Onyx or Clarrett?

[ajazzie]

Hi all

I’ve been using a Mackie 800r onyx for pres via day into my RME fireface to give me 8 extra ins.

I don’t mind the Onyx at all, however I was literally given a new in box Focusrite Clarett + Oct pre,
My dilemma,, is the Clarett going to be that much better than the 2002 Mackie?

Reason being, if it’s not a massive difference, I’ll sell the Clarett as brand new unopened. I don’t really want to unpack it ..

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

[albee1952]

I would think it would be a step up, but if you want a bigger step up, consider the Midas XL48 as it is stellar on drums. There is also one thing to consider regarding what is really a "step up" because many of us get so used to the sound of something, a change(whether better or worse) is just written off as "not as good", because we are so used to the old. I relate this as I have 2 friends that decided to compare HD IO against 192 IO. They guy that had been working with the 192's for years preferred the 192, while the guy that worked with HD IO for years preferred the HD. Thangs that make you go "Hmmmm" Re the Midas, I bought one on a hunch as I needed something better than the OctoPre Mk II I was using. When I compared the Midas against my Neve and API clones, it beat both, and pretty badly at that. I went with the Midas on all the drum shell mics and a Focusrite ISA428 for overheads, hat and ride. Wish I still had that setup, but I don't get to record bands anymore.

[ajazzie]

Thank you.

I certainly have familiarity with my gear and although these days my RME boxes do most of the lifting I get what you say about familiarity.

I have some 1073s that I love, a few 1176s that I know inside out and although they have miles on them they are easy to dial in quickly.

I use the onyx as an overflow when I need a few extra I/o, but it’s still serviceable, I think also you are right? The Clarret may offer a better performance but if it’s going to be massively noticeable I’m sceptical.

I still keep a Focusrite Penta which is seriously ordinary, however… for a type of fm voice I hear from time to time it pairs awesome with a E300 Charteroak I have and just works.

I have a mate who has a HD system and he still uses a AUDIOBUDDY 2 chn pre sometimes cause he gets it working so good on certain elements.

Go figure, the 001 produced some great things, my mix system was great for its day. We’ve come along since 95 when I started this journey.

🙂🙂🙂

[Darryl Ramm]

I'd just open the box and try. Be careful with all the box contents and package it back up if you don't like it and sell it. You can describe it being opened once and treated very carefully.

If the mic quality and usability is worth much to you then the small potential value in resale loss should be immaterial. And it can be fun just letting your ears critically listen to new things.

[ajazzie]

Thanks Darryl. 🙂

[ajazzie]

Thanks Darryl. 🙂