on here you will not find any examples of Nick not responding to issues. He is a taper, one of us.
The same is true for Jon/Naiant. Jon might not be a taper, but every time I had a question or a problem (of which all were user errors), he was always very helpful and very fast in responding to my numerous e-mails. I recently made the switch from MBHO to Schoeps actives. When I got my NBobs, I faced the decision of keeping my tinybox vs. getting a new NBox. I decided on keeping the tinybox (not against getting an NBox) because I simply love it. And there's no need to replace perfectly working gear that you love. ;) The only concern I have with my tinybox is that the internal LiIon battery is probably going to die soon and I can't find suitable replacement packs here in Europe. I know Jon will convert my tinybox to NiMH when that happens, but shipping to/from the US will probably take a while, so I need to figure out what to do during that time. But this has nothing to do with product or service quality.
Finally, having bought stuff from both Jon and Nick, I have to say that both were a pleasure to deal with.
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I also run an nbox platinum. I know both units sound great but all things being equal I know Nick stands behind his products. If something goes bad, he will fix it. I don't know whether or not you would get the same with a Tinybox but if you read threads on here you will not find any examples of Nick not responding to issues. He is a taper, one of us.
The same is true for Jon/Naiant. Jon might not be a taper, but every time I had a question or a problem (of which all were user errors), he was always very helpful and very fast in responding to my numerous e-mails. I recently made the switch from MBHO to Schoeps actives. When I got my NBobs, I faced the decision of keeping my tinybox vs. getting a new NBox. I decided on keeping the tinybox (not against getting an NBox) because I simply love it. And there's no need to replace perfectly working gear that you love. ;) The only concern I have with my tinybox is that the internal LiIon battery is probably going to die soon and I can't find suitable replacement packs here in Europe. I know Jon will convert my tinybox to NiMH when that happens, but shipping to/from the US will probably take a while, so I need to figure out what to do during that time. But this has nothing to do with product or service quality.
Finally, having bought stuff from both Jon and Nick, I have to say that both were a pleasure to deal with.
Hi Sebastian, I am just as pleased with my tinybox - and this was no attempt to talk bad about any of the options, as mentioned in my first post :)
I'm just considering getting an Nbox Platinum, since I'm very please with my actives from Nick (kudos to you Nick!) - but need to know if the money is worth the "upgrade" in soundquality, therefore a comparison is very interesting.
Thanks
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Hi Sebastian, I am just as pleased with my tinybox - and this was no attempt to talk bad about any of the options, as mentioned in my first post :)
I'm just considering getting an Nbox Platinum, since I'm very please with my actives from Nick (kudos to you Nick!) - but need to know if the money is worth the "upgrade" in soundquality, therefore a comparison is very interesting.
That's a totally valid and understandable point.
Just wanted to weigh in because these discussions tend to quickly become full on flame wars here on ts.com. And I just thought that the point that was made earlier (NBox is well-supported because Nick is a taper vs. totally unsupported tinybox that was made by a non-taper) isn't valid at all.
Other than that, it really comes down to your personal preferences. Personally, I think both tinybox and NBox sound great. If I hadn't had a tinybox already, then I would have ordered an NBox without hestitation.
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I also run an nbox platinum. I know both units sound great but all things being equal I know Nick stands behind his products. If something goes bad, he will fix it. I don't know whether or not you would get the same with a Tinybox but if you read threads on here you will not find any examples of Nick not responding to issues. He is a taper, one of us.
The same is true for Jon/Naiant. Jon might not be a taper, but every time I had a question or a problem (of which all were user errors), he was always very helpful and very fast in responding to my numerous e-mails. I recently made the switch from MBHO to Schoeps actives. When I got my NBobs, I faced the decision of keeping my tinybox vs. getting a new NBox. I decided on keeping the tinybox (not against getting an NBox) because I simply love it. And there's no need to replace perfectly working gear that you love. ;) The only concern I have with my tinybox is that the internal LiIon battery is probably going to die soon and I can't find suitable replacement packs here in Europe. I know Jon will convert my tinybox to NiMH when that happens, but shipping to/from the US will probably take a while, so I need to figure out what to do during that time. But this has nothing to do with product or service quality.
Finally, having bought stuff from both Jon and Nick, I have to say that both were a pleasure to deal with.
Hi Sebastian, I am just as pleased with my tinybox - and this was no attempt to talk bad about any of the options, as mentioned in my first post :)
I'm just considering getting an Nbox Platinum, since I'm very please with my actives from Nick (kudos to you Nick!) - but need to know if the money is worth the "upgrade" in soundquality, therefore a comparison is very interesting.
Thanks
so let me get this right..you want us to validate you spending the extra money? Sorry but the best way to do this is to listen to tapes of your mics with the nBox behind and form your own opinion if it is worth it. A thread like this just causes problems and should be avoided in the future.
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Why don't y'all just come out and say it? Nbox is like sipping Chateau d'Yquem, tinybox was like butt-chugging Franzia Sunset Blush.
There, now that this important issue is decided, you can move on to more important considerations.
I have read threads how you are not making the Tinybox anymore and you seem to have moved on to new products. I was not saying your products were bad, I was just stating that I know Nick is someone I can depend on and he is a taper which you have stated you are not. I stated my personal experience working with Nick as a positive factor.
I think the most important purchasing considerations are which sounds better (I have my opinion) and whether you can order a NEW unit. Are you making and selling Tinyboxes?
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I also run an nbox platinum. I know both units sound great but all things being equal I know Nick stands behind his products. If something goes bad, he will fix it. I don't know whether or not you would get the same with a Tinybox but if you read threads on here you will not find any examples of Nick not responding to issues. He is a taper, one of us.
The same is true for Jon/Naiant. Jon might not be a taper, but every time I had a question or a problem (of which all were user errors), he was always very helpful and very fast in responding to my numerous e-mails. I recently made the switch from MBHO to Schoeps actives. When I got my NBobs, I faced the decision of keeping my tinybox vs. getting a new NBox. I decided on keeping the tinybox (not against getting an NBox) because I simply love it. And there's no need to replace perfectly working gear that you love. ;) The only concern I have with my tinybox is that the internal LiIon battery is probably going to die soon and I can't find suitable replacement packs here in Europe. I know Jon will convert my tinybox to NiMH when that happens, but shipping to/from the US will probably take a while, so I need to figure out what to do during that time. But this has nothing to do with product or service quality.
Finally, having bought stuff from both Jon and Nick, I have to say that both were a pleasure to deal with.
Ditto on Jon and Nick. Great.
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I have read threads how you are not making the Tinybox anymore and you seem to have moved on to new products. I was not saying your products were bad, I was just stating that I know Nick is someone I can depend on and he is a taper which you have stated you are not.
Is Bernhard Vollmer a taper?
Whatever. I have a website, published specifications, official warranty policy, legally registered business which is my main source of income for 10 years now with a full range of products. I also have almost 20 years of experience with various types of live and studio sound production and recording, and a few years of concert promotion to boot. So obviously I am not reliable and have no understanding of the needs of hobbyist concert recordists.
One thing I am not is an "audiophile". To me, an "audiophile" is a person with a thin understanding of physics and a propensity to spend too much time subjectively justifying purchases on which they have spent too much money. My goal as a designer is to make sound production less expensive, not more. This is why I have a product now that is less than half the cost of a tinybox.
Not trying to get into a flame war here but this new product, is it a replacement for the Tinybox? If so, why are all the requests for the Tinybox rather than the new product. Comparing yourself to Bernard Vollmer is also not valid imho. Schoeps does not make a product specific for tapers, tapers just happen to have picked up on their product and use it.
I just stated my preference of preferring the way Nick conducts his business to what I am observing on this site. Nothing in this thread would change my opinion and as said, I am expressing my opinion to the question posed. Many people have had good experiences dealing with you and that is imperative if this is your only source of income. I do know when I was having an issue with my gear (turned out to be a bad cable) I texted Nick while at the show and we walked through troubleshooting how to fix it. Again, just my personal experience.
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Not trying to get into a flame war here
Then explain your first post.
but this new product, is it a replacement for the Tinybox?
Yes, in terms of support for actives (it doesn't do P48 as that is no longer desired by the market).
If so, why are all the requests for the Tinybox rather than the new product.
All the requests? How would you know that, did you hack into my email? Sales thus far are comparable per period. Anyway, I had already saturated the taper market with product. The best estimate I've seen of taper market size here is about 1,500 and shrinking. I've sold over 400 amplifiers so far, so I moved on to other products. This is important given that I need to eat.
Comparing yourself to Bernard Vollmer is also not valid imho.
Why? We both are involved in manufacturing audio equipment, and we (as far as I know) don't record concerts for a hobby. Therefore, Vollmer and I are more similar than you and Vollmer.
Schoeps does not make a product specific for tapers, tapers just happen to have picked up on their product and use it.
So by your own standard, how do you know you can trust them if they aren't members of your community? Has any Schoeps employee ever even been to a Dead concert? Maybe, but why is this relevant? Do you expect Schoeps to respond to texts?
Let's get back to the point. Someone asked about the Tinybox (discontinued) vs NBox. I expressed my opinion. You discontinued the Tinybox because you have to eat so stop complaining and go sell your new product where people want it. Nick has upgraded his product but still supports his old ones and his new one is an upgraded version of his old one.
Obviously my preference is to work with Nick. Not sure you are gaining customers this way and not sure what having a Schoeps employee attending a Dead show has anything to do with the price of tea in China. I am not going to tell you how to run your business but discontinuing a product that customers are asking for because you have a new product that customers (on this site) do not seem to be discussing as an alternative doesn't seem to work out very well. Ask Coca Cola about that one.
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Let's get back to the point. Someone asked about the Tinybox (discontinued) vs NBox. I expressed my opinion. You discontinued the Tinybox because you have to eat so stop complaining and go sell your new product where people want it.
Sorry, but no, this is a public forum in which I intend to participate. So, when you express your opinion you are also going to have to hear mine.
Anyway, I am not complaining, I am correcting errors in your line of reasoning.
No, you are just expressing your opinion. As I am. Obviously we disagree, so lets agree to disagree. I will give Nick's product and service a 5 start Yelp review and will leave it at that.
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well didn't this thread turn into yet another cuntfest.
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well didn't this thread turn into yet another cuntfest.
Sure did. Proves my point why I would choose to do business with Nick 100% of the time and in fact would highly recommend others to do the same. I know Nick and he has done me right every time. It does not need to be in a public forum. I do not know Jon Stoppable and have no desire to give him any of my hard earned money. That's not opinion, that is fact.
I just looked at Jon's website http://naiant.com/ and all I see are mics, cables, adapter and attenuators which I have no need for not does anyone with Schoeps or AKG's looking for a preamp / power supply. So ..... I don't see where the comparison is valid. Nick is producing gear for tapers by tapers and Jon is running his audio accessories business becuase he has saturated the market. ???
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They both suck - buy a used VMS... just kidding ;D
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They both suck - buy a used VMS... just kidding ;D
I thought you quit TS.com? ;D
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I guess I fell off the wagon - need a small escape every once in a while!
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This nbox vs. tiny box thing has gotten really out of hand. Both great options. Why start flinging poo? The original poster asked about a comparison. Not for shitty comments.
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^^^^^^
From the OP:
P.S. This is in NO WAY an attempt to piss anyone off (since the people making these great products both will read this) - this is just me trying to figure out what people think of both of these products. Kind of like consumer TV-show, you know?
I don't have either device and as such stayed out of this thread until now. to repeat: does anyone other than perks, have experience with both (and AKG's), and can you provide audio samples for so jontebus can decide?
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As soon as I saw Nbox vs Tinybox I knew what was coming next. Typical.
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Don't know of any comps, but i will be running AKG CK61's > Nbox and Schoeps MK4V > Nbox
at tomorrow nights Royal Southern Brotherhood show and seeding both shows if they come out ok.
My guess is the Schoeps will sound better and the show hasn't started yet. :-)
Anybody not doing anything, come on down to The Ardmore Music Hall on thursday and hang out
with myself and Nicky C and you can check out the Nbox Army in action.
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Don't know of any comps, but i will be running AKG CK61's > Nbox and Schoeps MK4V > Nbox
at tomorrow nights Royal Southern Brotherhood show and seeding both shows if they come out ok.
My guess is the Schoeps will sound better and the show hasn't started yet. :-)
Anybody not doing anything, come on down to The Ardmore Music Hall on thursday and hang out
with myself and Nicky C and you can check out the Nbox Army in action.
did he pay you to write this ;D
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Don't know of any comps, but i will be running AKG CK61's > Nbox and Schoeps MK4V > Nbox
at tomorrow nights Royal Southern Brotherhood show and seeding both shows if they come out ok.
My guess is the Schoeps will sound better and the show hasn't started yet. :-)
Anybody not doing anything, come on down to The Ardmore Music Hall on thursday and hang out
with myself and Nicky C and you can check out the Nbox Army in action.
Can't make that but look forward to seeing you next month when I am in town. ;D
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Don't know of any comps, but i will be running AKG CK61's > Nbox and Schoeps MK4V > Nbox
at tomorrow nights Royal Southern Brotherhood show and seeding both shows if they come out ok.
My guess is the Schoeps will sound better and the show hasn't started yet. :-)
Anybody not doing anything, come on down to The Ardmore Music Hall on thursday and hang out
with myself and Nicky C and you can check out the Nbox Army in action.
I don't give a s**t about Schoeps right now, sorry >:D
Only interesting thing is listening to the results using the CK61's + Nbox platinum ;D
Honestly... Everyone can swing their left and right arm as much as they want in here, but please leave the shovel at home - I can sense there is something buried here and that was not the point of the thread - AGAIN.
All I asked for are people's opinion of: does the Nbox platinum surpass the tinybox in audio quality? Like indoor climate (temperature) 22 degrees celsius isn't PERFECT, even though this is what temperature MOST people think is the best. There will still be some people saying "I'm so hot" or "I'm so cold"... but if anyone actually has TESTED both with the same mics - and have an opinion of which recording sounds the best, feel free to comment.
Also, thanks to all private PM's!
/Jonas
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^ Honestly, if you didn't anticipate this thread, you didn't perform your due diligence. Search "nbox tinybox" and you find the feud rapidly...
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^ Honestly, if you didn't anticipate this thread, you didn't perform your due diligence. Search "nbox tinybox" and you find the feud rapidly...
Again... in what way does this give me any more input on my initial question?
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Right. Well then, your initial question was either an overt attempt to start shit or you utterly failed to do any research on the topic before posting...
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Right. Well then, your initial question was either an overt attempt to start shit or you utterly failed to do any research on the topic before posting...
Troll
You're one of those people, clicking on all topics you know have been dealt with before - feeling the need to reply "this topic already has an answer - why don't you use the search-function?", thinking all members here sit 2 hours a day searching through the forum for old answers about topics that were people's opinion in 2009. I suppose this forum could be deleted by 75%, since most topics aren't new, I know that - but actually - if all members would start making replies where their opinion actually would contribute to the initial question - we wouldn't get replies like yours... right?
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Is the NBox+ or Platinum or whatever's current as spitty as the original? :P
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Here's an opinion...I made 500 recordings with an Nbox. It sounds better 8)
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Is the NBox+ or Platinum or whatever's current as spitty as the original? :P
Now there's something I'd like to know.
:lurker:
Thanks edtyre
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Right. Well then, your initial question was either an overt attempt to start shit or you utterly failed to do any research on the topic before posting...
Troll
You're one of those people, clicking on all topics you know have been dealt with before - feeling the need to reply "this topic already has an answer - why don't you use the search-function?", thinking all members here sit 2 hours a day searching through the forum for old answers about topics that were people's opinion in 2009. I suppose this forum could be deleted by 75%, since most topics aren't new, I know that - but actually - if all members would start making replies where their opinion actually would contribute to the initial question - we wouldn't get replies like yours... right?
Whatever. First page of results clearly elucidates the nbox vs. tinybox feud. "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt"...
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Don't know of any comps, but i will be running AKG CK61's > Nbox and Schoeps MK4V > Nbox
at tomorrow nights Royal Southern Brotherhood show and seeding both shows if they come out ok.
My guess is the Schoeps will sound better and the show hasn't started yet. :-)
Anybody not doing anything, come on down to The Ardmore Music Hall on thursday and hang out
with myself and Nicky C and you can check out the Nbox Army in action.
Can't make that but look forward to seeing you next month when I am in town. ;D
Look forward to seeing you again, maybe we can all go to the Ben Harper show.
I'm sure an MK6 version will sound way better :-)
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Is the NBox+ or Platinum or whatever's current as spitty as the original? :P
Yes, but batteries last much much longer
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Don't know of any comps, but i will be running AKG CK61's > Nbox and Schoeps MK4V > Nbox
at tomorrow nights Royal Southern Brotherhood show and seeding both shows if they come out ok.
My guess is the Schoeps will sound better and the show hasn't started yet. :-)
Anybody not doing anything, come on down to The Ardmore Music Hall on thursday and hang out
with myself and Nicky C and you can check out the Nbox Army in action.
Can't make that but look forward to seeing you next month when I am in town. ;D
Look forward to seeing you again, maybe we can all go to the Ben Harper show.
I'm sure an MK6 version will sound way better :-)
Let's do it. I am interested to hear the difference.
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Is the NBox+ or Platinum or whatever's current as spitty as the original? :P
Plus fucking tee.
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Here's my honest opinion on the nbox platinum, after only a handful of shows. Very transparent with just enough of a hint of warmth. Do I think an Oade M148 sounds a bit better to my ears? Yes. But the size and battery life make that maybe 5-10% something I can live with. Oh, and it was like 400 bucks. I have no opinion on the tiny box save that the recordings sound very good. And it was also dirt cheap for the value. And Jon stands by his work. As does Nick, both went above and beyond for me, I'd buy another product from either in a heartbeat.
I used to drop negative shit but I guess I've finally matured a bit. I hate to see this kind of venom when both boxes are great. Save it for a truly crappy product. Like the Tascam 70d. :-X ;D
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I used to drop negative shit but I guess I've finally matured a bit. I hate to see this kind of venom when both boxes are great. Save it for a truly crappy product. Like the Tascam 70d. :-X ;D
:clapping: :coolguy: :guitarist:
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So which pickelball paddle is your favorite ? Oh sorry, wrong forum. ;D
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So which pickelball paddle is your favorite ? Oh sorry, wrong forum. ;D
The colorful one....HEY JOHN 8)
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I don't give a s**t about Schoeps right now, sorry >:D
Only interesting thing is listening to the results using the CK61's + Nbox platinum ;D
Here is your CK-61 > Nbox Platinum sample
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=176870.0
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I don't give a s**t about Schoeps right now, sorry >:D
Only interesting thing is listening to the results using the CK61's + Nbox platinum ;D
Here is your CK-61 > Nbox Platinum sample
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=176870.0
Awesome, thanks!
No need for processing this awesome result :o
/Jonas
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Of course this turned into a shit show but I'll give my opinion
Both are great boxes and both are made by quality people who stand by their work.
There is no one I know of who can honestly say either guy did them wrong or didn't stand by the product.
There is no one who can say they don't sound good, sure you might have a preference but you can't honestly say that one sounds bad
The biggest pro for me is cost, tinybox was much more affordable for me but that doesn't take anything away from nbox.
The biggest pro box vs box for me is battery life, the nbox plat wins here but that doesn't take anything away from tinybox
Bottom line is you have to see what works best for you as a whole and neither option is going to be something you regret from a build quality, sound quality, or support.
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^^
Well said...I've had nothing but exemplary service from both Nick and Jon both offer great products at a great value. Have never run the nbox pre's but all the pulls I've heard have been top notch, as have been the recordings I've done with my Tinybox. Have active cables from both Jon (AKG's) and Nick (Gefells), and was even able to have my Gefell actives made to be compatible with my Naiant AKG PFA and Tinybox. Have to say both went above and beyond from a customer service and product standpoint. "Better" is in the ear of the beholder! There are many more other variables anyhow...