10-16-10 North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, NC Source Review

As with the first night of this run, there are 6 sources available.  Unlike last night, there are 3 different sources from Schoeps MK41's, which makes for an interesting comparison. 

Source 1 (hereafter MK41 > M248)
Source: schoeps mk41 (DINa)> CMR> Naiant PFA > Oade m248> SD 744t
Location: DFC/OTS 10'
Transfer: SD 744t HD> Samplitude> cd wave editor> TLH

Etree Source

Source 2 (hereafter MK4v)
Source: Source: schoeps mk 4v (DIN) > KCY> Sonosax SX- M2 LS> SD 744t (24/48)
Location: DFC/OTS 10'
Transfer: SD 744t HD> Samplitude> cd wave editor> TLH

Etree Source

Source 3 (hereafter Neuman)
Source:   Neumann ak40 > lc3 > km100 (din) > Lunatec V3 > Edirol R-44 @ 24/48
Location: OTS,DFC
Transfer: SDHC card > PC > wavelab 6.1 > cd wave > traders little helper (flac level 8)

Etree Source
24 bit Etree Source

Source 4 (hereafter DPA)
Source: DPA 4023 (FOB, DFC, 6' up, DIN) > Sonosax SX-M2 > Edirol R44 (24/48)
Transfer: SDHC Card > PC > Wavelab 6 (Bass Rolloff, Fades, Resampled via resampler 192, MBIT+ Dither) > CD Wave > FLAC

Etree Source
24 bit Etree Source

Source 5 (hereafter FOB MK41)
Source: Schoeps mk41v's(DINa)>kc5>m222>nt222>744t
Location: FOB/DFC
Transfer: 744t>CD Wave>Wavelab 5>Flac

Etree Source

Source 6 (hereafter MK41)
Source: Schoeps mk41> KC5> M222> NT222> Aeta PSP-3> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)
Location: OTS, DFC, 9' Stand, NOS
Transfer: SD 744t> Samplitude SE 9.1.1(dither/resample)> CDWave> flac(16/44.1)

Etree Source

Photo by Lacy Lynn

Lots of nice recordings to choose from for this show.  First of all, I want to thank the tapers for making such nice recordings.  If it weren't for their efforts, I wouldn't have anything to listen to.  Thanks guys.

The MK41>M248 source starts out with low levels, but they increase as Kill Devil Falls goes on.  The recording is quite crispy, but in comparison, seems a bit trebbley compared to some of the other sources.  There is a fair amount of crowd noise.  The bass isn't as distinct as I would like.  Overall, this is probably the 3rd best of the various recordings available.

The MK4v source has lower levels and a muddier bass than some of the other recordings.  The recording sounds muffled compared to any of the MK41 sources, or than the Neuman source. 

The Neuman AK40 source sounds fantastic.  The levels are nice, and the recording is very crisp.  There is some muddiness in the bass, but all of the other recordings have that problem, mostly to a greater degree.  The tone of the bass is great and the highs are very crisp.  In addition, this recording is available in 24 bit.  In my opinion, and it is a close call, this is the recording to go with.

The DPA source has low levels and a muddy bass and well as a muddy kick drum.  The whole thing is muddy in the lower frequencies, at least compared to the schoeps or neuman sources.  There is also a lot of crowd noise on this source. It is also noticeably thinner sounding than the other sources.

The FOB MK41 source suffers from lower levels and muddiness as well.

The MK41 source has great bass and great levels.  It is a fantastic recording.  The differences between it and the Neuman source is strictly a gut call.  They are both great, and both clearly superior to the other sources.  The main reason I went with the Neuman source was the availability of the 24 bit recording as well as the bass response during Tweezer Reprise being slightly better. 

Happy Listening!