Avid HD 16 vs HD Omni converters and Cables

[Ryan Kelly]

Not sure if this is the right section but it was something I was curious about being moving to HDX and thought some of you might enjoy it.

Recently upgraded my converters when I went to HDX and got a great deal on some Zaolla DSub cables. I couldn't find much in the way of cable comparisons and knew from a previous test I had done with Accusound cables that they can make a difference so I decided to compare them and post these for anyone who might be interested. Files are 44.1 kHz and 24 Bit, exported directly from PT. The song I pulled off a multi-track site and was listed as North to Alaska, just a rough mix to have these to post.

For all of these the AD/DA was a pair of channels running through a Neve Portico II MBP and then back in.

The three options in no particular order:

HD Omni with Zaolla output and monoprice TRS/XLR returns (ended up preferring those to other TRS cables I had, talk about a surprise!)

HD 16 with Horizon DSUB out and Hosa DSUB in - Both in good shape and unrepaired

HD 16 with Zaolla in and out

Enjoy!

Files via my friends at Gobbler