Sonic DNA Series - Vol. 03: Cometa M2
Electronic Audit & Measurement Evaluation Report: "Hi-Fi First"
| Metric | Measurement / Status |
|---|---|
| Measured Delay | 0.00 ms (Absolute Synchronization) |
| Coherence | ~100% (Proof of Extraordinary S/N Ratio) |
| Impulse Response | Sharp, precise spike; Zero transient smearing. |
| Phase Response | Smooth downward slope (Cinemag Transformer signature). |
| Magnitude Response | Sub-Unity Gain (-6dB to -9dB approx. at Max Trim/Vol). |
1. Objective
To conduct a precise electronic audit of the Cometa M2, a limited-run (300 units) rotary blending amplifier and high-performance mixer. Designed for users who prioritize the mixer as the center of a high-fidelity playback chain, this report visualizes its unique Sonic DNA, focusing on the preservation of signal purity over raw gain.
Note: The Cometa M2 used in this test is a prototype provided by Cometa for event purposes, and the production version is scheduled to be released in June 2026.
2. Unit Provenance & Maintenance Status
Internal Architecture: Photographic audit confirms a dual-mono, Class-A discrete architecture. The heart of the signal amplification relies on proprietary "2SGA" Discrete Class-A Op-amp modules rather than off-the-shelf integrated circuits.
Output Stage: The unit features four high-performance CineMag CMOB-2S output transformers. These are premium-grade components found in world-class recording studio hardware, responsible for the mixer's galvanic isolation and organic sonic texture.
Component Grade: The use of WIMA film capacitors and precision-organized ribbon cabling reflects a "no-compromise" modern boutique manufacturing standard.
Maintenance Status: As a modern limited-edition unit, all components are in peak operating condition. The high-resolution data (Coherence ~100%) is a direct reflection of this pristine internal state, representing the "True DNA" of the design without the interference of component aging.
High-precision ribbon cabling ensures minimal interference and maintains signal integrity across all channels.
To ensure the highest level of audit integrity and to avoid the pitfalls of "superficial metrics" (as critiqued by GoldenSound), this measurement adheres to the following rigorous standards:
FFT Settings: MTW (Multi-Time Window) with 1/48 Oct smoothing for high-resolution analysis of the noise floor and harmonic structure across all frequency bands.
Averaging: Stable FIFO averaging (16x) to eliminate transient noise and reveal the true electronic behavior.
Host Noise Isolation: The use of the Prism Sound Lyra 2 as the measurement interface ensures complete galvanic isolation from the PC host noise, providing a "Pristine" measurement environment that eliminates jitter and electronic contamination.
Holistic Assessment: We reject the reliance on a single "SINAD" score. Instead, we analyze the relationship between Magnitude, Phase, and Impulse response to understand the "Sonic DNA" in a musical context.
3. Scientific Rigor & Measurement Standards (Audit Integrity)
4. Equipment & Environmental Conditions
Mixer Under Test: Cometa M2 (Class-A Discrete Analog)
Audio Interface: Prism Sound Lyra 2
Measurement Software: Smaart Suite (v9)
Sample Rate: 96 kHz
Test Signal: Pink Noise (-15 dB)
5. Listening Impression
The Cometa M2 delivers a transcendent Hi-Fi experience. It excels in reproducing the delicate nuances of live performances, Jazz, and organic House. The sound is incredibly rich and detailed, akin to a masterfully crafted musical instrument rather than a standard utility mixer.
[ Smaart Suite (PC) ]
│ (USB, etc.)
▼
[ Lyra 2 (Audio Interface) ]
│
─ Analog Output AO 1 (Pink Noise / Preset 2)
│ │< 1.5m Belden 88760 RCA cable (with TRS adapter at AO 1 side) >
│ └───> [Cometa M2] Input (LINE IN)
│ │
│ ▼ (Passes through internal Class-A discrete circuitry and Cinemag transformers)
│ │
│ [Cometa M2] Output (MASTER OUT)
│ │ < 5m Belden 88760 cable (XLR to TRS) >
│ └───> Lyra 2 Analog Input AI 1 (M: Measurement)
│
└─ Analog Output AO 2 (Pink Noise / Preset 2)
│
│< 5m Belden 88760 loopback > < with [XLR(F) -> RCA] & [RCA -> TRS] adapters at AI 2 side >
│
└───> Lyra 2 Analog Input AI 2 (R: Reference)
6. Cable Routing Diagram (Standard Test Configuration)
8. Analysis: Data Integrity & Incredible S/N Ratio (Coherence)
The Coherence (red trace) remained pinned at approximately 100% throughout the measurement. Notably, this perfection was maintained even at Sub-Unity Gain levels. Typically, lower output signals are more susceptible to environmental or residual noise, but the M2's ability to maintain total data integrity at these levels is scientific proof of its extraordinarily high S/N ratio. This validates the "Hi-Fi First" engineering philosophy: keeping the internal circuitry completely noiseless.
Measurement confirms that the Magnitude response does not reach the 0 dB Unity Gain line at maximum settings. This is a deliberate design choice to keep the Class-A circuitry within its most linear, distortion-free operating range. By sacrificing raw output volume, the M2 ensures that the signal remains unadulterated, establishing a new standard for high-end "blending amplifiers."
9. Analysis: The "Hi-Fi First" Gain Structure
Impulse Response: Pristine Transient Recovery
The impulse response shows a single, needle-sharp spike with zero internal reflections. The M2’s profound achievement is maintaining this transient purity while utilizing heavy transformers. While analog phase shifts often smear transients, the M2 preserves the raw energy and "speed" of the initial attack perfectly.
Phase Response: The CineMag Signature
Component Identification: The beautiful, smooth downward-sloping phase curve measured in this audit is now confirmed to be the specific magnetic signature of the CineMag CMOB-2S transformers.
Technical Correlation: The measured group delay perfectly aligns with the high-inductance, steel/nickel core characteristics of these transformers, which introduce a musical "time-domain softening" that digital systems cannot replicate.
10. Analysis: Sonic DNA - The Coexistence of Warmth and Speed
The CineMag CMOB-2S Output Transformer: The primary component responsible for the M2’s organic phase characteristics.
Strategically placed at the output stage, these transformers provide galvanic isolation and musical harmonic density.
Modular discrete design allows for precise tuning of the signal path and long-term serviceability.
Audiophile-grade WIMA capacitors and precision resistors populate the board, contributing to the M2's transparent magnitude response.
Magnitude Response: Linearity Over Volume
The Magnitude response is exceptionally flat, confirming the unit's high fidelity. The Sub-Unity Gain (-6dB to -9dB) status reflects a "Subtraction of Aesthetics" philosophy, where the signal path is kept as short and pure as possible to avoid the artifacts often introduced by excessive internal amplification.
11. Conclusion & Downstream Strategy
The Cometa M2 represents a "subtraction of aesthetics," removing the artifacts of excessive amplification to reveal the true soul of the music. As it prioritizes signal "Depth" over "Volume," the synergy with downstream components is the key to its success. To fully realize its potential in a professional or club environment, this ultra-pure, noiseless output must be paired with high-performance processors and power amplifiers capable of amplifying the signal to required volumes without introducing coloration or noise.
The internal audit validates that the Cometa M2 is more than a utility tool; it is a scientifically engineered instrument. By combining the precision of the 2SGA discrete gain stages with the character of the CMOB-2S transformers, it achieves a rare balance of modern transparency and vintage soul.
Prepared by Psycho Acoustic Lab - Electronic Audit Series Vol. 03
Analysis confirmed a delay of exactly 0.00 ms. Achieving absolute temporal synchronization in a unit featuring heavy-duty analog Cinemag transformers is a testament to the M2's superior internal time-alignment and engineering precision.