Audio quality with the iConnectAUDIO4+
While I was writing the review for the iConnectAUDIO2+, I realized I had not shared the testing I had done previously on the iConnectAUDIO4+'s audio quality anywhere. So, here's a very brief blog post about that :-) It should be noted that I did these tests over a year ago, so I don't have the waveforms available any longer otherwise I would post examples here as well.
Testing scenario
To test the audio quality on the iConnectAUDIO4+ I used the following scenario:
- 1.) I compared the iConnectAUDIO4+, a Focusrite 6i6 and an Impact Twin. All are devices I own, like and use - so nothing below should be taken as being critical, just observational.
- 2.) I set the same input and recording gain levels on all devices. In doing so, I observed a small amount of noise on the inputs of the 6i6 and the TC, but none on the iConnectAUDIO4+. This will likely not be noticeable in everyday use, but it's a plus for the iConnectivity device.
- 3.) I then recorded a reference track at 90dBSPL peak, played through studio monitors using both a dynamic and a condenser mic in turn (an SM58 and an AT4033A respectively) via each device into a connected desktop DAW and saved the waveforms. Each recording was made at 44.1K/16. The recording level was first measured with an SPL meter at the point of convergence of the monitor outputs where the mic was placed.
Results
Comparing the results, the iConnectAUDIO4+ sounded marginally brighter - very slightly less muddy - in the high frequency range than either the 6i6 or the Impact Twin whichever mic was used.
At low frequencies I did not observe very much difference.
It appears therefore that the iConnectivity device has the slight edge in clarity in the high-frequencies over the other devices. Having said that I would not (and do not) hesitate to use any of them day-to-day.
What was also noticeable was that the gain adjustment was more linear on the iConnectAUDIO4+ than either the 6i6 or the TC using the physical gain controls.
I also repeated the test with a Presonus FireStudio Tube running at 96K/24bit for comparison. As expected there was a very slight audible increase in clarity with the higher sample rate/bit depth but again not to any degree that one would audibly notice unless one was particularly looking for it, specifically in the lower frequencies this time.
Regards,
Derek.