iLive Fixed vs Modular – Sound (sonic) quality

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This topic contains 18 replies, has 7 voices, and was last updated by Profile photo of david_herl david_herl 11 years, 3 months ago.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 19 total)
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  • #23480
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    Hi

    I’m considering an iLive system.

    Is it true the modular system (idr-10 rack)
    has the better sonic quality compares to the fixed system?
    Especially when handling a lot of inputs.

    Pls advise.

    Many thanks in advance.

    Rgds
    David. H

    #32414
    Profile photo of Mr-B
    Mr-B
    Participant

    It is not better, it is, to my ear different but that is subjective.
    Both systems handle full number of inputs (64 single rack 128 dual rack) just the same, you have access to all the toys etc.
    The two main differences I can see are cost and, do you want a modular Mix rack.
    The bonus with the iDR10 is you can have two PSU’s so one is redundant built into the rack, also your I/O is modular so you get to choose exactly what you need where you need it.
    I have used both modular and fixed my personal preference is for the modular rack but it is for the flexibility not that it “works better”

    Ciao a Tutti
    Buon Natale[8D]

    #32420
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    Wow!

    Thank you for the reply.

    Is it ‘different’ to you ear (subjectively) as in the tonal characteristics?

    I’ve heard the modular system has thicker sound.

    Or is it because the fixed system didn’t have AES output then?

    #32426
    Profile photo of mumu
    mumu
    Participant

    i dont believe so,must be the old “eye is hearing as well” effect,
    idr48 and idr10 here (t80/ilve144)

    cheers
    dave

    allways latest firm and software
    iLive-144/t-80/idr-10 /idr-48/dante/pl-6/eyepad 1/belkin router/

    #32429
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    Just checked with my local dealer.

    He told me that in the modular MIC IN Card, each mic pre has its own IC, while in the fixed system, the IC is shared between several mic pres…

    Can someone from A&H shed a light?

    I’m really considering an iLive system, budget is not a problem between modular or fixed. However, if both of them have the same sonic quality, why should I spend more. I won’t need the modular’s flexibility that much, sonic quality is my priority.

    Thanks

    #32430
    Profile photo of Mr-B
    Mr-B
    Participant

    Best answer is arrange a demo of both and make your own mind up,
    Dave you should know I listen with my eye’s closed[:o)] less distractions from the precious!

    #32434
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    I appreciate all your responses. Thank you.

    Arranging a demo would be difficult since they don’t have idr-10 demo unit or new stock ready in my town.

    I’m expecting an answer from A&H about this.

    Thank you

    #32445
    Profile photo of TomD
    TomD
    Participant

    Hello,

    for sure each mic in card has is own Integrated Circuit.

    I’d like to share an answer that I got once:
    No burr brown op amps.
    iLive modular uses a digitally controlled pre-amp from Texas Instruments.
    T-Series (iDR16/32/48/64) uses one of the pre-amp topologies used in the GL2800/ZED-R16 but with a gain control element which can be set digitally.
    They use NE5532 op-amps in both circuits.

    I would have like to dig it more but… What I don’t understand is why they answer no Burr brown when TI and BB are merged.

    Any way, there is no sonic lack for me in my IDR32 (already been with 32 input used, PA and monitoring out).
    I wish they run at 96Khz. I once read a A&H paper about it (was with IDR8 but can’t find it back) and it could be done.But I digress.
    Do you need the bigger system for its modularity and options? Is it more reliable? Will you be able to rent it enough? Will you clients be more impress? Questions I can’t answer for you.
    Bigger questions is which PA will you be working on? Choosing the right brand here is more important than between modular and fixed ; )
    Cheers,
    Thomas

    Thomas
    T112 IDR32 Dante=>MBP PTHD9

    #32453
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    Hi Thomas!

    The PA is Meyer: 2 units UPQ-1P with 2 units UPA-1P for delays, 2 units 700HP subs.
    The signal from digital console will be connected to XTA DP448 using AES/EBU.

    The system will be for a permanent installation in a church.

    If we were to purchase the IDR-10 modular, we’re planning to use T-112 Surface for cost efficiency.

    We’re planning to install Dante card, apogee big ben.

    Also maybe an aviom card but this might not be necessary since the OneMix app release. We can just use several ipads / ipad minis.

    Thanks
    David. H

    #32464
    Profile photo of TomD
    TomD
    Participant

    Great set up !

    Do you ever considered Dante as output to all your processors (main and monitor)?

    If you stop on ipad for one mix, have a look at tethertools stuff.

    Cheers,
    Thomas

    Thomas
    T112 IDR32 Dante=>MBP PTHD9

    #32495
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    So… I guess there’s no sonic difference between the fixed vs modular based on your experiences.

    #32497
    Profile photo of millst
    millst
    Participant

    There is no discernible difference in audio quality between the two.
    I have an IDR10 and an IDR32.
    I use the IDR32 way more (even for bigger stuff) because it is more convenient.

    There are far more important things that will have a far greater impact on sound quality than whether you pick an fixed or modular.

    Buy a modular if you need the ultimate in flexibility, not because it sounds better.

    #32504
    Profile photo of mdsaudio
    mdsaudio
    Participant

    According to A&H the modular rack has a bit more LF extension, but I think apart from that you would be hard pressed to tell the difference.
    Darren

    #32505
    Profile photo of david_herl
    david_herl
    Participant

    Hi Darren

    Do you know where I can read more about this LF extension?

    Thanks
    David. H

    #32506
    Profile photo of mdsaudio
    mdsaudio
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by david_herl

    Hi Darren

    Do you know where I can read more about this LF extension?

    Thanks
    David. H


    This was told to me by a rep, I don’t know if the specs for the racks show a difference.
    FWIW a response down to 5hz is niether needed or desirable in everyday use.
    Darren

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