SPDIF sounds drastically different from analog

Johnkenn · Jan 19th 2014

Going from the Kemper into an Apogee Symphony I/O and man, why is there such a sonic difference between digital and analog? Also, I get pops because I assume the Kemper won't clock off of the Symphony. Hear for yourself. I was kind of shocked.

Analog - https://soundcloud.com/johnandkris/ectremoluxtb

SPDIF - https://soundcloud.com/johnandkris/ec-tremolux2-tb

HELL-G · Jan 19th 2014

Hi there,

the Profiler has to be Master, set your interface accordingly to 44.1kHz and 24bit recording in your DAW.
Which analog outputs did you use? What are the Output Source settings on these outputs?
The difference between both clips is immense, that's for sure.

Johnkenn · Jan 19th 2014

Master output set to master stereo. Sent 1/4" out to to Xlr in of the Symphony. SPDIF is set to master stereo...but my symphony was not slaving to the Kemper. (Which explains the clicks and pops) The Kemper not being able to accept an external clock kind of blows. That wouldn't make any sense when playing a session...might try the XLR to XLR too just to see if they are any different.

Wonder if I can record one take on two separate tracks - one from SPDIF, one from analog? I guess that's how guys reamp. Then we could compare.

DonPetersen · Jan 19th 2014

I use the XLR outs and the SPDIF outs interchangeably with a Saffire Pro40.

there is no 'drastic' difference.
there isn't even a noticeable difference.

I asume thus has something to do with your setup?
sounds almost like you were using different pickups - or even guitars?

Johnkenn · Jan 19th 2014

Oh...that's what it is...I'm using a Les Paul on one and a strat on the other...No...

Anyway, i have no idea. I need to try going out analog and digital in the same take and record them. See what it sounds like.

viabcroce · Jan 20th 2014

Slightly OT, you can record both a dry and a processed signal at the same time through S/PDIF for reamping. You should arm 2 tracks in your DAW fed by the two S/PDIF channels.

DonPetersen · Jan 20th 2014

Quote from Johnkenn

Oh...that's what it is...I'm using a Les Paul on one and a strat on the other...No...

don't laugh, something like this has actually happened

Johnkenn · Jan 20th 2014

Quote from DonPetersen

don't laugh, something like this has actually happened

Well, I wouldn't put "user error" past me...That's a dramatic difference, though...

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