UAD Studer A800 vs. R2R Studer - BLIND TEST

[Plec]

Here is a blind A/B test!

This is the closest match I could achieve between the machines and what's important to note is that this does not really fit the mix.
So don't try to decide if you like it or not, just try to decide which of the examples accomplishes the task better. Pretty hard... I know.

For you who like to try on your own, I've linked the FXP file that you can import to the UAD Studer plugin so it matches up with the R2R... in this case the Studer -15, 15ips A program. Noise has been turned off on the UAD Studer. Tape is 456 at +6, 15ips at ~0VU. Reprod EQ and HF driver tuned to match the R2R program as closely as possible.

EXAMPLE 1:
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.p...5ec250e2e5783c243c&bid=cEd1T216b0JmVFkwTVE9PQ

EXAMPLE 2:
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.p...5ec250e2e5783c243c&bid=cEd1T216b0JmVFkwTVE9PQ
Please see graphs and file links below.

R2R Studer, -15_15ips A (freq):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2604641/UAD Forum/Studer A800 vs R2R/R2R Studer -15_15ips A (freq).png

R2R Studer, -15_15ips A (harmonics):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2604641/UAD Forum/Studer A800 vs R2R/R2R Studer -15_15ips A (harmonics).png

UAD Studer A800 (freq):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2604641/UAD Forum/Studer A800 vs R2R/UAD Studer A800 15ips (freq).png

UAD Studer A800 (harmonics):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2604641/UAD Forum/Studer A800 vs R2R/UAD Studer A800 15ips (harmonics).png

FXP File for UAD Studer:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2604641/UAD Forum/Studer A800 vs R2R/UAD Studer v R2R -15 15ips.fxp


Link to thread on the UAD forum w. poll.
http://www.studionu.com/uadforums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14496

EXAMPLE 1 = UAD Studer A800
EXAMPLE 2 = Nebula w. CDSoundmasters R2R Studer library

 

[Plec]

Might also be a good thing to point out that this test is done ON THE MIX BUS!! :Smokin:

 

[LydonB]

I can't decide which one I like. I think the first example has some more beef in the low end. It also sounds a tad muddier, but I kinda like it. The second example seems sterile in comparison to the first.

Just some initial thoughts...but I will vote after some more listening. On first listen, I think I like A.

 

[fitzrangerhoodngarb]

Any chance of hearing the control file?

 

[lolzgreg]

I think I like A better too. The high end is more pleasant.

 

[006]

I voted the first one, just sounds better.

 

[Zombietakeover]

Example 2 sounds the best

 

[syns]

1 = UAD
2 = NEBULA

I vote for 1

 

[Plec]

Just copying off of the UAD thread here.....

"I can post the control file after the poll, since it doesn't really matter how the control sounds. Only thing that you might get from that is you probably would've processed the original file differently... and that makes two of us.

But in terms of technical comparison I could not create a better and more fair match between the two products at normal levels while still retaining as much musical relevance as possible."

 

[fitzrangerhoodngarb]

Just copying off of the UAD thread here.....

"I can post the control file after the poll, since it doesn't really matter how the control sounds. Only thing that you might get from that is you probably would've processed the original file differently... and that makes two of us.

But in terms of technical comparison I could not create a better and more fair match between the two products at normal levels while still retaining as much musical relevance as possible."

Main reason I asked is because, if I can find time, I have an A800 MK3 here so I could throw a real one in for shits and giggles. Could even dig out some 456 +6/185...(I know sounding like the real thing isn't really the point of this exercise etc).

 

[Plec]

Main reason I asked is because, if I can find time, I have an A800 MK3 here so I could throw a real one in for shits and giggles. Could even dig out some 456 +6/185...(I know sounding like the real thing isn't really the point of this exercise etc).

Now we're talking!

I will send you the control file in 24 bits 44.1k then. PM me your email and I will YouSendIt over to you.

 

[Ermz]

Fitz... which studio do you run?

Btw:

Oops! (509)
This account's public links are generating too much traffic and have been temporarily disabled!

 

[Plec]

Haha!
Yeah man!... damn Dropbox.. can't handle a simple online shoot-out!!

 

[Ermz]

Yeah, when it's in .wav I can understand

 

[LydonB]

I ended up voting for the first one.

I wouldn't be shocked if Example 1 turned out to be the Nebula R2R and Example 2 is the UAD.

 

[drew_drummer]

I didn't vote due to links 509'ing.

 

[Plec]

Just talking to Dropbox and asking them to re-enable my pub(l)ic links!
Hope they will be online again soon enough.

 

[fitzrangerhoodngarb]

Fitz... which studio do you run?

Head Gap out in Preston. Indie Rocksville....Come by some time for a green tea.

@Plec Pm'd you. I reckon I can squeeze it in Monday morning. I'll also do a loopback re-record of the unprocessed file so as to satisfy the ABX police (read: GS types).

 

[Ermz]

Ah nice one, Adam Dempsey always mentions your place favorably. I think at some stage, years ago, I might have inquired about your freelance rates. I'm a suburb away in Coburg.

Really looking forward to this 3-way shoot-out.

 

[Plec]

Very nice mate! Thx!!

I also want to come by for some green tea.
You Aussies get to have all the damn fun!!