|
Avid Pro Audio CommunityHow to Join & Post • Community Terms of Use • Help Us Help YouKnowledge Base Search • Community Search • Learn & Support |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
Hi all,
I know this subject has been brought up many times years ago when Avid first launched the new HD I/O. But years later now that the dust has settled, I'm curious what the general feelings are towards the HD I/O in regards to AD & DA conversion quality. How does it sound? I've recently purchased an Avid HD 16x16 analog, HD 8x8 analog, and an HD Native Thunderbolt core interface. I haven't even received the shipment yet, so I haven't yet been able to hear them for myself. My previous converter was an Antelope Audio Orion 32, so I know this will be a step up, even in stock form. But I'm heavily considering sending them in to Black Lion Audio for modification, though I have to admit $5k for both units is a jagged pill to swallow. Has anyone found the BLA mods to be truly worth the expense or is my money better spent elsewhere? |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
Hi, welcome to the community.
Don't bother. Avid HD interfaces are on the level there is no better, only different sounds. You will just waste your money and what happens is when you need to service your card you will get a stock card back and need to mod it again.
__________________
Janne What we do in life, echoes in eternity. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
Thanks for the input. I wish someone had some sound samples of before / after mod so it could be better determined, less mystic and more compound.
|
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
When you consider how many hits were done on black-faced ADAT's, its talent that makes better music
__________________
HP Z4 workstation, Mbox Studio https://www.facebook.com/search/top/...0sound%20works The better I drink, the more I mix BTW, my name is Dave, but most people call me.........................Dave |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
I get it. I have worked on HD rigs before and enjoyed them. I also used to own a BLA modded Digidesign 002, which I thought sounded really incredible. But the thing about the 002 is that it had a lot of room for improvement, so it made all the sense to have it modded. With the HD I/O's, I guess the question is exactly how much better will it be? Or is it already good enough...
|
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
BLA modded 002 sounded like DigiDesign 96 interface at best (without mod 002 interface @96k sounded close to 96 interface @48k). Even 192 sounded much better and Avid HD series is again on another level. As I already said, it is way more than "good enough" so all you hear at that level are subtle differences on the good enough range.
With that said, I like my Apogee Symphony mkII more, but as you have already ordered your Avids I would suggest you dont mod them.
__________________
Janne What we do in life, echoes in eternity. |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
Consider return on investment.
__________________
~ tom thomas Formerly hobotom Pro Tools Ultimate 2024 HDX Hybrid HD Omni and 192 I/Os Windows 10 Intel Hexcore i7 All Samsung Pro SSDs Ampex MM1200 2" 24 trk tape Outboard: UREI, Eventide, Lexicon, Yamaha, TC Electronics, Orban, ART, EchoAudio, Dolby, Hughes, API, Neve, Audio Arts, BBE, Aphex, Berringer, MOTU, dbx, Allison, etc. Plug-ins: Too many to talk about. www.metrostudios.com |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
Don't bother. Spend 5k in something else.
Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)
I did a lot of research into the BLA mod for my HD IOs and left believing that their mods are absolutely worth the effort. Those who went through with it typically glow about the sonic upgrade. It's not cheap, but if this is your profession then it could be a wise investment.
I'd have it done already but can't seem to find two weeks to be without my interface. Also, keep in mind that this is a touchy topic for some because it's uncomfortable for HD IO owners to think that their current hardware isn't as good as it could be. That could affect the answers you receive. Best to stick with opinions from those who've had the mod performed, except they, too, will carry some bias since they'll want to enforce their investment. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Re: To Mod, or Not to Mod (BL
Quote:
__________________
Dave Marsden UK |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|