Black Lion Audio Don't Mod Newer MOTU Interfaces - WHY?

[blastmasterd]

Hi all,

I've been curious about the Black Lion Mods for MOTU interfaces, but notice that on their website they say they don't perform the mods on Mk3 gear:

Q - Do you modify the Ultralite / Traveler / 8 Pre / or MOTU mkIII gear?
A - No, we do not modify the Ultralite / Traveler / 8 Pre, or any mkIII units (except for the 2408mkIII). We really are not as pleased with their results as we are the other Motu gear that we do mod, and it just isn't worth the time, $ and effort for either us or our customers.

I'm wondering if this is because there's been a huge jump in terms of audio quality since the Mk2 products which makes modding pointless?

Any ideas anyone?

[James Steele]

Ummm... Email them and ask? Unless someone at BL reads this we'd just be speculating.

[gwarder]

I asked them about a year ago about the mk3 devices. Here was there reply:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Hi Geoff,
We don't work on the mk3 because we haven't developed a modification for it and they can be difficult to work on. Unfortunately, we don't plan on working on these units in the near future. However, our MicroClock mkII will be of great benefit when using you MOTU gear... as long as it has WC BNC I/O.
The Microclock will widen the sound stage and add more 3 Dimensionality.
It will smooth out the highs, thicken up the mids, and tighten up the low end.

Everything sounds tighter, larger, deeper, highs are crispier, transients are better translated, bass are less boomy and more precise. A more precise clock will result in a more precise sample of the incoming analog signal. The precision of the sample will affect how accurately the analog signal is replicated in the digital realm. This affects everything from the imaging of the sound stage to the clarity and depth of each individual track.


We appreciate your interest in our company!
Let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to place an order.
Cheers!

Brad
Black Lion Audio
1800 W Cuyler Ave.
Suite 2 East
Chicago, IL. 60613
773-549-1885

[blastmasterd]

Thanks for the replies guys. I might email them to ask directly and see what they've got to say.

[blastmasterd]

OK - Here is my VERY prompt response from BLA:

Unfortunately, the reason we don't modify the Motu mk3 series, with the exception of the 2408, is not because the sound quality is superior. It is actually due to the design inside the units, which makes them very difficult to modify and doesn't allow us to do all the things we like to in order to improve the sound. The Ultralite mk3 is a consumer level converter. If you are planning on using it for writing or rough tracking it will probably be fine. However, the tracks you record on it are definitely not going to hold up to tracks recorded at bigger studio on higher end converters. As far as clocking goes, the Motu clocks are mediocre at best. Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any further questions. Thanks.

JD