Controller vs Digital Mixer??

[mastahnke]

I am currently trying to figure out which option I should choose in the battle between a controller and a digital mixer. I see ups and downs to both but I am not sure what to weigh more heavily.

Ups to controller
_____________
Moving Faders with automation in Nuendo
Full Control over software (nuendo)
Interfaces easily with Motu 2408 and ADAT setup
Cost is a bit less for Houston (the one I am looking at mostly)

Downs to controller
____________
No preamps, at least not in the houston
Not as many channels
Does not work with all software packages I use (Cool Edit Pro)
Need to buy preamps seperatly

Ups to Digital Mixer (Looking at Behrinnger)
___________
Channels
Scene Recall
Effects built in
Inserts on all channels
use in any software
premaps

Downs
________
No automation to my software
More expesnive
Need to buy ADAT interface card



Does anyone have any good arguement for or against either option here? Either way I am in for a decent amount of money. It would probably be get a Houston and presonous DigiMax or Behrinnger digital mixer (can't remember the number) and an ADAT card for it.

I am still early in the decision making process so any opinions are welcome. Plus, any suggestions for other controllers are mixers are welcome as well. Basically, the question is, controller or mixer?

MIKE

[BigKahuna]

I don't know much about the behringer you're referring to ...
If it's a real low-end digital mixer, I'd recommend a controller instead. The compromise on lower-end digital gear is usually the converters ... which you shouldn't be cheap about.

I have a DA7 and am very happy with the converters and onboard dynamic processing. No effects, though. The preamps are acceptable, but could be better. The snapshot feature is great, plus I could move to moving faders but haven't had a need to yet.
I think John Sayers posted a cool jazz number a while back that was recorded using a DA7/Nuendo set up. Crystal clear ... if it's still there, I'll post a link.

"Inserts on all channels"
I think you'll find that you won't have inserts on your playback channels with a digital mixer ... so if you only need to use them while tracking, you're fine.

[sjoko2]

Very simple answer - go for a good controller.
Some reasons?
1. The pre's of most (all) cheaper consoles suck. ^You're better of with a couple of good quality external pres.
2. External pres - easy update without selling a whole console
3. The point you made "Not as many channels" under the down side of a controller is not correct. You just scroll to the next bank. Therefore a controller gives you many more channel control than a console.
4. The Behringer unit you refer to is one thing only -> crap.

Hope that helps.

[mastahnke]

If I indeed do want a good controller, what recomendation are there? I like the houston simply because I know it will work with Nuendo. I have used the HUI a few times, and really like it, but it is a lot more money, and I don't know if it can use nuendo, or anything other than DP3 and PT. Opinions?

[sjoko2]

I believe MotorMix works with Nuendo as well, but I'd go with the Houston, its a good tool