An AD/DA converter that expands the mastering capacity and cures distortion.
Usually in the mastering room of our company we use a custom made DA converter, and in the process we apply analog style corrective processing (EQ, compressors, etc.) after converting the analog signals. Because digital sound processing is done commonly through an AD converter, the DA converters are critical equipment in sound engineering.
After using the “Eclipse 384,” and comparing to our original DA converter, it clearly delivers a very beautiful sound image. The mid-range comes out so clearly; the vocals stand out so very well, and we felt that this was the Antelope “effect”. At first we thought that the backing orchestra sounded a little strange maybe because the vocals generally came to the front. In addition poor-quality sound source (poor quality due to strong compression and master limiting), the Eclipse seemed convert these distorted bits beautifully, producing a result very hard to realize in other DA converters.
Both our converters have unique and pleasant characteristics, and I am confident that we can apply them selectively depending on the music. For example, for our rock band sound, our original DA converter will probably be acceptable, and for an AOR vocal type, the “Eclipse 384” will be the best fit. Regardless, with our new “Eclipse 384” unit, the capability of mastering processes has definitely expanded!
Yuta Tada, Mastering Engineer at Production Engineering Department, Pony Canyon Inc.
Shuji Nose, Mastering Engineer at Production Engineering Department, Pony Canyon Inc.
