I was actually not commenting on the Neumann product in particular, I was more or less making a generalized statement. I realize now that it got misconstrued as me taking a poke at the Neumann digital microphones. I assure you that was not my intention,
I didn't think you were taking a poke at all, just not fully understanding how AES42 digital mics. work and I was just trying to put the record straight.
I was thinking back to the Beyer dynamic digital mic and a few other mics that have surfaced in the last little while.
While I take my hat off to Beyer for making the first digital mic. It was not that good, really, and the mic. it was based on was a bit noisy to start with. But as a tool for seeing how digital would go it was a good idea and paved the way for the AES42 standard we have today.
It seems even thought there is a 28 bit better then "analog" converter inside, as soon as one connects it to a 24 bit or 16 bit D/A that all the "MAGIC" that is being created might get lost in the translation.
The output from the mic. is 24-bit as that is the AES42 standard - the software optimises adjusts the 24-bit output to the 28-bit original so you get the best output possible.
I still feel strongly that analog still has a long shelf life. But that's just my opinion.
I agree with you completely here. Digital microphones are a new tool that is ideal in many circumstances; but, especially for stage work, analogue microphones will be around for very very many years yet.
I hope this clarifies things.