Best setup with DAW and Mixer

[leegodden]

Hi

I would like to ask this Forum what they think the best professional setup with outboard mixer and DAW would be. I already have a PC with a Terratec soundcard that has 8 ins/outs, with cubase and some decent plug ins,
but want to be able to add to this and have 16 outputs from soundcard, into 16 inputs of Digital or Analogue mixer, so I can mix everything on its own channel.

How do the pros setup like this?

I have about a grand or so to spend, but could be more if I know what to buy to get a professional result

Thanks

Lee

 

[Bobbsy]

Well, ignoring the budget for a second, there are several ways to do this.

Probably the easiest is with a digital mixer

I have a Yamaha DM1000 with 2 MY16AT expansion cards and an M-Audio Profire Lightbridge interface which connects to my DAW via Firewire.

This gives me up to 32 channels in and out of the mixer (though I rarely use more than 16 at a time). Signal routing is easy. On the Yamaha mixer you can do it all internally with software--just send direct outs from each channel to the appropriate "slot" outputs and, for playback you route the slot ADAT inputs to channels. A user defined key can toggle between record mode and playback mode.

Monitoring is via one or more pre fade aux channels.

A DM1000 would be outside your price range but for 16 channels an 01V96 would do the job and you might find one second hand for a price you can live with. With the right software you may also be able to use the digi mixer as a control surface for your DAW.

To do this with an analogue mixer, you'd need choose carefully. A 16 channel mixer with direct outs would handle the recording but you'd have to do a lot of re-patching to handle the playback the way you want. With a 32 channel mixer you could use half for recording and half for playback...or you could limit yourself to simple stereo replay.

Beyond that, you'll need a sound interface with 16 ins and outs as well--most likely two eight channel devices but make sure they play nicely together.

Given my druthers, I'd go the digital route (well, I would say that since I did!). However, you have to really think about whether you NEED 16 tracks in and out...

Bob

 

[Simman]

Hi

I would like to ask this Forum what they think the best professional setup with outboard mixer and DAW would be. I already have a PC with a Terratec soundcard that has 8 ins/outs, with cubase and some decent plug ins,
but want to be able to add to this and have 16 outputs from soundcard, into 16 inputs of Digital or Analogue mixer, so I can mix everything on its own channel.




How do the pros setup like this?

I have about a grand or so to spend, but could be more if I know what to buy to get a professional result

Thanks

Lee

First, the question is why do you want to add a mixer to your setup? Is there specific reasons you think you need a mixer in your setup?

If you are convinced that you actually need a mixer (I know this is probably not what you want to hear) save more money. A decent mixer (w/direct outs) will cost you more than a grand alone.

To that regard if you are looking for a mixer to support playback/mixing with your DAW, a control surface might be another option to consider; however, you still have the budgetary constraints.

Notwithstanding all of that, Bobbsy has provided a decent description of one possible configuration. I do something similar, but using an analog console (32ch ghost).
My main recorder is a HD-24 but import the files into a pro tools rig for editing and playback. During playback I route the signal out of pro tools into a 32x32 lightpipe, back through the HD-24 (and another 8ch DA) into the ghost for mixdown. This hybrid setup gives me a total of 32channels at mix down and allows me to use a combination of plug-ins with external rack hardware (the best of both worlds IMO).

This setup works very well, so well in fact, I am thinking of expanding the setup to get more outputs from pro tools available at mixing. One of the beauties of the ghost is it actually has a total of 64 inputs available and I can't imagine needing more than that.

 

[Track Rat]

The PROs have a bigger budget and much better equipment but this is how I do it. My console is a Tascam M-3500 24 channel desk. I track to a Alesis HD24 that connects to a PC through a MOTU 2408mkII all clocked with a Lucid GenX6. With this setup, I can track to the HD24 or use the HD24/MOTU as a 24 channel sound card and track directly into the computer. The tape outs from the HD24 patch directly to the tape ins of the M-3500. The inputs to the HD24 are all brought up to a patch bay. This also where all my preamp outputs are wired (inboard and outboard) so I can patch any mic/preamp to any input.

 

[arcadeko]

This does what you want in your price range. I use this interface at home: Alesis Multimix 16 USB 2.0

Alesis MultiMix 16 USB 2.0 (16-Ch Mixer W/FX and USB2)

I got mine on ebay for like 475 I think

 

[Bobbsy]

Depends what the OP wants to record...the Multimix only has 8 mic preamps and, if I recall correctly, only feeds 2 channels back into the mixer, not the full sixteen the OP has asked for.

Those asking why the OP wants 16 ins/outs have a valid question. I can think of 3 reasons to add a mixer in that configuration:

1. Using the mixer as a control surface (which mitigates towards a digital mixer or dedicated control surface.

2. To aid with setting up multiple, carefully executed monitor feeds.

3. Because a mixer makes setting levels quicker and easier during the record phase.

If one or more of these is the reasoning, then I can see why the OP is asking for it. However, if it's just because big mixers exist in professional studios and look sexy, then I agree with those asking the question. I use the mixer mainly as an aid during recording, in part because I do a fair bit of live stuff. For mixing, the DM1000 is useful for monitoring but the actual mix is done "in the box" even if I can use the moving faders as a control surface.

Bob

 

[leegodden]

Thanks guys, I would like to know Bobbsy a few more details about your setup if you have time, it sounds something that I want to go for as I am pretty sure i can get the money for this setup. I am a serious songwriter and musician and If I am going to do it I want to do it with the best setup. I know the expansion slots give you more channels on the Yamaha digital desk, but could you explain the M-Audio Profire Lightbridge interface in a bit more detail and how it will give me more channels for individual instruments.

Thanks

Lee