Allright I finally got around to doing a preliminary test ....
so I dont have the best trained ears, I'm just getting started with the whole critical listening thing so I'll have some posts up soon so you can tell for yourself.... but my initial reaction was I couldn't hear much of a diffrence at all. As I listened further subtle differences began to appear. So these are just subjective opinions comparing the two, not an objective opinion of the units compared to all others. I think the Samson definetlly wins out. The MOTU is crunchier, grungier, and seems to have less clarity. The Samson seems smooth and silky in comparision. And with the levels perfectly matched using software levels, the Samson seems to have more presence. There's not much of a difference, but it's there. I know how I'll be running from now on.... I'll have to bring em both.
Now as for the future... when I can afford the black lion upgrade I most deffinetly want to get it, but heres the conundrum....
$500 ultralite base + $355 upgrade= $855 with two great preamps in a great peice of gear
$800 traveler base + $365 upgrade = $1,165 with FOUR great preamps in an AMAZING piece of gear
The $300 more for the traveler doesnt seem like that big of a deal anymore.
Might have to sell the ultralite when I have the money and go for the traveler with an upgrade instead of spending the same money for two less preamps
That's off for some time though...I'll just use the Samson till then
I've been running 3 mics lately so if I got the ultralite upgrade I would still have to lug the samson anyway...with the traveler I would finally be down to one unit (the samson only has 18v phantom so thats yet another box to bring when using it) I wonder if I could get close to enough for the traveler if I sold the mixpad and the ultralite..... ahh but then I'm stuck with 4 shitty preamps with no alternative.... nope ... I'll wait
edit: even though the levels are matched there seems to be a slight visible difference on each channel...like a snare hit will make one jump higher than the other for moment or one will decay faster than the other at certain parts. I can't pinpoint which is doing what right now....more word later....