Do I really need a mixer?

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Krypto

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I have a pair of Mackie 1202's and a Delta 1010 running Sonar.
I'm planning to get a control surface, so that takes care of mixdown. But I'm really using the Mackies for the pres. Of course the 1010's main outs go to one of the mixers and the main output goes to my monitors, the alt to headphone distribution.

It's not unusual that I record 8 tracks at a time, but I use the inserts in order to get discrete signals. I just don't see the need for a typical mixer.

One of the frustrating things about the Mackie inserts is the inability to regulate the signal as the trim pots are limited and eq is bypassed completely.

Is there a board out there that will give me many discrete outs and the flexibility I need for monitoring?
 
i don't use a mixer unless i really need more pres. usually i have enough stand alone pres. i think bypassing the mixer is the simplest way to go because it makes the signal chain extremely short (instrument-->pre-->recorder). with computers mixers are not essential. unless you have some way of sending all your recorded tracks out to the mixer, they're pretty much usless except for the pres.
 
You don't want the EQ or the fader in the signal path when tracking anyway so this isn't a problem. You want the cleanest/shortest possible path when tracking. Instrument->Mic->Pre->A/D converter

Another problem with EQ'ing while tracking is you can't undo it if you do it wrong. Same thing with compressing, or even adding reverb (some people actually want to track with reverb!)

I think you'll be fine using the inserts as direct outs from the Mackie pres.

One of the frustrating things about the Mackie inserts is the inability to regulate the signal as the trim pots are limited and eq is bypassed completely.
Click to expand...
 
I must have missed something then. I understand that you want a short signal path for tracking but what about the direct outs on my mixer? They are after the eq/fader. I thought that's what they are for. Should I use the inserts for tracking then? What do I use for a cable?
 
Fellow PA'er -
I don't know what Mixer you have, but there's a way to use the inserts as a direct out (pre-eq/fader) I believe you only need a 1/4" TS and you plug the cable into the insert until you hear the first click (i.e. not all the way in). This will connect the insert's send to your cable (and ignore the return). I believe the Mackie site has more info on this. I've only done this a couple of times as I usually use my Great River for tracking and my mixer is only used for monitoring.
Good luck!
-Evan (from wet Southeaster PA)
 
After looking at the block diagram of my mixer ( alesis 1622) the only thing that I would eliminate from the signal path using the inserts would be the mute switch and the channel fader. Do ya think it would make that much difference? I wouldn't think so but hey, I'm sure they are some crappy faders.
 
Dawg,
In a Mackie, if you stop at the first click you will indeed be able to use the insert as a direct out bypassing the eq and fader. The second click also bypasses the main out, which can be pretty useful if you want to bring in different signals and not mix them with your inserted signal.

While it is desireable to record without any eq, my drum overheads often clip and cannot be dragged far enough back with the trim pot. In that case, I don't use the inserts. I alt 3-4 (if I still want to bypass the main out) and attenuate via the faders.

Anyway, I'm thinking of getting rid of my two small mixers and getting one larger one (because it looks cool ;) ), but I'll probably still be using it for pres, via insert or aux busses, and monitoring.

Any ideas on the next step up (Mackie 8-bus? Or is that overkill?)
 
My eq section is still before the inserts. The only thing I would bypass is the mute and fader.
 
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