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M3 sound quality question

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:10 pm
by progg
Hello! Just a question, maybe a bit stupid but it would help to decide. So how is the sound quality of M3 compared to M50 - something like wav/mp3? Leaving aside the lots of gadgets loaded in M3, bigger memory of Xp version and building quality, Karma inside, what exactly is the difference between M3 and M50 in terms of sound quality?
TIA

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 11:13 pm
by McHale
I was about to post this very question to those who own the M3 and the M50. I played with both side by side at GC using headphones only and played only the same patches on both (pianos, leads, organs, etc). The M50 sounded lifeless compared to the M3.

BUT

A couple hours isn't enough to really be a good judge. I know the DAC's are MUCH cheaper on the M50 but how noticeable would it be live through a PA?

-Mc

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 12:18 pm
by Bald Eagle
Both use the same synth engines but the M50 61 and 73 keyboards do not have aftertouch so that will afftect the sound depending on playing style.

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:43 pm
by McHale
I know it's the same sound engine and most of the same raw samples but they used cheaper DAC's on the M50. That will have MORE effect on sound than aftertouch.

When comparing an M50 and an M3 side by side with identical patches using headphones, you can hear the "cheap" shine through... The question is, in a live situation is it noticeable?

-Mc

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 5:27 pm
by X-Trade
I've played the two side by side in the shops...

I can say that you can hear the difference in the quality, but only when they are next to eachother...


if you had them in isolation you wouldn't notice, the M50 still sounds incredible compared to a lot of the synths i've played.

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:08 pm
by kimu
i own both.

synth engine, samples and patches are exactly the same except for Karma-based sounds and for USB expansion you have on m3.

someone says that DAC on M50 are cheaper than the one mounted in M3 (ihave no evidence it this is true or not but guess yes to keep the price low), sincerly i never done a side by side comparison, but playing one and then the other i do not ear any appreciable difference.

during live you won't ear any difference.

the real difference are Karma, pad, radias, X-Y pad on touchscreen, ribbon control, OUT aux and improved sequencer.

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:13 pm
by McHale
Good enough for me. :)

Thanks guys. Really appreciate the help. Now we're just waiting for the 73 key model to hit the shelves.

-Mc