To Mod, or Not to Mod (BLA)

[AumStudioBrian]

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?

[JFreak]

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.

[AumStudioBrian]

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.

[albee1952]

When you consider how many hits were done on black-faced ADAT's, its talent that makes better music

[AumStudioBrian]

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...

[JFreak]

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.

[TOM@METRO]

Consider return on investment.

[arche3]

Don't bother. Spend 5k in something else.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[Eric Lambert]

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.

[Marsdy]

Originally Posted by AumStudioBrian

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?

For the money you’re talking maybe the MTRX or MTRX Studio are worth considering? I’ve just replaced an HD 16x16 with a MTRX Studio and definitely feel it’s a step up, on par with moving from a 192 interface to an HD I/O.