Have Mixer or Mixerless?

  • Thread starter Thread starter sax_fan
  • Start date Start date

Have Mixer or Mixerless?

  • I use an analog mixer

    Votes: 184 45.2%

  • I use a digital mixer

    Votes: 54 13.3%

  • I use a mixer, but only for monitoring

    Votes: 60 14.7%

  • I've gone mixerless and I'm not goin' back!

    Votes: 109 26.8%
  • Total voters
    407
S

sax_fan

New member
Just curious. How many people are using mixers vs. going mixerless and mixing "in the box." Why do you prefer one or the other? If you have a mixer, is it analog or digital?
 
In the past when i was starting off, i just used the cubase mixer, but now i might start to use my real mixer for mixdown. I like the idea of real dials and faders.
 
I run a Tascam M-3500 with an HD24. I edit in a computer but I mix in the analog world. For no other reason than I prefere the sound.
 
I mix in the box, because its the only thing I've ever known. I would like to get my hands on a Solid State Logic board though. :D
 
I currently use an anolog mixer mainly for monitoring, but when I use a mic I use the mixer's phantom power. I plan on buying a digital "mixer" (US428) soon .




PS yeah, yeah I know a US428 is not really a mixer :p
 
Analog mixer. I use a combo of plugs where appropriate (insert, not sends) and outobard gear for effects because it sounds better to me. I frequently automate volume changes in the box because its convenient, but set the levels mostly with the board.

Using both just offers more options. Need more analogish warmish something on a track? Try running it hot through the boards preamps again at mixdown. Need to automate panning or a an effect parameter- do it in the box! Its a lot of fun, actually. Besides, all the analog gear has lots of cool knobs, lights, and switches: makes you look cool. :)

Take care,
Chris
 
I've been doing a combination of both because I like my console (Soundtracs) but I don't have enough outboard gear yet. So, I do editing in Cubase and then do a rough mix including panning and eq in the box to determine what may need compression (I don't have enough outboard comps). I'll apply the plugin based compression to the tracks and then dump everthing back to the HD24. I like the eq on my board better than any plugin I've used yet. Plus there's the analog summing issue that I won't even discuss for fear of starting a riot.
 
AlexW said:
I have an analog mixer that I use for tracking. From there on out it's in the box.
Click to expand...

Same here. I use a Firebox so when I record drums I can only do 4 inputs and I use my mixer for the extra preamps and to submix. I also use it so I can run anything I need into my monitors and control the volume with the mixer.
The mixing happens in the box.
 
sax_fan said:
Just curious. How many people are using mixers vs. going mixerless and mixing "in the box." Why do you prefer one or the other? If you have a mixer, is it analog or digital?
Click to expand...
Well, for several reason I use a mixer.

1. I get several pre-amps through my mixer and I don't get that through my soundcard.
2. I can control my monitors, I can use one of the channels as a talk back, I can add effects if I like, I can mix several signals together.
3. It is a great deal easier to use your mixer (sometimes) than it is using your software mixer.
4. Having a software mixer does not preclude me from owning an analog mixer.
5. I can Track with my mixer without latency issues, no matter what the soundcard or my computer is doing.
6. I can add reverb (tracking mix) on to vocals if I desire to make playback to the performer.
7. I can use my 14 channel (1402 VLZ) in a live performance, which I cannot do with my desktop computer and I don't need to carry all kind of fancy equipment (like a computer screen, computer, a keyboard, mouse).
8. An analog mixer helps me understand the recording aspect much easier than a software mixer. I can see, inputs, AUX, sends, outs, etc which may or may not be true for the software mixer.
9. It makes me feel better.
10. I want to continue the legacy of the analog mixer.
:D
 
If I had the space for a 'real' mixer I would use one.

My main reason would be becuase it's impossible to change many things at once on a PC screen as you have only one mouse pointer; whereas you can grab lots of faders/controls with your fingers :)
 
Using a Mackie 1202; not for mixing but hooking up a lot of gear and mics on it's input. I don't do multitracking. Also monitor through it.
As I just went Mac and Logic Pro I plan to get a Mackie Control to mix with.
 
I use a mixer for tracking and monitoring, but not mixing. I have everything plugged into its own channel, so I can jam over the monitors without having the DAW on.
I cannot imagine "riding the faders" when mixing, much as I dislike mousing, track envelopes are a very powerful way to mix.

I've tried a midi fader box (uc33) and have to say I can't be arsed with it. If I ever went with this method, it'd have to be a motorised one with led scribble strips that give some clue as to what a knob or fader is currently assigned to, but I have better things to spend money on for now.
 
Combination of analog mixer, Mackie Control surface, and da box. Mouse mixing sucks, and so does trying to grow a third arm to do all those analog moves. I'm very happy with the Mackie Control providing a flying fader physical extension of the virtual mixer on the monitor behind it. My old Amek console was a space hog, so I'm enjoying the more compact setup with three video monitors and the Mackie Control.

-RD
 
Jim Y said:
I've tried a midi fader box (uc33) and have to say I can't be arsed with it. If I ever went with this method, it'd have to be a motorised one with led scribble strips that give some clue as to what a knob or fader is currently assigned to, but I have better things to spend money on for now.
Click to expand...

Hey Jim,
It was hard for me to spend the money on something that didn't add anything sonically, but I love my Mackie Control, and yes it has motorized faders, and an LCD track names/parameter values display. I couldn't do without the latter. It spans the width of the control surface....very cool.

RD
 
i use a small 6 bus analog mixer just for connections and monitoring. wish i had a digital mixer though, but thats too damn expensive for me.
 
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