Control Surface Or Analog Mixer

[dzara 4]

Hi,

current setup: Mac Pro 2.66ghz
RME fireface 800
focusrite 220 channel strip
LOGIC 7.2.3
I have been thinking long and hard as to whether invest in a Control
Surface or an Analog Mixer. I am new to recording and would appreciate
some feedback as to some of the pros and cons with each with my current setup.


Thanks

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Both. Look at the Tascam DM-3200 or DM-4800.

G.

 

[tnjazz]

Or the Ramsa/Panasonic DA7...

 

[zacanger]

I'm going to an Alesis MultiMix firewire, I think, when I have cash that isn't going straight to the car insurance....

 

[jho1986]

i wouldnt get either. The controll surface won't do anything but make it easier to use whatever program you're using. If you get an analog board, you'll probably just be hurting the quality unless you spend way too much. I'd recommend just learing all the key commands with whatever program you're using because then you'll be quick no matter where you're mixing, not just at your own control room.

 

[jmorris]

i wouldnt get either. The controll surface won't do anything but make it easier to use whatever program you're using. If you get an analog board, you'll probably just be hurting the quality unless you spend way too much. I'd recommend just learing all the key commands with whatever program you're using because then you'll be quick no matter where you're mixing, not just at your own control room.

Huh!, odd statement. There nothing, I repeat, nothing like the analog sound IMHO. Mixing "in the box" sounds like a box. You can get a decent board for not much cash. The issue is going to be flexibility, as in how much do you need. You can purchase a good board with decent EQ's. for something like 2-3 grand. There are a ton of them out there for sale. I just sold a while back a DNR inline console for 600 bucks. It was a really great sounding board, just not user freindly. BUT, it had a sound. Now having said that remember, if you are a beginer,experience will be your best friend. Not a control surface or console.

 

[Robert D]

Just remember that recording in a DAW and mixing analog requires more than just the mixer. You also need a bunch of quality D/A converters, and quality cables. And Then you need a pair of gold channel A/D's to get back in the digital domain before you can burn CDs.

 

[MessianicDreams]

Huh!, odd statement. There nothing, I repeat, nothing like the analog sound IMHO. Mixing "in the box" sounds like a box.

that's an odd statement and all


nothing like the sound of a P.O.S analogue mixer??

it's just like digital - yes it can sound great, but you'll need to drop some cash. don't expect stellar performances on $150 gear.


you can get decent sounds - don't get me wrong. but there will always be a hi-fi, audiophile element missing from your sound.

 

[crosstudio]

you got hot firewire coming into your DAW and you want to turn around and send it out to an analog mixer?

nah dude!

if you have money burning a hole in your wallet and don't just want to deal with mousing everything, get a control surface.

i've got the tascam fw-1884 and i like it a lot... although i broke my rule of multi-functional equipment. having a separate firewire and control surface is the way to go. you can upgrade one or the other.

 

[Robert D]

Mackie Control here..... like it a lot.

 

[Carter]

Mackie Control here..... like it a lot.

Me Too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Elton Bear]

I use one o' them at college, and I love it!

Unfortunately I can't afford it at home just yet.

 

[jmorris]

that's an odd statement and all


nothing like the sound of a P.O.S analogue mixer??

it's just like digital - yes it can sound great, but you'll need to drop some cash. don't expect stellar performances on $150 gear.


you can get decent sounds - don't get me wrong. but there will always be a hi-fi, audiophile element missing from your sound.

I do believe you miss qouted me. I did NOT say "nothing like a POS analog mixer". I said "analog mixer". This statement of course assumes you are not using a 200 dollar Behringer mixer. Now, question. Is he looking to only mix with this board/ctrl surface, or track too?

 

[twostone]

Save your money and buy good mics and room treatment. Be surprised how a good mic can make your recording stand out better in a treated room. Good luck.

 

[punkin]

Me Too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BAM! same here...love my MCU. But it's true...a controller won't bring anything to the audio quality party but it will make running the software a lot easier and smoother.