Thanks Guys for the comments. Appreciated. I'll try to answer all in this one mail ...
First folderol:
I think you would likely find that if you were to try recoding
with the laptop it would be a very different story.
Yes, I'm sure you're right. Getting stuff into the box is much harder. And, being an old guy, I have found that NOT using my computer for this is much easier. Having to deal with latency issues drives me nuts.
Having said all that, as it seems you're in the same {cough} maturity {cough} bracket as a number of us, it's almost certain that your top end hearing is less than perfect Roll Eyes
Ummm, did you really need to remind me of my mortality
However, I've been told that getting older is much better than the alternatives! Mind you, I do play accordion ... and we've (all?) seen the cartoon where, when you enter Hell, the devil is handing out accordions
elwoodblues1969:
I think we're agreeing. But, remember that I'd talking about a little rig to go out gigging with. So, yes, I do need to play though a PA. For studio work it is certainly a different game!
I discovered how balanced,properly shielded cables can significantly make or break an audio signal
Okay, I'm sure you are right. And the same certainly applies to each other component in the chain. But, just what does this "breakage" sound like? Is it a lack of certain freqs, noise, distortion, all of the above? Seriously, I do want to know what you audio experts are hearing when you say it's "not so good" or "it's broken". Again, remember that I listen to old Louis Armstrong recordings which were done in the 30s/40s on real crappy equipment, remastered, etc. and I find them fine. Unless I really concentrate I don't hear the hiss, etc ... I'm listening to the song, not the recording.
Oren:
The saving grace for all listening situations (for a producer/engineer) is the reference recording.
Yes, excellent point. Very hard to compare things when you're not comparing apples with apples, etc.
My experience with high-end audio equipment and with high-definition digital audio is that many of the claims of superior performance are a result of either sales gimmicks, or "technical snobbery".
Oh, no ... say it's not so! You mean those oxygen free, etc. cables really don't make a difference
.
When learning saxophone I found the same BS ... and fell for it. Kept trying to get better by spending money on equipment .. and the sad truth is that to get better one just has to practice. A lot! But, the gear syndrome does keep the economy going
If it's any comfort, I've heard your mixdowns - your hearing is excellent. Or very similar to mine (yes, be afraid, be very afraid... Cheesy)
Appreciate that! Very much.
I guess I'll use the rig I've got then for some gigs and see what happens. Seriously, the last thing I'm concerned about is that someone in the audience will comment on my "sound". Biggest problem in rural anywhere is getting the cowboys to even listen to, let alone appreciate, the kind of music I do. Sorry, different topic/rant
Best,