First posting; great site. This is kind of detailed, but I'm trying to do something that I haven't really seen anyone else talk about or do. I'm pretty sure it can be pulled off well, but need you to poke some holes in the idea.
I'm trying to put together an integrated system that will meet three key requirements: (1) PC recording (I have Acid Pro 3, run a guitar through a POD 2 as well as keys); (2) live jams (me and my 2 year old all the way through me and the boys rockin hard); (3) core audio components/speakers for a full-surround Dolby Digital/DTS system.
I've got about $3k to play with. Here's what I'm moving toward, but could be missing the boat on something, so that's why I'm looking for your help.
Analog mixing board ($500-$800): 12-16 inputs, standard features for this price range (eq/effect sends/busses) unpowered, with enough aux outs (could use a monitor out for the center) to send seperate outs to front l/r, center, and rear l/r fed from a Dolby Digital/DTS receiver ($400) with pre-amp outputs so I can take each individual speaker and plug it into each channel.
5 unpowered PA speakers (3 same for fronts and centers, smaller same line for 2 rears). I'm looking at Yamaha and EV and can do all for about $1k.
Power Amp(s): not sure what I really need here yet, but am guessing probably two seperate amps, but don't need huge power. Guessing around $500 total for whatever configuration.
My objectives with the system are to do recording much like I have in the past - just using Acid Pro, but providing some greater flexibility for inputs, not having to be constantly changing plugs in/out of the soundcard, etc. I may cut the rear speakers for now and add a vocal effects processor (to get the same great sound for vocals as the POD gives for guitar). I've built a 100 inch screen for projecting DVDs so this also needs to really support the home theater. Finally, if it does all this, than there shouldn't be a problem with basic live playback through the board so we can just jam.
One last question on the mixing board as I've seen a lot on the analog/digital debate. Is there any value to pursuing a digital board for this? I have a feeling I'd be paying for a lot of functionality I don't really need.
Thanks for any and all advice!
I'm trying to put together an integrated system that will meet three key requirements: (1) PC recording (I have Acid Pro 3, run a guitar through a POD 2 as well as keys); (2) live jams (me and my 2 year old all the way through me and the boys rockin hard); (3) core audio components/speakers for a full-surround Dolby Digital/DTS system.
I've got about $3k to play with. Here's what I'm moving toward, but could be missing the boat on something, so that's why I'm looking for your help.
Analog mixing board ($500-$800): 12-16 inputs, standard features for this price range (eq/effect sends/busses) unpowered, with enough aux outs (could use a monitor out for the center) to send seperate outs to front l/r, center, and rear l/r fed from a Dolby Digital/DTS receiver ($400) with pre-amp outputs so I can take each individual speaker and plug it into each channel.
5 unpowered PA speakers (3 same for fronts and centers, smaller same line for 2 rears). I'm looking at Yamaha and EV and can do all for about $1k.
Power Amp(s): not sure what I really need here yet, but am guessing probably two seperate amps, but don't need huge power. Guessing around $500 total for whatever configuration.
My objectives with the system are to do recording much like I have in the past - just using Acid Pro, but providing some greater flexibility for inputs, not having to be constantly changing plugs in/out of the soundcard, etc. I may cut the rear speakers for now and add a vocal effects processor (to get the same great sound for vocals as the POD gives for guitar). I've built a 100 inch screen for projecting DVDs so this also needs to really support the home theater. Finally, if it does all this, than there shouldn't be a problem with basic live playback through the board so we can just jam.
One last question on the mixing board as I've seen a lot on the analog/digital debate. Is there any value to pursuing a digital board for this? I have a feeling I'd be paying for a lot of functionality I don't really need.
Thanks for any and all advice!