Sound quality via USB vs Audio?

Elektron Software Overbridge
#1

The Overbridge USB track routing is a phenomenal development but I’m wondering if there would be a big difference in the analog goodness? I know ultimately tracks will find there way into the digital domaine but would the sound be better going audio out through a Neve into Logic? Or does the USB route maintain that analog warmth?

#2

OB (Rytm) A/D Conversion vs Duet 2

but obviously if you have Neve preamps and high end converters at the ready, use those.

#3

there is a big difference, i don’t like the A4 on usb but analog outputs sounds like a dream

2 Likes
#4

you’ve missed the essence of the query which was only about which (and where) ADCs to use (not whether to use them or to compare audio outs with USB )

should you go digital via the inbuilt ADC or external ADCs, and if you have high spec external gear then that may be a better route, but you’ll not get all the flexibility on offer via overbridge

#5

i use Overbridge , but the audio goes analog , so both worlds . And as far as i read Dsound’s question, it is just that what he asks. "…would the sound be better going audio… that analog warmth
"
Yes there is a big difference , yes you lose the analog warmth.
So i don’t think i missed the point .

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#6

The only problem here is that Neve doesn’t keep transients… Their circuits was made to ‘‘mudd’’ them.

#7

In the most musical way possible.
Some of us prefer harmonic richness to transient preservation.

To each their own.

2 Likes
#8

All those hit recordings didn’t seem to mind… :slight_smile:

1 Like
#10

Can you turn off the Sound Routing via USB or just mute it? I mean the signal then is double or not?

#11

Apart from differences in sound characteristics on the AD way in to DAW, you should also consider MIDI clock drift (sync issues) without Overbridge where you need a dedicated midi clock + more cables.

I use Overbridge as it solves MIDI issues, adds multitrack recording + frees up analog ins on my audio interface. Haven’t really A/B’ed analog TRS vs OB to comment on the sound differences. Maybe its better but is it worth it? I use Antelope converters.

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#12

agreed!