HAKAI playground

[David Neel]

Update to my earlier clips and observations - both Hakai have been unused since the last set of clips were recorded. Today I got an extra shelf for my new rack and so Hakai is back in the system. I started with the 3050 version, then 30 minutes ago swapped to the 3160. While the 3050 is much as I recall it, the 3160 has now taken a step forward and at last it sounds as good as the initial impressions. So the 3050 now seems stable in performance, but the additional pitch stability of the 3160 is now carrying the day as it continues to burn in.

Further update - the 3160 has repaid my praise by nosediving again! But (I think!) I'm now clear that its best is better than the 3050.

[Paaf]

This is my first experiment! I recorded on my laptop so apologies for the awful sound quality. :-D

I am playing on HAKAI -> MDSi -> M109. There is one difference between the clips.

First track:
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uwzaa ... 787QEI4xX2

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lJAXi ... tm_tzzSEWi

[Sopper]

Clip B for me; more emotion in his words

[Charlie1]

I think I prefer A. Had to go back forth a few times to decide. I was keener to hear more of A than B.

Thought the music came across quite well, despite recording on your laptop. Must sound good in the room :)

[beck]

Good useful clips Paaf. You are definately on the right track.

I can follow both Sopper and Charlie1’s comments but end up agreeing with Charlie1. First clip is simple and kind of a “perfect” fit between the piano and voice. Second clip maybe offers a “better” sound in the room but I find the tonal fit starts to break up slightly.

Difficult but enjoyable. :-)

[ThomasOK]

I'd have to go with A as I didn't have a desire to turn it off as quickly as B. It just seemed a bit more musical. But seeing as I really don't like this song I'm glad they were short clips. ;-)

[Azazello]

B is running circles around A.

[Paaf]

Thank you for listening and your comments.

It sounds better in the room, yes. :)

However the DIFFERENCE between the two examples is the same even with the clips. I find that in itself quite fantastic!

[beck]

It sounds better in the room, yes. :)

However the DIFFERENCE between the two examples is the same even with the clips. I find that in itself quite fantastic!

And that is why we find them useful! :-)

[Paaf]

Same test but using a different song:

Second track:
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J8fLe ... 4uyNfoPro5

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XlVWG ... oNNXSvpWtH

[beck]

I like your previous way of recording better. I hear the same differences between the two setups as I heard before (thinking I can hear no change in the order of the clips).

[lejonklou]

Not so easy. Initial impression is that I prefer B.

[beck]

After listening some more I slowly “get” the better sound from the B clips. Whatever you choose I think you are on a good path.

[Sopper]

B again for me

[Paaf]

I wanted to make the test as BLIND as possible. No one else knew what is the difference between A and B, nor which one I prefer myself.

Does anyone want another song to compare A and B?

[Paaf]

New track with same difference A/B as before. Please enjoy singing along.

Third track
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aGeJZ ... wsLt4_HH1l

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UuPWN ... QYz5WmVufy

[Charlie1]

Also prefer B on last two sets of clips.

I still struggle with B in the American Pie clips. It’s like the piano is a fraction out of time with the vocals. Not really sure what it is though.

[beck]

It is an interesting row of clips you have made Paaf. The differences are quite clear between A and B in all the sets you have posted.
I hear A as the “dry” version (I like dry) and B as more “fruity”. Is A too “dry” or B too “fruity”? I cannot say.

[Paaf]

Soon I will reveal what is changed between A and B. I think you may be surprised.

I'll also reveal my own vote, of course, but it doesn't count for much since I'm not "blind" in the test.

I'll say one thing though. I didn't think I'd hear the difference in the third track but it was actually easier for me.

[beck]

I'll say one thing though. I didn't think I'd hear the difference in the third track but it was actually easier for me.

What was the last piece of music?

[tokenbrit]

It is an interesting row of clips you have made Paaf. The differences are quite clear between A and B in all the sets you have posted.
I hear A as the “dry” version (I like dry) and B as more “fruity”. Is A too “dry” or B too “fruity”? I cannot say.

Interesting description :) I hear B as having more ring to it, or sustain, that blurs the timing. B sounds richer, but I'm more comfortable overall with A.

[Paaf]

What was the last piece of music?

The first track is typical soft 70's pop. The second track is brand new pop from Sweden. The third track is classical music by Alban Berg.

[Lego]

This is my first experiment! I recorded on my laptop so apologies for the awful sound quality. :-D

I am playing on HAKAI -> MDSi -> M109. There is one difference between the clips.

First track:
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uwzaa ... 787QEI4xX2

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lJAXi ... tm_tzzSEWi

So much easier without the visuals ..B sounded more musical

[David Neel]

I have a preference for B in all 3 clips.

[Sopper]

I have a preference for B in all 3 clips.

Me too