M
mdainsd
Member
I've been fiddle fussing with my studio for about two years now. That seems like a long time, but I can see how this stretches into multi-year efforts.. If I could share anything of value with anyone considering this is: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. I started with a Mackie 8-buss combo (a 32 paired with a 24 expander), Did most of the cabling to tape machines etc. Did some recordings and decided I really did not like the Mackies, especially the EQ which seemed harsh and brittle to my ears.
So started checking out other consoles. I finally found a Brit desk that met a lot of my wants. All balanced, all +4, transformer inputs. EQ with adjustable Q, blah blah blah. Down side, not the most intuitive for multi-tracking. But it is so flexible I managed to get it to do what I want. So a few more recordings, ahh much better, love the sound. Then started the process of outboard gear, more cabling and patchbays. Im making progress but Im looking at racks filled with gates and compressors and there is quite a way to go ($$$) yet.
Sidebar: I have played a bit with quebase and garageband in my Mac. I find that it is so much easier to capture band jam sessions and practices. BUT, I HATE dealing with the interface between me and the computer. I want to turn a knob, move a slider or flip a switch with my hands, not a cursor. But I want to finish some band projects so we can move on to new materials...
So Im thinking I need to do something to bridge the gap until my studio is "done" (HA!!!, like they are ever done?).
Ive been intrigued with the Presonus 24.4.2 mixer. Ive looked at them a bit all along the process of building my studio. So I was in GC the other day and was asking my go to guy there about them. He answered my questions. But then he said he had them on sale for 1400 dollars and change. Ive never seen a price approaching that on them. So, I bit.
So far what a treat! Out of the box, loaded the disks and switched on and everything was talking and happy. Here is what Im finding I like:
1) Can operate as a stand alone analog console (well with digital effects)
2) Direct outs to the 24 track tape machine, return through the line inputs. Granted there is no 24 wide buss for assignment, but that isnt a problem for me.
3) +4 balanced, hooks right up to the tape machines, 24 and 2 track.
4) Track to the tape machine and the computer simultaneously. I foresee some fun with sync in my future. But if that can't be solved, its not the end of the world.
5) During mixdown, can use the computer 24 track all I want to play with each channels effects with no wear and tear on the tape machine. Settings should be pretty close when I do switch over to tape for final mixdown. At least thats the working theory...correct me if Im headed down the Primrose path.
6) Live use. No computer needed or wanted, thank you very much! Ability to set up 8 separate monitor mixes. PA feeds etc.
7) It came with a lot of software including a proprietary DAW (Studio One). I only loaded the bare basic stuff so that the computer is nothing but another 24 track recorder. No effects in the computer, no nothing, just transport controls, metering and arming etc.
I know I strayed dangerously close to the dark side, but I think this is going to get me over a sticking point in my home recording trek.
So started checking out other consoles. I finally found a Brit desk that met a lot of my wants. All balanced, all +4, transformer inputs. EQ with adjustable Q, blah blah blah. Down side, not the most intuitive for multi-tracking. But it is so flexible I managed to get it to do what I want. So a few more recordings, ahh much better, love the sound. Then started the process of outboard gear, more cabling and patchbays. Im making progress but Im looking at racks filled with gates and compressors and there is quite a way to go ($$$) yet.
Sidebar: I have played a bit with quebase and garageband in my Mac. I find that it is so much easier to capture band jam sessions and practices. BUT, I HATE dealing with the interface between me and the computer. I want to turn a knob, move a slider or flip a switch with my hands, not a cursor. But I want to finish some band projects so we can move on to new materials...
So Im thinking I need to do something to bridge the gap until my studio is "done" (HA!!!, like they are ever done?).
Ive been intrigued with the Presonus 24.4.2 mixer. Ive looked at them a bit all along the process of building my studio. So I was in GC the other day and was asking my go to guy there about them. He answered my questions. But then he said he had them on sale for 1400 dollars and change. Ive never seen a price approaching that on them. So, I bit.
So far what a treat! Out of the box, loaded the disks and switched on and everything was talking and happy. Here is what Im finding I like:
1) Can operate as a stand alone analog console (well with digital effects)
2) Direct outs to the 24 track tape machine, return through the line inputs. Granted there is no 24 wide buss for assignment, but that isnt a problem for me.
3) +4 balanced, hooks right up to the tape machines, 24 and 2 track.
4) Track to the tape machine and the computer simultaneously. I foresee some fun with sync in my future. But if that can't be solved, its not the end of the world.
5) During mixdown, can use the computer 24 track all I want to play with each channels effects with no wear and tear on the tape machine. Settings should be pretty close when I do switch over to tape for final mixdown. At least thats the working theory...correct me if Im headed down the Primrose path.
6) Live use. No computer needed or wanted, thank you very much! Ability to set up 8 separate monitor mixes. PA feeds etc.
7) It came with a lot of software including a proprietary DAW (Studio One). I only loaded the bare basic stuff so that the computer is nothing but another 24 track recorder. No effects in the computer, no nothing, just transport controls, metering and arming etc.
I know I strayed dangerously close to the dark side, but I think this is going to get me over a sticking point in my home recording trek.
