Digital Mixer vs Analog Mixer

[Chili]

There are so many times when a person mumbles in one scene and screams his head off in the next. I can program the gain structure differently for each scene, set the compression differently for each scene, have effects preset, etc...

How would you time the automation to the performance? Surely a play doesn't run to a click track...

[miroslav]

I think he means that you can program different level setting, and just hit one button in anticipation of it.

Of course, there are some shows that do run somewhat to a timed "sequencer" of sorts...where the majority of the performance follows a clock of some time, and then the live actors would just follow that, so you would probably have a pretty good idea who was going to say/sing next, and be able to program in advance for it.

[Steenamaroo]

What's better:
Analog vs digital debates or Mac vs PC debates?


Discuss........

[LToro]

Actually nearly everyone who understands how each technology works and knows what to listen for can tell the difference. There are certain qualities and flaws in each technology that are peculiar to that technology. Many of the telltale signs are identical to ITB mixing vs. traditional OTB mixing.

When you have an all-digital setup, then yes, it becomes more difficult to tell which recording stage is contributing the most obvious objectionable artifacts. Of course I can pick them apart, just as I can compare different analog consoles side-by-side and have a preference. But comparing two analog mixers or two digital "mixers" involves different listening criteria.

Ok fine. But to be clear I also pick analog everytime, but not high end analog. I like analog gear with some character. For example my Teac 80-8 have so much more flavor than lets say Studer A800 converserly a studer sounds exactly like a pro tools hd rig. That is in my humble opinion of course. Long live analog!

[miroslav]

What's better:
Analog vs digital debates or Mac vs PC debates?


Discuss........

There is an automatic thread starter script that will generate an Analog VS Digital or a Mac VS PC thread at least once a month if no one else starts one.

In the Cave there is a script that generates Democrat VS Republican threads if no one starts them...though that one has a much shorter timer....10 minutes.
So far the script has never run...the members are faster.

[Farview]

How would you time the automation to the performance? Surely a play doesn't run to a click track...

That's what I'm there for... I create scenes and just keep hitting the 'next' button every time you need to change. During tech week, I program the board with every change needed and mark where the changes go on the script. During the show, I read the script and every time I see a change, I hit the 'next' button and everything moves to where it needs to be for that part of the show.

It works the same way with analog boards, but they normally only have mute and fader scene automation. All the trim, EQ and outboard will be the same.

There are bigger shows where everything runs off a clock and is all midi'd up. The sequencer runs the lights, video, mixer, backing tracks, etc... It's both really cool and really scary. The clock starts running 10 minutes before show time. The show will start no matter if anyone is ready or not. If someone falls out of sync, the whole thing trainwrecks in a spectacular fashion.

[Illsidgus]

Wow, I had no idea what was involved in big theater productions. This has been quite informative and interesting. But the information I was hoping garner from this thread was how do digital and analog mixers compare when used in a small home recording environment. For instance a four or eight track analog studio where a 12 or 16 track mixer is all that is needed.

[jpmorris]

I don't know, but the digital ones seem to be at least three times as expensive.

EDIT: In fact, I don't think they go down as low as 8-12 channels, it's probably not economically viable.

[bouldersoundguy]

I don't know, but the digital ones seem to be at least three times as expensive.

EDIT: In fact, I don't think they go down as low as 8-12 channels, it's probably not economically viable.

The 01V series have 12 mic pres and 4 line inputs. You can add external hardware to get them up to 24 mic inputs. Once you factor all the outboard hardware (compressors, effects etc.), racks and cabling you won't need it becomes a pretty good deal for live work.

[Farview]

Wow, I had no idea what was involved in big theater productions. This has been quite informative and interesting. But the information I was hoping garner from this thread was how do digital and analog mixers compare when used in a small home recording environment. For instance a four or eight track analog studio where a 12 or 16 track mixer is all that is needed.

I don't think there is any advantage to a digital mixer over a computer for studio-type work until you get into the bigger budget stuff. With a low budget, an analog mixer would make the most sense if you really want to use a hardware mixer.