Does the Digi 003 = Black Lion 002 underneath?

[Yodah]

Ok, First let me say don't post much just visit here alot, but I had to ask if anyone else notice this from Digi...... and Black Lion

This from Digi

Despite the constraints of doing a “refresh only” project, we still worked at making improvements to every aspect of the design that we could.

The I/O complement had to remain the same, so the differences in that area are relatively few. The biggest change is in audio quality. The mic pres were completely re-designed, and we upgraded their dynamic range by almost 6dB, and their distortion performance by almost an order of magnitude from 0.004% to 0.0007% (note the three zero’s after the period.)

This from Black Lion

Analog Stages + Mic Pres
There are a couple of options for the 002. Obviously, if we can get the noise floor to practically disappear, we should do so. The same can be said for things like THD and transient response-basically, the analog stage can be completely revamped, including the input stage and mic preamps.

The Clock
While experimenting with clock designs, we found that we liked the quality of the audio better when the master clock frequency was increased (we aren't the first to notice this phenomenon). We began by increasing the 002's original two clock frequencies, and then dividing them down as necessary.

Now digi does not say anything about clock designs, however BLA states " we aren't the first to notice this phenomenon". And they have discussed their mods with Digi and I am pretty sure that Digi OWNS a BLA modded 002!

Did Digi just take the 003's sound quality improvements from Black Lion Audio?

I had mine done in December.....Best 450.00 I spent period!!!

[685]

[VanAmp]

As soon as I saw the 003 I thought it seemed Like a BLA moded 002.

But the big questions is does it out perform a BLA moded 002

If not they just gave a ton of business to BLA because people will just buy a used 002 and upgrade it.

If the 003 is better the head phone, HPF's, word clock updates will make it a better deal then upgrading an 002.

[Yodah]

Ok this does it for me... Here is what sweetwater has listed at the 003 description

With the Digidesign Digi 003, the latest generation of Pro Tools LE interfaces has arrived! Building on the success of the hugely successful Digi 002, the Digi 003 takes all the built-in functionality of its predecessor and ups the ante with redesigned preamps and superior A/D conversion, plus a jog/shuttle wheel allows for easily moving through the session timeline. The 003 preamps are the latest generation mic pre for Pro Tools LE interfaces, and use discrete, bi-polar, low-noise transistors coupled with a cleaner signal flow and improved pots

Apparently Digi does pay attention to something...... but if it does not BLOW THE DOORS off of the BLA 002 (not just a fractional gain) than I am staying with the 002 until something better comes along. Hell, BLA even mods the 001's now. Next they will be doing the 003's as well.

I just don't see a project studio spending 2200.00 on unit and then spending another 1000-2000 on a better clock JUST because NOW the 003 has word clock capabilities.

I hope that the gap b/w HD and LE isn't that far behind.... 003 Pro or whatever digi got in the works....

[audel]

This from Digi

I searched Digi's site but was unable to find that quote, Where did you find it, can you post a link?

Thanks, Branislav

[Kevin Stone]

It was posted here on the DUC in the "003 HERE IT IS!!! LOOK AT THE PICTURES!!!" thread.
Here it is.

Scroll down to the post by David Gibbons.

[Bossi]

Cool, never heard of a word clock modded 002 before, this would stop me from change to the 003 ;-p ( besides the lacking of extra adats in/outs , and a separte monitor routing output bus possibility ). I just wonder if the 002 always has to be synced to the word clock when modded or does the word clock option get recognized in the hardware setup - clock source menu?

Greetz
Bossi




003 wishlist :

3x( i can live with 2x ) adat in/out
8x analog in/out ( no need for onboard pre's )
1 extra main mix/monitor output bus - SPDIF linkable/clone
free unlock of Time Code and Feet + Frames functions ( so MTC master-slave can work )
support for DSP cards from other company's

[jonah day]

Geuss I know the answer to this already but does anyone know of a mod like this available in the UK ??? Makes more sense than trading up