software mixer or analog mixer

[dwillis45]

I’m considering a modified recording setup to experiment with mixing “outside the box.” Currently, I use the software mixer in DP/AudioDesk combined with Toast and an internal CD burner. I normally record with some outboard compression and use plugins for EQ and reverb. The front end of my DAW is a MOTU 828, although I bypass the built-in preamps with a single channel Great River. I’m also in the process of adding new AD converters--most likely the Lucid 9624 or Apogee Rosetta. The 828 offers DA conversion and eight balanced 1/4” line outs. I was giving some thought to bying an analog mixer that would be used to sum tracks coming from the MOTU. I would then record to an external CD burner or (in the future) to a Masterlink. I have a somewhat limited budget ($1,000-$2,000) for a mixer and I was curious to see if anything in that price range would be worthwhile compared to my current setup. I’m not trying to generate a debate about analog versus digital summing. I’m just looking for some input on the relative quality of summing amps in mixers in this price range. I also realize that there are other options, including new DA converters (8 channels) and something like the Dangerous 2Bus, 2Bus LT, or the Rolls Folcrom. Unfortunately, this alternative is probably not within my immediate budget. Thanks for your input.

[dwillis45]

Hmmm.... seemed like a straightforward question. Maybe the answer is, "No, it won't make any difference until you get better D/A conversion and an expensive board with good EQ." Or, put another way, "The summing amps in just about any board in that price range will suck!"

[regebro]

First of all, forget any talk about summing. The summing you get with protools will gick the ass of any external summing you care to imagine.

It's not about the summing, it's about the whole mixer. And sure, a Neve will probably kick Protools ass, and protool will kick Behringers ass. Otherwise, YMMV.

So. Onto the real question. Should YOU use an external mixer?

And the asnwer there is: If you think the internal mixer of whatever you are sing now is the major limiting factor in you improving your sound, then yes. Otherwise, no.


Find the major limitation in your setup, and fix it.

[masteringhouse]

Personally I would use that money for the best converters you can afford. A $1-2K mixing board is not a long term investment, where a good converter is.

You might also want to try running the output of the MOTU to the Apogee with the soft limit feature before going to the masterlink or DAT if the MOTU doesn't have this feature.