Mellotronists

I have noticed that when I listen to #805 through the cans from the mixer, 
it's very brash.  It's not distorted, it's just IN YOUR FACE, especially 
the 3 Violins.

I've noticed that it almost completely loses this brashness when I record 
it (PC-based, not analog tape) and play it back.  It starts sounding more 
like a well-heeled 'tron.

Now I've noticed that it also loses this brashness if I run it through the 
Lexicon MPX-100 el-cheapo-but-still-smooth effects device and listen to 
only the wet output---again, A/D-D/A conversion, as with the recording to PC.

OK, what's going on here?

1) I thought the idea behind all this digital stuff was to preserve the 
integrity of the sound as closely as "n" samples/second at "m" bit depth 
would get you?  Does the A/D-D/A conversion or some other filtering calm 
out this brashness?

2) Is my Mackie mixer doing something funky here?  Perhaps the 'tron is 
overloading something?

3) Would a DI box have the same calming effect?  Or should I just go with 
camomile tea?

4) Am I hearing things?

I'm not complaining---it seems to do "the right" kind of filtering job or 
whatever it's doing to smooth it out.  A "good thing", I'd say.  But I'd 
still like to know what's going on.

...kl...M400 #805 - "well-heeled"?  HA!

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