analogue mixer and daw

[stent]

Hi all, I am a noob on here looking for quite a bit of info, please help.
I am a blues based guitarist and i have been mixing itb in cubase using a saffire 56 for my interface duties. I have now decided to add some classic warmth via a soundtracs megas studio desk, 32/24. I want to bring as many channels as possible back through the desk for summing and mixdown. I know my s56 has max 10 outputs and i'm thinking to add the behringer ada8000(just for outputs) to add 8 more outs to the desk. Here begins the multitude of questions!
1) do i have to connect world clock as well as adat on the ada8000 for it to work with the s56?
2) do i connect the 56 and ada8000 into the desk via the input xlr's or the tape returns for mixdown?
3) or, shall i bring the 'tape' returns from the ada and the 56 back into the main inputs or straight to the group inserts?
4) The megas comes with the edac cables, where will these connect to?
5) Shall i monitor through the desk or through the 56?
I know this is a lot to ask of you all but any shred of advice on any of it would be greatly appreciated. look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Mo Facta]

1) do i have to connect world clock as well as adat on the ada8000 for it to work with the s56?

No, if you clock the ADA8000 from the Saffire. You would set the ADA8000 to receive clock from the ADAT input.

2) do i connect the 56 and ada8000 into the desk via the input xlr's or the tape returns for mixdown?

If you're wanting to mix on the console from the 56 and the ADA8000 you'll connect the outputs of both units to the tape returns.

3) or, shall i bring the 'tape' returns from the ada and the 56 back into the main inputs or straight to the group inserts?

I would use the console as intended so stick to the tape return inputs.

4) The megas comes with the edac cables, where will these connect to?

Edac is a type of multipin connector for multicore snakes. I assume the Edac ends will interface with the console i/o. What's on the other end of the snakes? Do you have manual? It should offer more info on this.

5) Shall i monitor through the desk or through the 56?
I know this is a lot to ask of you all but any shred of advice on any of it would be greatly appreciated. look forward to hearing from you.

That's up to you. With a console like this you'll have to decide what you're going to be using it for. Remember, they were made to interface with 24 track tape machines and utilized as the main recording, mixing and monitoring hub. The Megas is a split design so it will have a monitoring section to the right of the console next to the patchbay. It also boils down to workflow. The questions you have to ask yourself are:

1. Will you be using the console as a front end as well as a mixing surface? Or,...
2. Are you going to use it for summing and mix in the box (in the DAW)? And probably most importantly....
3. What are my overall goals for the system? How will my workflow integrate with the console?

Personally, since you'll only have 18 channels total returning to the Megas, I would use it as a front end (preamps, EQ, input balance, etc) and return all 18 D/A outputs (from the 56 and the ADA8000) to the tape returns. I would then mix ITB and sum the mix via nine stereo stems (or any other configuration you want) via the tape return inputs. Alternatively you could return 16 D/A channels to the tape returns and use 17 and 18 connected to one of the two-track inputs as your main monitoring output from the DAW when you want to work entirely ITB. You could then use the console to connect to your monitors and use its main monitor control.

Studio Systems are the best people to ask about Soundtracs consoles as they're one of two companies left who specialise in Soundtracs (the other guy is in the States somewhere but you'll have to ask Tim from Studio Systems who he is as I've lost his contact details). Here's a link:

Studio Systems - The Soundtracs of Your Life

They'll also have manuals and upgrade options should you so desire. I would highly recommend getting one of their upgraded power supplies if you want to lower the noise floor and troubleshoot problems. If you know the power supply is in good shape you can narrow down problems a lot easier.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Ps. I love Soundtracs boards. I used to have a PC MIDI 24 and loved the dark, warm sound. They're GREAT for rock and reggae and the Megas, in fact, is probably one of the best boards for reggae ever made. Badass EQs (the low shelf is insane, I think it's like 50Hz!) and the preamps, while considered "dark" are full of character.

 

[stent]

Personally, since you'll only have 18 channels total returning to the Megas, I would use it as a front end (preamps, EQ, input balance, etc) and return all 18 D/A outputs (from the 56 and the ADA8000) to the tape returns. I would then mix ITB and sum the mix via nine stereo stems (or any other configuration you want) via the tape return inputs. Alternatively you could return 16 D/A channels to the tape returns and use 17 and 18 connected to one of the two-track inputs as your main monitoring output from the DAW when you want to work entirely ITB. You could then use the console to connect to your monitors and use its main monitor control.

Hi, That's exactly what i want to do. Thank you for the In depth reply. That really helped with the gaps in my knowledge.

Well Tim at Studiosytems is actually where I will be getting the desk from. He is a very helpful chap indeed. I didn't want to take up lots of his time barraging him with questions, hence why I'm on here.

They'll also have manuals and upgrade options should you so desire. I would highly recommend getting one of their upgraded power supplies if you want to lower the noise floor and troubleshoot problems. If you know the power supply is in good shape you can narrow down problems a lot easier

Apparently the desk will come with the upgraded blue dog power supply already.

Thank you again for clearing up all my questions in ONE answer! I know I will love the sound of the desk. Can't wait!

 

[Mo Facta]

Tim is actually really cool. He'll offer you help up until a point but I think he charges 25 Pounds a year for full tech support, etc.

Cheers

 

[stent]

yeah, I think it's £30 now. What made you give up your pc midi? What are you using now?

I heard that the Megas was sort after for Reggae and Dub. Hope I'm not depriving any Reggae/Dub stars from it!
I'm gonna be making some low down sleazy blues through it, so the character of the pre's and the eq you described is music to my ears.
Cheers again. Gonna go check out your site.

 

[Mo Facta]

I got rid of the Soundtracs because it needed a bit work, which I didn't have time for, and I wanted to make my rig easier to transport. It was quite large for a 24 channel console. I've got two vintage Chilton consoles now - a CM2 and a QM1. I use them for the front end and then I use a Dangerous D-box for summing stems so I mix mostly ITB these days. The QM1 is currently getting refurbed so for now it's the CM2, which is working great for me.

Glad to help, dude.

Cheers