MOTU HD192 Modification Reviews


"First, it is incredible how much the "tone" has changed... I almost found it difficult to recognize my vocal takes through them! They are way smoother and more open, the overall definition and detail is way better, both in the upper and lower spectrum. I started using my plug-ins again and now find them useful and by far less harsh than before... this mod is going to make me change the way I record and mix for sure! There is some sort of elegance to them, which was really lacking before. I am also amazed how much now the Micro Clock mk2 reveals its strength. The sound is way more open, and 3D than before! Internal clock vs. Micro Clock A/B comparisons are just incredible. It now feels there is room in the mix, less tracks fighting against each other. Globally, everything sounds more balanced, and it's like the mix asks for less tweaking... It is a bit like Neumann-izing the whole thing... This mod made me say to myself: OK - now you can start working for real!"

--Pascal Deshayes
Royal Studios, Switzerland

"Thanks so much.... I wanted to wait and test out the unit for few days...I've been using the HD192 on a project and the difference is incredible! Clarity and detail are much more defined.... one-hundred percent better... I'll be sure to post some glowing reports on gearslutz..."

--Nelson Hinds

"Black Lion Rocks!
I've had a couple of MOTU HD192s for awhile. I always thought they were alright, but didn't exactly blow my socks off and had considered moving to something else. After reading this thread in July, I checked out Black Lion. I called and talked with Matt for awhile. He seemed to think that with the [modification] for the 192, the results would be what I was looking for.

When you call or email them, they will give you an appointment for the day that your units will be modified. You can opt for an 'express service' or 'rush' for a small additional fee. They understand that without your converters, you're screwed so hence the appointment thing (great idea). My units were modified on the day they said they would be. They were shipped back promptly and when I fired them up, THEY BLEW ME AWAY!

The difference is like night and day -- like somebody just pulled the cotton out of my ears. 24 Channels of killer A/D and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. I would put these up against any converter worth 3 or 4 times the price. Imagine a company that does what they say when they say it will be done! Matt and Black Lion can have my business anytime. Best gear I've purchased in the last year? -- Easily!"

--Dean Collette
President, Archer Creek Studios, NFP

"I just wanted to say that it was worth it. MUCH better high end. That's what was really bugging me about the HD192 to begin with. Long story short: Before we sent the MOTU to you, the Alesis HD24xr sounded more balanced. After we got it back from you, the MOTU is revealing flaws in the Alesis that we didn't notice before... Nice and flat. Thanks"

--Seamus McNulty
Collar City Sound Troy, NY

"I first learned about Black Lion Audio from Michael Neal, owner of MacAudioLab.com in California. Michael told me that the difference between the stock MOTU units and BLA's modifications would be stunning. Last year, I sent my 24 i/o and 2408 MkIII to Black Lion to upgrade the clock and analog section. The results provided better imaging, tighter low end and improved depth & clarity overall. When the time came this year to purchase a HD192 from my dealer, I shipped the unit to BLA for an upgrade even before I opened the box. I've recently had the opportunity to compare my upgraded HD192 sided by side with a stock unit and the difference was amazing. I checked to see that the connections on the stock unit were correct and that the EQ on the mixer was off, because the difference in high-end was night & day.

To tie my system together, I've added the Micro Clock and the stability, punch, clarity, depth, warmth are what I've been looking for...all at an affordable cost. By the way, yes, I have owned (and returned) clocks and converters by the big brand x guys. My Black Lion setup sounds great and at about half the cost of brand X.... you guys rock."

--Ken Dravis
aspenleafrecording.com Grand Junction, Colorado