Please send us a ASP 8024 HE for review, the review process normally takes 15-20 years but we’ll send it back when we’re finished 😂🤪 Seriously though, thanks for making awesome kit! We have two Nero’s in our building and we keep finding hidden features. Mark has used a ton of DDA stuff over the years and wishes to carry on the ethos!
I’ve had this unit for about 3 months. I’m happy with it. Only two cons 1. Only one source can be used at a time. I had a cheaper unit that could do this and had become used to having the option. 2. I use the spdif ‘Alt Source’ input fed from the spdif out from my interface. Every time the unit its re-powered, I have to re-select the Alt source as well as re-select spdif.
Hey guys great video. That's the first time I've seen anyone perform a null check with a monitor controller which certainly says more than words ever could.
@@PresentDayProduction Nice!! I just found a nice deal on a used unit - arrives this week! Thank you again - was about to drop the $$ on a Drawmer MC3.1 but I really didn't need all those features. Just good, clean audio and 3 speaker outputs + Sub.
Why did I only just find this channel? Come on, RUclips! You guys are awesome. Really looking forward to seeing this channel explode. Oh yeah and nice review haha
Great video! About the device: 100db Dynamic Range Analog. DAC 113db DR.. SPL One 121db analog out. I was debating about these two units. In terms of audio quality specs, SPL won, in terms of features Nero take the lead.
Thanks you guy for this very helpful video! I've been planning to renew my studio monitor controller which should be around 500 euros in budget wise. I really appreciated that you mentioned and checked about the digital inputs' quality which is very important for me. I finally decided to get the Nero now. Thanks again!
In building out my new studio in a house I bought, ironically, on the day this video was released, I've only recently had the need of a monitor controller. After a ton of research on it I landed on the Nero. AWs my first controller I couldn't be more happy with it. For sound quality I've come to the same conclusion as you, it's fantastic! I was running it using the SPDIF connection for a while but my Hedd Audio Type 30's seem to like a little bit higher input level so I went back to analog. I use an Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt interface so I still have good AD conversion & don't mind running it this way. It's already become such a part of my workflow that if I were forced to work without it I'd....well, I'd buy another one. Props to Audient!
Congrats on the new house purchase! The Audient is great, we have two of them in our building, and looking at getting another for the video editing suite probably at some point!
I thought I'd never find the right monitor controller... at last, a review that convinced me of which one I needed. Just ordered one of these. Thank you so much :)
You’re welcome! Out of interest, we’ve had some very high end converters in the studio lately (£10,000 and up!) and they don’t sound any different going through the Nero. It would be an awesome unit at four times the price!
Hey guys I picked up the Nero and it is indeed a great controller for the money. Nice step up from my well worn Presonus Monitor Control, when comparing the two the uncolored sound of the Nero was very evident. One thing I did notice, and haven't seen mentioned in any reviews, is that the on board headphone amps are a bit lacking when it comes to driving high impedance cans. The Nero couldn't really push my 250 ohm Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro's, and they sounded pretty anemic until I hooked up a quality headphone amp to the Nero's HP1 out. The sound out of the headphone outs seems just as uncolored and accurate as the rest of the unit, however.
Super detailed review guys, well done ! I was about the get a Drawmer MC 2.1, but I kept getting distracted by the Nero. Only thing that's putting me off the Nero is how much desk space it takes up given that its not rack mounted. Apart from that the Nero does seem to be better featured. Still kinda torn between the two though.
Thanks Barry! We would definitely recommend the Nero. After having used the Drawmer in two of our studios, we very quickly discovered that the volume pot is just awful, it becomes crackly and pretty much un-usable after only a number of months. So we have upgraded to a Nero in any of our rooms that need a monitor controller. Don’t make the mistake we did, go straight for a Nero.
@@PresentDayProduction Wow guys, thanks for the lightning quick response ! Would you believe, I was actually reading through a lot of posts about the Vol pot issue when your reply hit ! Thanks a mill for the heads up !!
having a Audient 1973, an ASP 800 which are fine. My MCM 2 is hissing like hell and unusable. Might use your tip and solder a new pot in...so far i rather use my console and an old Luxman for my passives. Great video!
was thinking about getting a CMC2 from Drawmer for my ATC20s, but might go with something else instead. Good that I got to know they are not that reliable unfortunately
hey guys, great video. I purchased one of these, largely based on your positive null test review. however, when doing my own null test it's immediately clear that this thing, even after a factory reset and pulling the output trim all the way up, loses about 6.1db of the signal just by running it through the Nero. I see other people in forums mentioning this, as well. how did you account for this in your null test? I set the gain on one channel to match best I could (+6.1 db) and still wound up with some noise. my test for the noise may be flawed by my less than new/perfect interface, but I'm certain of the db drop. Is this consistent with your test?
2 big negative issues 1 if your speakers on when you turn on nero .... it will blast your speaker and headphones ..it will spoil your speaker drivers . 2 you never able check any thing in mono in your headphones . headphones always work in stereo mode only .
Hey I’ve bought one! thanks for your video I guess. One question, Unfortunately my interface has the digital connection but my speakers don’t. Is it ok for me to route from my interface’s spidif/coax to Nero’s spidif/coax and analog out from Nero to my speakers(analog in)? Thanks always!
I had been pondering a speaker switching setup. While this is not quite how had imagined doing the task, this could be perfect! I'd be able to fire up a Citation II tube power amp on a pair of speakers (when winter comes). Eggsaladant video!
Ken Allen Thanks Ken! I can’t recommend this unit enough - we’d heard good things and needed a new monitor controller for general studio duties and this is an amazing bit of kit. Love it. Enjoy your eggsalad!
The 4 headphones sold me on this. Many, even much more expensive ones, offer two headphones at most which is often just not enough. Even for the bedroom studio
Hey great video! Can the Nero have sources 1 & 2 ...& or Aux input.... on at the same time? Trying to replace my 16 channel mixer with this. I need 2 ST outs from my Apollo to play at once. Thanks~!
Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do this. Would you still recommend this controller? I am considering getting one as an upgrade to my Mackie Big Knob Passive. Is there any weird issues you have discovered or annoyances?? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for watching! It's a great controller. It's a fantastic bit of kit and it sounds great - it's even got great converters on it which have improved our mixing desk's overall sound through our monitors. There's only one issue which happens occasionally, and that's when we switch to the main monitor output, sometimes there's a loud pop. It's not consistent though, so we can't track it down to being caused by one consistent thing.
Thanks much for your reply-really appreciate it and I am pleased to hear that you still recommend it after using it for some time! It sounds encouraging to hear that your still impressed with it!! I am grateful for your honesty too. I have heard the issue with pop on a forum but again it seemed as though it was hard to pin point as you mentioned. Although they did state that Audient had said that the Nero should be powered on first and everything else to follow and the last thing to turn off when powering down. I am seriously very close to ordering one I think:-)
@@PresentDayProduction Have you had any issues with any dropouts on any of the outputs? There are some users that have problems when plugging headphones in to find out the main outputs stop working...
Hi Mark/PresentDayProduction, I have been trying to get my hand on one of these for the last 6 month-but there are still serious stock issues with Audient -and i am told its unlikely to be resolved before aug-sept at the earliest! So I am having to look at other possible options! I was looking at the Drawmer CMC3 but then I just literally re watched this video moments ago and you mentioned issues with one of their monitor controller you previously owned😩, so that has got me feeling a little cautious-for obvious reasons. Other then scratchy volume pot that developed were you otherwise happy with it? Or is it better to hold out for a nero? Am just getting a little impatient and need a monitor control to update from Mackie Big Knob Passive. Many thanks in advance😄👍🏾
Hi Ria! The Drawmer unit was awesome apart from the scratchy pot issue - but I think they may have resolved that now. In terms of sound quality it was as transparent as you could hope for, and you can also select more than one input and output source (something you can’t do with the Nero) so you could mix outputs from different sources together, and have more than one set of monitors on at once if you wanted to. So I’d recommend one of those if the Nero’s are hard to get hold of.
@@PresentDayProduction thank you for coming back to me, I really appreciate it. The drawmer really does have some appealing features- like you pointed out and I am almost completely sold.on it- I am seriously considering it now!! One of the retailers also suggested it to me as a worthy contender to the Nero and mentioned it given the considerably lengthy wait with Nero and also because it’s transparent nature. I value your opinion greatly so thought I’d watch the video re. The Nero only for you to mention Drawmer also😄 , so don’t think that is just mere coincidence!! Thanks so much once again👍🏾.
@@PresentDayProduction Absolutely! Will be sure to keep you posted. Although, it’s almost becoming comical as the drawmer unit that I am now leaning towards also has stock issues😂, so might not be available for a while either!! I think I am going to revert back to just making music on my old Korg X3!!! Life was so much simpler back then:-)
I ordered one here in Canada about three weeks ago and it just arrived today. So stock is certainly available. If you're in Canada, reach out to Erikson Audio (the distributor) or Solotech (the reseller that I used...and work for ;) )
Just come across your channel and live it full of good advice and hummer, can I ask for some advice, can you use the Nero without an audio interface, I’m changing things round in my small studio, in I’m just mixing tracks can you just connect it to your computer and monitors or do you need an interface, many thanks
Hey Robert, welcome, and thanks for watching! No, you need an audio interface from the computer as well, unless you’ve got an AES or S/PDIF optical out on your computer, which you won’t have. But check out out video here on the iD14 and SSL2, either of those would be perfect for you, and half the price of the Nero! ruclips.net/video/YziM7TNwmqc/видео.html
Thank you for a quick reply, that’s really helpful, was looking at the id22 before seeing the Nero, will probably go with the id14 and a Nero as I don’t really ever record anymore. Just sold my Pro Tools HD Native rig and moving over to Logic, once again thank you
Thank you for a great review! 😉👍 Can the Nero combine inputs and outputs? That would be really cool! I mean, is it possible to select and listen to 2 or 3 inputs at the same time? And can I listen on 2 or 3 speaker sets (outputs) at the same time? Thanks again great channel!!!😉👍😉👍😉👍
As far as we’re aware... no. We can only pair a sub output with another output. That seems to be the only possibility. Maybe we haven’t found the key combo yet, but it doesn’t look like it
On my birthday shopping list, the Audient, thanks for the great review!. I used to own a Dangerous Studio Monitor ST, sounds as good!!, for me it'll be fine. I think my Presonus monitor station 2 has developed an attenuation problem. My 80db setup dropped for no reason at full volume to 55db today... I'm really hoping I'm wrong.. 280 down the clapper in just 4 years... Great tip on using the AES out on the StudioLive series 3!!, I have a 16 and a 32s.
@@msquicc I sold it along with a lot of gear I simply didn’t need at that level. It was amazing. I actually use a Heritage RAM2000 system now. Also very good, plenty enough for my small stereo setup.
Quick question (and great video guys!) - what is it about the DAC converters on the Studiolive desk you don't like? I've recently bought the Studio1824c interface and you've got me wondering if I should just use it for tracking - and then use my iD14 for mixing? I got the 1824c as I like the metering, 65db gain on the pre's, old skool midi and dual headphone out. I can't find anything online about the DAC. I found out the ADC chip is the AK5558VN (as used in the StudioLive 16R) - but you've got me wondering (worrying) about the DAC. Like you've mentioned, the chips are only part of the story - but I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts. Thank you.
Cubase Elementary I wouldn’t worry at all, I do a lot of mastering for major labels and so have very little in the chain, and keep that chain as super clean as possible. Whilst I wouldn’t master using the S32 if I had better converters, I would if I didn’t, and many people do! I think the 1824 is a step up from the S32 in terms of output anyway - and you’re only really going to hear the differences in a really well designed room with really high end monitors. So don’t worry! Try the iD14 and compare for mixing - if you find it better then great, if you don’t hear any difference then don’t worry about it 😎
We haven’t tried the CMC3, however based on our awful experience with the CMC2, we are probably not inclined to try one either. Very soon after we bought our CMC2, The volume knob became intolerably crackly to the point where it sounded like it was probably doing some damage to the speakers, and this also happened to the second unit of the same model that we have in our studio. Both of which have now been replaced by a Nero. So we are probably not going to try a CMC3 unless they send us one😂
my favorite audio channel - and so relieved the Brits have come to the rescue of RUclips... Up Britain...! and Brexit....Like Sound on Sound - I find the brits are really good at objective review. (well with a little bias towards british products - ) love the measured well timed pace of the diction - americans speak like the world is about to come to an end.
Can you only listen to the sub in solo without any other set of speaker? I want to do that because I want to connect my single mix cube there and that way had 4 "sets" of speakers.
Wonderful review as always! Question, if my interface only has adat optical out, can I still use the optical input on the Nero? Same toslink connector, but don’t know if they will speak to each other. Cheers!
Just out of curiosity, did you guys ever do a Null test on a Mackie Big knob. Was always a lot of debate about how much it colours the sound. I just replaced my one with the Nero.
I'd like to hear what PDP has to say about what are good enough cables to buy, cos I respect their opinion on everything audio. Look forward to this. - How much should one spend on cabling and whats the most important things to look out for in cables?
We’re actually working on a video on cables at the moment. The main three things to consider are the DC resistance, impedance, and capacitance of the cable, alongside the quality of the connectors on each end. As for super-high-end audiophile cables? Electrons don’t care how much your cable cost!
@@PresentDayProduction Sorry if I sound so like a fan boy but I LOVE your channel, for so many reasons - great content, honest, relevant and effective - i.e information that I or any other person can act upon reliably. current. Best wishes and congratulations on entering the fray with such an authentic and high value creative technology RUclips channel. As a 30 year reader of Sound on Sound magazine, you remind me of the ethos of that highly valued resource, brought up to date for youtube, and also entertaining. For me what this demonstrates is that you do not have to be 1st to be the best. regrettably your channel has caused me not to bother with many other RUclips channels, cos like SOS, your content is head and shoulders above everything else out there, in editorial integrity. And even when you are biased I love your bias, cos I accept not everything in audio can be 100% objective. The 500 round trip test of the Audient and SSL audio interfaces - was epic. I own an Audient MICO preamp, but purely based on this review I know which audio interface I would pick.
Can you review the SPL Crimson 3? I loved this review and thought this would be the best buy, but had a switch in other equipment and it's now looking like I need to what the SPL Crimson 3 offers. Namely a USB audio interface and a digital output as well as a input... possible?
Thanks for your comment! The issue we have with reviews at the moment means that we have to buy everything we are reviewing, which makes it pretty expensive pretty quickly! But we’ll contact SPL’s UK distributor and see if they’ll send us one to review. Fingers crossed!
@@PresentDayProduction Wow, didn't expect such effort. Thank you very much, hopefully it's a all go... I guess one selling point of you reviewing it for them would be that no one has really reviewed it properly.. or if there is a proper review it isn't in English. Your sound tests I appreciate a great deal when it comes to worth of a product. All the best, great job on the channel thus far!
@@TigroGumi Thank you! Yeah, I didn’t realise just how much effort goes into a lot of RUclips videos until we started making them! But it’s the ones that have had that effort put in that are the best. Thanks for your comments!
Ei guys, how do i connect a subwoofer to the audient Nero i just bought? Just plug a Mono Jack from the SUB out on the back to the L in on the Sub? because on my Focal Sub One there is two conectors, Left and Right. Thank you if you can answer. I cant find anything about this metter on the web. How actually connect a Sub to the Audient Nero.
Hi Guys, quick question I know you both have the Audient Nero in your studio, but just wanted to know if you have ever experienced strange behaviour with it, whereby volume increases and decreases by itself? I have noticed this odd behaviour only in the last few days and so just wanted to know if this has ever happened with your Nero? Many thanks
@@PresentDayProduction thanks so much for your prompt response-I really appreciate it. Yep, I definitely will do that, as it only around 6 months old. Thanks again 😄
I always hear about monitor controllers but I don't understand them. Are they also audio interfaces or do they just control your monitors? If I had a Focusrite 6i6, would I need this?
Hey Tony, they are just a glorified volume knob and switching unit, so if you’ve got more than one set of speakers and don’t want to have to keep swapping leads over, or have more than one interface or other output devices then they are a godsend. If you haven’t then no, you don’t need one! They won’t act as in interface in their own right
My unit is producing I very mild crackling noise even with my sound card turned off. I can hear it more with headphones in. Not sure what it is. Almost sounds like feedback from my pc.
I‘ve bought it last week and will return it - the Volume knob feels kind of cheap and the very loud peak when turning it on/off (and which is normal due to Audient) make it not very attractive to me… I will get some SPL or Heritage Audio next :)
👍for this video ! Sir, I want to upgrade my Audio interface (focusrite 2i2 2nd gen ). Which one is better audient ID14 or focusrite clarett 2pre ? Pls suggest me.
They both sound great - choose based on features. Do you want the controls on the top or front? How many mic inputs? Pick the one with the features that best suit you, they both sound amazing
There isn’t a trim control for the sub out, so there are two ways to do it: 1) do it on the sub 2) use a spare alt out if you have it and set the volume on that by pushing the relevant alt button down until it flashes, then adjust the output to the desired level using the main volume knob
Thanks Adagio! As far as we can tell, no. It’s one output at a time, but with a latching sub output which can either feed a sub or a mono speaker. So 1 output + sub option
Hi Mark, can I ask you which DA converter you use for your daily (mastering) tasks? Just want to know what you compared the Nero to... I'm using an SSL2+ for now with my ATC SCM20 actives, and I find it horrible for reliable volume controlling. It has just a pot, erm... actually, two of them (one for the blend between usb and analog inputs for direct monitoring), the other is the master. The blend pot eats up MUCH of the top-end, leaving me extremely frustrated, so I have to crank that up - but then the mastering pot must be lowered to 10-20% to preserve my hearing. And that pot eats up the lows instead. Want to interchange it with something trasnparent, and more reliable. Might as well buy a DAC, too - we'll see
Antelope Amari. The differences between them are negligible. I can’t tell which is which in a blind test between either of those, or the SSL2 or the Audient iD14, and they’re a tenth of the cost of the Amari. It’s crazy the quality that can be had for very little outlay these days. And yet still the best music I’ve ever recorded myself was on a Yamaha four track cassette with two SM57s in 1987 😂
The Nero completely cancels out in a null test... you cannot get any better than that! I haven’t tried the Presonus but I’d imagine it is also very good. They’ve sold enough of them.
I just bought mine at Sweetwater 8/10/2020. There goes half of my stimulus lol! I needed a new monitor station, my Presonus Central station is going slowly
Definitely no farts... that would be vile and repulsive and we’d never stoop that low for a laugh. We’re a serious audio production channel, not Peter Sellers in a lift... 😉
It's great EXCEPT that it caps out at +18db on input, so loads of +20/+24 rated gear clips the fuck out of it at 0dB FS... and not all even have +18 or below as a calibration option.
Hey guys, great video! Could you do a „Audient Nero vs Palmer Monicon XL vs Presonus Monitor Station V2“? They are all within a price range under 400 bucks and seem tasty for each unit itself. :) Cheers and good health! :)
BIG CONS! We can't hear multiple monitors at the same time!...The SUB buton is not ready to work alone so we can't hear only the SUB or even connect a Mono Auratone and to me the more horrible is that we can't hear multiple sources at the same time...So to me, that i bought one unit of this Gear i am disapointed. Also make my monitors Genelec crank whe it turns on! Otherwise great piece of gear...
Wait, hold on, the complete disapearance of the song playing is due to phase cancellation? No way.... ok. So correct me if i'm wrong, but this Audient Nero Monitor Controller is absolutly dead transparent i mean, litterally. I must have missed a part of the plot there i would have expected phasing or some type of noise. Fuck me.
Thanks for finding Nero guys, just keep swimming.
Please send us a ASP 8024 HE for review, the review process normally takes 15-20 years but we’ll send it back when we’re finished 😂🤪
Seriously though, thanks for making awesome kit! We have two Nero’s in our building and we keep finding hidden features. Mark has used a ton of DDA stuff over the years and wishes to carry on the ethos!
These videos are so great. No one does them this detailed
1000% such high quality and values
I’ve had this unit for about 3 months. I’m happy with it. Only two cons 1. Only one source can be used at a time. I had a cheaper unit that could do this and had become used to having the option. 2. I use the spdif ‘Alt Source’ input fed from the spdif out from my interface. Every time the unit its re-powered, I have to re-select the Alt source as well as re-select spdif.
Hey guys great video. That's the first time I've seen anyone perform a null check with a monitor controller which certainly says more than words ever could.
Thanks Chris! Yeah I was so impressed with this I kept it!
@@PresentDayProduction Nice!! I just found a nice deal on a used unit - arrives this week! Thank you again - was about to drop the $$ on a Drawmer MC3.1 but I really didn't need all those features. Just good, clean audio and 3 speaker outputs + Sub.
Why did I only just find this channel? Come on, RUclips! You guys are awesome. Really looking forward to seeing this channel explode. Oh yeah and nice review haha
But you did find us! Thanks Kane 😎
Now THIS is how you do a quality review, great work!
Thanks Tim! We’re glad you enjoyed our video!
I've been using the Nero for a little over a week now and it has been fantastic. thanks for the thorough review.
Great video! About the device: 100db Dynamic Range Analog. DAC 113db DR.. SPL One 121db analog out. I was debating about these two units. In terms of audio quality specs, SPL won, in terms of features Nero take the lead.
Thanks you guy for this very helpful video!
I've been planning to renew my studio monitor controller which should be around 500 euros in budget wise.
I really appreciated that you mentioned and checked about the digital inputs' quality which is very important for me.
I finally decided to get the Nero now.
Thanks again!
I was waiting for for a "Meaning of life" reference at the beginning, but you got me back at "BUTTS".
Again a really good review.
Thanks Peter! Glad you picked up on the Meaning Of Life rip-off... er... I mean inspirational reference 😝
In building out my new studio in a house I bought, ironically, on the day this video was released, I've only recently had the need of a monitor controller. After a ton of research on it I landed on the Nero. AWs my first controller I couldn't be more happy with it. For sound quality I've come to the same conclusion as you, it's fantastic! I was running it using the SPDIF connection for a while but my Hedd Audio Type 30's seem to like a little bit higher input level so I went back to analog. I use an Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt interface so I still have good AD conversion & don't mind running it this way. It's already become such a part of my workflow that if I were forced to work without it I'd....well, I'd buy another one. Props to Audient!
Congrats on the new house purchase! The Audient is great, we have two of them in our building, and looking at getting another for the video editing suite probably at some point!
I thought I'd never find the right monitor controller... at last, a review that convinced me of which one I needed. Just ordered one of these. Thank you so much :)
You’re welcome! Out of interest, we’ve had some very high end converters in the studio lately (£10,000 and up!) and they don’t sound any different going through the Nero. It would be an awesome unit at four times the price!
Hey guys I picked up the Nero and it is indeed a great controller for the money. Nice step up from my well worn Presonus Monitor Control, when comparing the two the uncolored sound of the Nero was very evident. One thing I did notice, and haven't seen mentioned in any reviews, is that the on board headphone amps are a bit lacking when it comes to driving high impedance cans. The Nero couldn't really push my 250 ohm Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro's, and they sounded pretty anemic until I hooked up a quality headphone amp to the Nero's HP1 out. The sound out of the headphone outs seems just as uncolored and accurate as the rest of the unit, however.
My R70Xs are 440ohm, reckon I’ll need an amp? Which one did you go with?
Great review guys. Just what I needed.
Super detailed review guys, well done ! I was about the get a Drawmer MC 2.1, but I kept getting distracted by the Nero. Only thing that's putting me off the Nero is how much desk space it takes up given that its not rack mounted. Apart from that the Nero does seem to be better featured. Still kinda torn between the two though.
Thanks Barry! We would definitely recommend the Nero.
After having used the Drawmer in two of our studios, we very quickly discovered that the volume pot is just awful, it becomes crackly and pretty much un-usable after only a number of months. So we have upgraded to a Nero in any of our rooms that need a monitor controller. Don’t make the mistake we did, go straight for a Nero.
@@PresentDayProduction Wow guys, thanks for the lightning quick response ! Would you believe, I was actually reading through a lot of posts about the Vol pot issue when your reply hit ! Thanks a mill for the heads up !!
having a Audient 1973, an ASP 800 which are fine. My MCM 2 is hissing like hell and unusable. Might use your tip and solder a new pot in...so far i rather use my console and an old Luxman for my passives. Great video!
was thinking about getting a CMC2 from Drawmer for my ATC20s, but might go with something else instead. Good that I got to know they are not that reliable unfortunately
That purple puppet......his mixes rock!!!!!
I bought it when it came out and I'll never regret. A fantastic monitor controller. 👍
My wife already agreed to get this for me this year. This video made me happy.
It’s an awesome unit! And you clearly have a wonderful wife! Thanks for watching, David
PresentDayProduction, I just did a screen shot of your response with the intentions of sending it to my wife later. lol She’ll like that, I think.
Great video. Thank you, guys!
Just like the original Finding Nemo film, your short film left me in tears...
😂😂😂😂😂 because it was so awful?
hey guys, great video. I purchased one of these, largely based on your positive null test review. however, when doing my own null test it's immediately clear that this thing, even after a factory reset and pulling the output trim all the way up, loses about 6.1db of the signal just by running it through the Nero. I see other people in forums mentioning this, as well. how did you account for this in your null test? I set the gain on one channel to match best I could (+6.1 db) and still wound up with some noise. my test for the noise may be flawed by my less than new/perfect interface, but I'm certain of the db drop. Is this consistent with your test?
very organized and artiulate - very well done
2 big negative issues
1 if your speakers on when you turn on nero .... it will blast your speaker and headphones ..it will spoil your speaker drivers .
2 you never able check any thing in mono in your headphones . headphones always work in stereo mode only .
Hey I’ve bought one! thanks for your video I guess.
One question,
Unfortunately my interface has the digital connection but my speakers don’t.
Is it ok for me to route from my interface’s spidif/coax to Nero’s spidif/coax and analog out from Nero to my speakers(analog in)?
Thanks always!
Great attention to detail guys.
I should also compliment you on excellent production values
you are the best audio channel
I had been pondering a speaker switching setup. While this is not quite how had imagined doing the task, this could be perfect! I'd be able to fire up a Citation II tube power amp on a pair of speakers (when winter comes). Eggsaladant video!
Ken Allen Thanks Ken! I can’t recommend this unit enough - we’d heard good things and needed a new monitor controller for general studio duties and this is an amazing bit of kit. Love it. Enjoy your eggsalad!
Super presentation! Funny too! 👏🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Great video guys
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it! We’ll keep them coming :)
Do the Nero monitor controls work with the ID software or is this controlled by the hardware only?
As far as I know, hardware only. The iD software only works with their interfaces under the iD brand.
Another outstanding video.
The 4 headphones sold me on this.
Many, even much more expensive ones, offer two headphones at most which is often just not enough.
Even for the bedroom studio
We still use our Nero’s, have one in each room of our studio! So definitely a good purchase for you.
Hey great video! Can the Nero have sources 1 & 2 ...& or Aux input.... on at the same time? Trying to replace my 16 channel mixer with this. I need 2 ST outs from my Apollo to play at once. Thanks~!
Unfortunately not, but we wish it could! Only one input and one output at a time.
Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do this. Would you still recommend this controller? I am considering getting one as an upgrade to my Mackie Big Knob Passive. Is there any weird issues you have discovered or annoyances?? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for watching! It's a great controller. It's a fantastic bit of kit and it sounds great - it's even got great converters on it which have improved our mixing desk's overall sound through our monitors. There's only one issue which happens occasionally, and that's when we switch to the main monitor output, sometimes there's a loud pop. It's not consistent though, so we can't track it down to being caused by one consistent thing.
Thanks much for your reply-really appreciate it and I am pleased to hear that you still recommend it after using it for some time! It sounds encouraging to hear that your still impressed with it!! I am grateful for your honesty too. I have heard the issue with pop on a forum but again it seemed as though it was hard to pin point as you mentioned. Although they did state that Audient had said that the Nero should be powered on first and everything else to follow and the last thing to turn off when powering down. I am seriously very close to ordering one I think:-)
@@PresentDayProduction Have you had any issues with any dropouts on any of the outputs? There are some users that have problems when plugging headphones in to find out the main outputs stop working...
Hi Mark/PresentDayProduction, I have been trying to get my hand on one of these for the last 6 month-but there are still serious stock issues with Audient -and i am told its unlikely to be resolved before aug-sept at the earliest! So I am having to look at other possible options! I was looking at the Drawmer CMC3 but then I just literally re watched this video moments ago and you mentioned issues with one of their monitor controller you previously owned😩, so that has got me feeling a little cautious-for obvious reasons. Other then scratchy volume pot that developed were you otherwise happy with it? Or is it better to hold out for a nero? Am just getting a little impatient and need a monitor control to update from Mackie Big Knob Passive. Many thanks in advance😄👍🏾
Hi Ria! The Drawmer unit was awesome apart from the scratchy pot issue - but I think they may have resolved that now. In terms of sound quality it was as transparent as you could hope for, and you can also select more than one input and output source (something you can’t do with the Nero) so you could mix outputs from different sources together, and have more than one set of monitors on at once if you wanted to. So I’d recommend one of those if the Nero’s are hard to get hold of.
@@PresentDayProduction thank you for coming back to me, I really appreciate it. The drawmer really does have some appealing features- like you pointed out and I am almost completely sold.on it- I am seriously considering it now!! One of the retailers also suggested it to me as a worthy contender to the Nero and mentioned it given the considerably lengthy wait with Nero and also because it’s transparent nature. I value your opinion greatly so thought I’d watch the video re. The Nero only for you to mention Drawmer also😄 , so don’t think that is just mere coincidence!! Thanks so much once again👍🏾.
No worries, let us know how you get on!
@@PresentDayProduction Absolutely! Will be sure to keep you posted. Although, it’s almost becoming comical as the drawmer unit that I am now leaning towards also has stock issues😂, so might not be available for a while either!! I think I am going to revert back to just making music on my old Korg X3!!! Life was so much simpler back then:-)
I ordered one here in Canada about three weeks ago and it just arrived today. So stock is certainly available. If you're in Canada, reach out to Erikson Audio (the distributor) or Solotech (the reseller that I used...and work for ;) )
I really luv yer humor!
Cheerio 😀
What's the frequency response responsible for? Does it not let anything below or pass it's parameters to go through?
Just come across your channel and live it full of good advice and hummer, can I ask for some advice, can you use the Nero without an audio interface, I’m changing things round in my small studio, in I’m just mixing tracks can you just connect it to your computer and monitors or do you need an interface, many thanks
Hey Robert, welcome, and thanks for watching! No, you need an audio interface from the computer as well, unless you’ve got an AES or S/PDIF optical out on your computer, which you won’t have. But check out out video here on the iD14 and SSL2, either of those would be perfect for you, and half the price of the Nero!
ruclips.net/video/YziM7TNwmqc/видео.html
Thank you for a quick reply, that’s really helpful, was looking at the id22 before seeing the Nero, will probably go with the id14 and a Nero as I don’t really ever record anymore. Just sold my Pro Tools HD Native rig and moving over to Logic, once again thank you
@@highland1997 you’re very welcome, thanks for commenting! Please let us know how you get on!
Thank you for a great review! 😉👍 Can the Nero combine inputs and outputs? That would be really cool! I mean, is it possible to select and listen to 2 or 3 inputs at the same time? And can I listen on 2 or 3 speaker sets (outputs) at the same time? Thanks again great channel!!!😉👍😉👍😉👍
As far as we’re aware... no. We can only pair a sub output with another output. That seems to be the only possibility.
Maybe we haven’t found the key combo yet, but it doesn’t look like it
On my birthday shopping list, the Audient, thanks for the great review!. I used to own a Dangerous Studio Monitor ST, sounds as good!!, for me it'll be fine. I think my Presonus monitor station 2 has developed an attenuation problem. My 80db setup dropped for no reason at full volume to 55db today... I'm really hoping I'm wrong.. 280 down the clapper in just 4 years... Great tip on using the AES out on the StudioLive series 3!!, I have a 16 and a 32s.
why did you move from the Dangerous?
@@msquicc I sold it along with a lot of gear I simply didn’t need at that level. It was amazing. I actually use a Heritage RAM2000 system now. Also very good, plenty enough for my small stereo setup.
Quick question (and great video guys!) - what is it about the DAC converters on the Studiolive desk you don't like? I've recently bought the Studio1824c interface and you've got me wondering if I should just use it for tracking - and then use my iD14 for mixing? I got the 1824c as I like the metering, 65db gain on the pre's, old skool midi and dual headphone out. I can't find anything online about the DAC. I found out the ADC chip is the AK5558VN (as used in the StudioLive 16R) - but you've got me wondering (worrying) about the DAC. Like you've mentioned, the chips are only part of the story - but I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts. Thank you.
Cubase Elementary I wouldn’t worry at all, I do a lot of mastering for major labels and so have very little in the chain, and keep that chain as super clean as possible. Whilst I wouldn’t master using the S32 if I had better converters, I would if I didn’t, and many people do! I think the 1824 is a step up from the S32 in terms of output anyway - and you’re only really going to hear the differences in a really well designed room with really high end monitors. So don’t worry! Try the iD14 and compare for mixing - if you find it better then great, if you don’t hear any difference then don’t worry about it 😎
@@PresentDayProduction Thank you! Loved the 500 times in/out converter video btw - a really interesting way of testing the converters! :)
I would love to know how the RCF MC-1 compares. It has a few extra connections for about a third more cash.
Great video!
I wish I could get your opinion about in between nero and drawmer cmc3 !
We haven’t tried the CMC3, however based on our awful experience with the CMC2, we are probably not inclined to try one either. Very soon after we bought our CMC2, The volume knob became intolerably crackly to the point where it sounded like it was probably doing some damage to the speakers, and this also happened to the second unit of the same model that we have in our studio. Both of which have now been replaced by a Nero. So we are probably not going to try a CMC3 unless they send us one😂
@@PresentDayProduction thanks that explains a lot 😅
my favorite audio channel - and so relieved the Brits have come to the rescue of RUclips... Up Britain...! and Brexit....Like Sound on Sound - I find the brits are really good at objective review. (well with a little bias towards british products - ) love the measured well timed pace of the diction - americans speak like the world is about to come to an end.
Can you only listen to the sub in solo without any other set of speaker? I want to do that because I want to connect my single mix cube there and that way had 4 "sets" of speakers.
Wonderful review as always! Question, if my interface only has adat optical out, can I still use the optical input on the Nero? Same toslink connector, but don’t know if they will speak to each other. Cheers!
Could you share what cable you used to go AES/EBU to SPDIF please?
Just a simple XLR to RCA I soldered up.
Just out of curiosity, did you guys ever do a Null test on a Mackie Big knob. Was always a lot of debate about how much it colours the sound. I just replaced my one with the Nero.
We haven’t done that yet, but if we can get hold of one, we may possibly do so
@@PresentDayProduction Legends 🙏
Is it possible to get talkback going out HP1? Also... do you leave it on? Thanks!
wait I thought the ssl 2 was an audio interface. I’ve never heard being compared with the tons of monitor controllers,, why is that?
I'd like to hear what PDP has to say about what are good enough cables to buy, cos I respect their opinion on everything audio. Look forward to this. - How much should one spend on cabling and whats the most important things to look out for in cables?
We’re actually working on a video on cables at the moment. The main three things to consider are the DC resistance, impedance, and capacitance of the cable, alongside the quality of the connectors on each end. As for super-high-end audiophile cables? Electrons don’t care how much your cable cost!
@@PresentDayProduction Sorry if I sound so like a fan boy but I LOVE your channel, for so many reasons - great content, honest, relevant and effective - i.e information that I or any other person can act upon reliably. current. Best wishes and congratulations on entering the fray with such an authentic and high value creative technology RUclips channel.
As a 30 year reader of Sound on Sound magazine, you remind me of the ethos of that highly valued resource, brought up to date for youtube, and also entertaining. For me what this demonstrates is that you do not have to be 1st to be the best. regrettably your channel has caused me not to bother with many other RUclips channels, cos like SOS, your content is head and shoulders above everything else out there, in editorial integrity. And even when you are biased I love your bias, cos I accept not everything in audio can be 100% objective.
The 500 round trip test of the Audient and SSL audio interfaces - was epic. I own an Audient MICO preamp, but purely based on this review I know which audio interface I would pick.
whats this track at the end? superb bass, sounds almost phasey and wide !
Thanks Joe!
It’s called “Coffee”, it’s a licensed track from Storyblocks :)
@@PresentDayProduction Excellent video as ever chaps, makes my day
Thank you very much! We appreciate you watching :)
Can you review the SPL Crimson 3?
I loved this review and thought this would be the best buy, but had a switch in other equipment and it's now looking like I need to what the SPL Crimson 3 offers.
Namely a USB audio interface and a digital output as well as a input... possible?
Thanks for your comment! The issue we have with reviews at the moment means that we have to buy everything we are reviewing, which makes it pretty expensive pretty quickly! But we’ll contact SPL’s UK distributor and see if they’ll send us one to review. Fingers crossed!
@@PresentDayProduction Wow, didn't expect such effort.
Thank you very much, hopefully it's a all go...
I guess one selling point of you reviewing it for them would be that no one has really reviewed it properly.. or if there is a proper review it isn't in English.
Your sound tests I appreciate a great deal when it comes to worth of a product.
All the best, great job on the channel thus far!
@@TigroGumi Thank you! Yeah, I didn’t realise just how much effort goes into a lot of RUclips videos until we started making them! But it’s the ones that have had that effort put in that are the best. Thanks for your comments!
@@PresentDayProduction Bobs speed!
Well, im sold on the product and the channel.
Nice..is the headphone amp capable to drive four 250 ohm headphones??
Thanks for a great video, I'm a new subscriber for sure I will be back for more.
Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for watching and thanks for subscribing! We are glad you enjoyed it, will keep the great content coming.
Hahaha love it! Makes me really want to get one for my studio...
How many speakers can you hear At 1 time? 🤔
Ei guys, how do i connect a subwoofer to the audient Nero i just bought? Just plug a Mono Jack from the SUB out on the back to the L in on the Sub? because on my Focal Sub One there is two conectors, Left and Right. Thank you if you can answer. I cant find anything about this metter on the web. How actually connect a Sub to the Audient Nero.
Just use a single cable from the Nero to the L in on the Focal. The L and R are just there as a pass though
I want to connect an Antelope Zen Tour Synergy interface to the Nero, should I use SPDIF or Analog (Monitor out)?
Try both, see which sounds better! The converters in the Nero are pretty good, but you might prefer the Antelope
Hi Guys, quick question I know you both have the Audient Nero in your studio, but just wanted to know if you have ever experienced strange behaviour with it, whereby volume increases and decreases by itself? I have noticed this odd behaviour only in the last few days and so just wanted to know if this has ever happened with your Nero? Many thanks
Hello! No volume issues here, and there are two in our building - both working perfectly. Definitely take this up with Audient!
@@PresentDayProduction thanks so much for your prompt response-I really appreciate it. Yep, I definitely will do that, as it only around 6 months old. Thanks again 😄
I always hear about monitor controllers but I don't understand them. Are they also audio interfaces or do they just control your monitors? If I had a Focusrite 6i6, would I need this?
Hey Tony, they are just a glorified volume knob and switching unit, so if you’ve got more than one set of speakers and don’t want to have to keep swapping leads over, or have more than one interface or other output devices then they are a godsend. If you haven’t then no, you don’t need one! They won’t act as in interface in their own right
My unit is producing I very mild crackling noise even with my sound card turned off.
I can hear it more with headphones in. Not sure what it is. Almost sounds like feedback from my pc.
I‘ve bought it last week and will return it - the Volume knob feels kind of cheap and the very loud peak when turning it on/off (and which is normal due to Audient) make it not very attractive to me… I will get some SPL or Heritage Audio next :)
Can I listen to 2 headphones at the same time? Or one headphone output + one stereo output?
Yeah you can listen to four headphones at the same time
Could this be used to control a 5.1 setup?
I wish it was a mic so I could have asked how it sounded on fiddle
Any way to control talkback using footpedal?
Sadly not....
👍for this video ! Sir, I want to upgrade my Audio interface (focusrite 2i2 2nd gen ). Which one is better audient ID14 or focusrite clarett 2pre ? Pls suggest me.
They both sound great - choose based on features. Do you want the controls on the top or front? How many mic inputs? Pick the one with the features that best suit you, they both sound amazing
Thanks, today buy it.
Please can you test presonus central station?
Do you know how to volume match the sub output?
There isn’t a trim control for the sub out, so there are two ways to do it:
1) do it on the sub
2) use a spare alt out if you have it and set the volume on that by pushing the relevant alt button down until it flashes, then adjust the output to the desired level using the main volume knob
£320 isn’t too bad tbh. Too much for me just yet (so I have a begringer control 2) my audio Interfaxe is a Pres onus tho
Please do a Presonus Monitor Station V2 review and possibly compare it to the Audient Nero
the presonus monitor station is much worse no need to even compare in depth
Excellent video...can we select multiple output like main and ALT1 or ALT2?
Thanks Adagio! As far as we can tell, no. It’s one output at a time, but with a latching sub output which can either feed a sub or a mono speaker. So 1 output + sub option
@@PresentDayProduction Thanks for the reply..I'm looking for an option for multiple output..any recommendation?
The Drawmer CMC2 was our previous monitor controller, which can independently latch all inputs and outputs. Not too expensive either.
Hi Mark, can I ask you which DA converter you use for your daily (mastering) tasks? Just want to know what you compared the Nero to...
I'm using an SSL2+ for now with my ATC SCM20 actives, and I find it horrible for reliable volume controlling. It has just a pot, erm... actually, two of them (one for the blend between usb and analog inputs for direct monitoring), the other is the master. The blend pot eats up MUCH of the top-end, leaving me extremely frustrated, so I have to crank that up - but then the mastering pot must be lowered to 10-20% to preserve my hearing. And that pot eats up the lows instead. Want to interchange it with something trasnparent, and more reliable. Might as well buy a DAC, too - we'll see
why, what converters are you using? :)
Antelope Amari. The differences between them are negligible. I can’t tell which is which in a blind test between either of those, or the SSL2 or the Audient iD14, and they’re a tenth of the cost of the Amari. It’s crazy the quality that can be had for very little outlay these days. And yet still the best music I’ve ever recorded myself was on a Yamaha four track cassette with two SM57s in 1987 😂
Nero is best than presonus station v2 in audio quality? Or Nero is best than presonus?
The Nero completely cancels out in a null test... you cannot get any better than that! I haven’t tried the Presonus but I’d imagine it is also very good. They’ve sold enough of them.
I just bought mine at Sweetwater 8/10/2020. There goes half of my stimulus lol! I needed a new monitor station, my Presonus Central station is going slowly
Congrats, JC! The Central Station was a great unit, but the Nero is way better. Enjoy! Thanks for watching 😎
PresentDayProduction thank you all for the video! New follower
Can you play the alt and the main at the same time?
No, only one at a time. The same with the inputs. The Drawmer monitor controllers mix inputs and let you hear more than one output at a time
@@PresentDayProduction thank you so much, I appreciate the response and recommendation.
Knocking it out of the park again.
David Johnson Thanks David! Enjoy the mic!
B U T S S
Pretty sure I heard a fart at 9:11, pretty sure I got excited at 11.11, pretty sure the dietary requirements at 14.06 are normal...
There’s a dog barking somewhere in there, see if you can find it!
Definitely no farts... that would be vile and repulsive and we’d never stoop that low for a laugh. We’re a serious audio production channel, not Peter Sellers in a lift... 😉
It's great EXCEPT that it caps out at +18db on input, so loads of +20/+24 rated gear clips the fuck out of it at 0dB FS... and not all even have +18 or below as a calibration option.
Hey guys, great video! Could you do a „Audient Nero vs Palmer Monicon XL vs Presonus Monitor Station V2“?
They are all within a price range under 400 bucks and seem tasty for each unit itself. :)
Cheers and good health! :)
If we can get hold of one, yes!
@@PresentDayProduction Awesome! Thanks a bunch! :)
Chips and marmite...fuck yeah!
Marmite? Ewww. Vegemite FTW
BIG CONS! We can't hear multiple monitors at the same time!...The SUB buton is not ready to work alone so we can't hear only the SUB or even connect a Mono Auratone and to me the more horrible is that we can't hear multiple sources at the same time...So to me, that i bought one unit of this Gear i am disapointed. Also make my monitors Genelec crank whe it turns on! Otherwise great piece of gear...
Puppets? Just don't go any further with that! Please.
😂👍🏼
Wait, hold on, the complete disapearance of the song playing is due to phase cancellation? No way.... ok. So correct me if i'm wrong, but this Audient Nero Monitor Controller is absolutly dead transparent i mean, litterally. I must have missed a part of the plot there i would have expected phasing or some type of noise. Fuck me.
Ok that really is it? My god. The future is now.
This is ridiculous. xD
Yes, that literally is it. It’s transparent!
There is a big issue in this unit ... Pls read my comment below 👇
We were not paid to make this video, your comment is inaccurate.
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