August 6, 2011 The Gorge, George, WA Sources Review

Hey folks, sorry for the delay.  Getting my daughter started in school has taken WAY more out of me than I had anticipated.  However, I am still dedicated to keeping you guys up to date with the best sources around.  This second night at the Gorge was just fantastic and is a must listen.  So again, sorry it took me so long to get you guys this review.  There were four different sources posted for this night, with 3 available as 24 bit, 1 just as 24 bit.  Thanks again to the tapers who go out there every night and get these amazing pulls and share them with us.

Source 1 (hereafter VM44 source)
Source: Milab VM-44 Link (omni) -> Lunatec V2 -> Tascam DR-680 (24/48)
Location: 25’ split at front corners of soundboard, 9.5’ high
Transfer: sdhc card -> AudioGate (16/44) -> CD Wave -> FLAC (6)

16 bit source

Source 2 (hereafter MK4v source)
Source: Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> Aeta PSP-3> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)
Location: FOB, DFC, NOS, 6' Stand
Transfer: SD 744t> Samplitude SE 9.1.1(dither/resample)> CDWave> flac(16/44.1)

16 bit source
24 bit source




Source 3 (hereafter AK40 source)
Source: Neumann Ak 40's(NOS) > Lc3 > Km100 > Aerco Mp2 > Sd 702 @ 24/48
Location: FOB/DFC
Transfer: Cf Card > Wavelab 6.0 > Resample, Uv22 Hr dither >
Cd Wave > TLH > 16/44 FLAC

16 bit source
24 bit source

Source 4 (hereafter KM140 source) ***24 bit only***
Source: Neumann KM140s > Sound Devices MP2 > Edirol R09 (24/48)
Location: FOB
Transfer: WAV > CD Wave > Audition (fades) > FLAC24

24 bit source


Phish - 8/6/11 "Run Like An Antelope" from Phish on Vimeo.

The VM-44 source sounds a bit distant compared to the other sources and is a bit muddy in the low-end.  It doesn't have the punch of the MK4v or AK40 source either.

As with the previous night, the MK4v gets my nod as best source.  The low-end is excellent, though perhaps a touch overpowering, the high-end is quite crisp and the subwoofer kicks hard when I turn it up.

The AK40 source is, like the MK4v source, very punchy.  However, the high-end isn't as nice as the MK4v.

The KM140 source is very crisp. The low-end isn't nearly as punchy as the MK4v or AK40, however, the high-end is very nice.  The separation is also quite excellent.  Given that this source is only available in 24 bit and that the low-end just doesn't have the punch of the other sources, I have to give the nod to the MK4v.  If bass isn't your thing, by all means go with this source.  It does sound quite good.

Happy listening!