soundguy wrote:The sound quality of any desk has WAY more to do with the pre-amps and analog electronics on the ins/outs than the digital engine. Sorry dudes, I just don't buy into the BS about fixed point being better than floating point math. At least not to the point of being that obvious to the ear as compared to other components.
I agree that fixed point and floating point math are probably a moot point at today's level of technology, but it is true that algorithms can make a difference. Bob's algorithms are pretty darned good sounding regardless of how they are contrived... except for the low attack values on his compressor... but that's a common problem. His parametric EQs sound better than just about any software EQ I've tried, and better than a lot of digital consoles.
Having said that, it's really about the operator at that point, and that is related directly to the work flow. And to me, it's about taking the mind set away from messing with the technology and focusing on the music during a show.
And, along these lines, to each their own. Who cares what it looks like if you can get the job done on it? I'm much faster on SAC after 4 years of using it than I was when I started, and much of that has been after optimizing the work flow to my style, and adding some hardware control surface. I'm certainly no power user like Joe or Randy, but it works for me. I'm much slower on other consoles, even ones that I use fairly regularly. The speed balance would surely change very quickly if I switched platforms on my own gear.