These 44kHz 24-bit WAV files were recorded in two ways:
1. Line level recordings: Direct line connection from multi-timbral synthesizers to the line inputs of each of the following audio interfaces.
2. Preamp recordings: From the synth outputs through active DIs for 40db attenuation to the interface inputs, where preamp gain is applied to make up the difference.

NOTE: Interfaces marked with a (+) are featured in both the line-level recordings and the preamp recordings. The rest only appear in the line-level recording collections.

* Avid Fast Track Duo ($200 USD) - Only used in the Virus recordings. (+)
* Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 1st generation ($150 USD) (+)
* MOTU PCIe-424 with 24I/O ($1500 USD)
* PC Internal Audio (n/a)
* RME FireFace UFX 1st generation ($2300 USD) (+)
* Roland Duo-Capture EX ($180 USD) (+)
* Steinberg UR22 ($150 USD) (+)
* Zoom R8 ($300 USD) (+)
* Access Virus TI 2 Desktop - audio interface mode ($2200 USD) - Only used in the SY85 recordings.

There are four sets of recordings: 

* access_virus_ti - The Virus TI has balanced outputs and a pair of Mogami male-to-male TRS cables was used for all recordings except for the "PC Internal Audio" case, because the PC only had a 1/8" stereo input jack. For that recording I used a stereo 1/8"-to-RCA-male Y-cable and a couple of RCA-female-to-1/4"-male adapters. The Avid Fast Track Duo is only featured in this set of recordings.
* access_virus_ti_preamp - The Virus synth with preamps engaged on interfaces with adjustable gain.
* yamaha_sy85 - The Yamaha SY85 workstation synth has more typical unbalanced outs, so Mogami male-to-male TS cables were used here, with the same exception for the "PC Internal Audio" case. The SY85 recordings include a sample recorded into a Virus TI Desktop synth via its audio interface mode.
* yamaha_sy85_preamp - The SY85 synth with preamps engaged on interfaces with adjustable gain.

All samples were recorded directly into Steinberg WaveLab and loudness normalized to -23 LUFS to eliminate volume bias between recordings without affecting the original peaks.

The files are randomly named for the purpose of a blind listening comparison. Can you tell which file was recorded into a $2300 interface and which was recorded into a $150 one? Can you spot the one that was recorded directly into a computer's line-in jack?

These files were recorded by: www.reddit.com/u/PrettyCoolBear
For more information see this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers/comments/6ygxsr/so_you_think_you_can_hear_the_difference_between/

The zip file is provided if you don't want to download every file individually.