1212/0404 - What if I don't like the highs?

[exander]

I'm trying to pick between the 1212 and 0404. I've read a ton of threads ab out them hear. However, I don't understand what a lot of the terms being used actually mean.

I'm looking for a card that isn't too "bright". I'm real sensitive to the highs and mids but I still want it to be detailed. I'd like something pretty laid back.

I'm not sure if the 0404 is what I want when it's called punchy and forward...

Help.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

The 0404 does not strike me as being particularly bright, say the way most m-Audio cards do. Of course if you want to be safe get the 1212. They both sound great for what they cost.

 

[exander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer The 0404 does not strike me as being particularly bright, say the way most m-Audio cards do. Of course if you want to be safe get the 1212. They both sound great for what they cost.

What are your thoughts on the differences between the two?

 

[Helter Skelter]

Neither the 0404 nor the 1212m seemed particularly bright to me, but I've only heard the 1212m on equipment that was not my own. It didn't seem terribly different from my 0404 at all, in fact. I'm very happy with my 0404, and I think you probably would be as well, though you don't mention what amp or headphones you plan on using.

 

[exander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helter Skelter Neither the 0404 nor the 1212m seemed particularly bright to me, but I've only heard the 1212m on equipment that was not my own. It didn't seem terribly different from my 0404 at all, in fact. I'm very happy with my 0404, and I think you probably would be as well, though you don't mention what amp or headphones you plan on using.

I won't be using headphones probably. I have a Jolida 1501RC hybrid tube amp and Onix Rocket RS750 speakers.

 

[maarek99]

If it is too bright you can always lower the treble using 0404/1212's dsp.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by exander What are your thoughts on the differences between the two?

The 0404 slightly emphasizes the lower highs/upper mids, for that sense of increased forwardness, whereas the 1212M seems to favor the lower mids, if anything. Also, the 1212M sounds a bit smoother, with less grain in the highs, even though the 0404 sounds faster to me.

 

[exander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer The 0404 slightly emphasizes the lower highs/upper mids, for that sense of increased forwardness, whereas the 1212M seems to favor the lower mids, if anything. Also, the 1212M sounds a bit smoother, with less grain in the highs, even though the 0404 sounds faster to me.

What is "faster"?

 

[mattpwill]

It's like where you up the RPMs of a record. Duh

 

[1UP]

I'm very sensitive to edgy highs and haven't experienced at all on the 0404.

Remember you have lots of DSP tweaks and even resampling options on playback to smoothen the sound.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by exander What is "faster"?

Faster means it responds quicker to transients, i.e. the edge of a new sound is represented more realistically, with a bit more snap or bite to it, whereas a slower sounding piece of gear makes it sound more smoothed over.