I just listened to some recordings done into a NJB3 using *analog inputs* (elf power, 8/5/06, 40 Watt Club, Athens GA).
I realized that this doesn't sound very good. It just sounds "flat". I am not talking about the room or the PA (I don't think). I know how those sound. It just sounds like there is not crispness whatsoever. It should be good, since he was using KM184 mics and a V2, but I guess the only thing to blame is the ADC, right? So, what does something good sound like? It soulds like a "veil has been lifted" is the best way I can describe it. For example, a MD, while it sounds nice, one will see improvement with the UA5 instead.
So, what is it about the ADC and/or input stages that make something sound good? I don't know.
Anyway, here is a summary of some setups I've tried, and what *I think* sounds good:
- NJB3 (sounds flat IMO)
- AD20 (sounds flat too, maybe a bit better than NJB3 though)
- MD (mic or line input. sounds OK, better than NJB3 analog in, but not as good as UA5)
- UA5 (modded with AD8620 opamps, sounds better, more clarity)
- Presonus Firepox (best sound, *so far*, I have not tried new gear)
These are my own opinions. But I do wonder when I see people running Neumann mics into a NJB3 or an IRiver!
Richard