is a mixer necessary?

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sessep_2002

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using cakewalk9/delta 66-omni i/o and was wondering if anyone thought a mixer would be necessary....i mean...there's a mixer in cakewalk's software already but i've been told i need a mixer as well...i guess it would help boost levels....what else would it be beneficial for?
 
A mixers gives you mic pre-amps. Sometimes they are integrated in the card (I don't know how many the Delta 66 has), but also then mic pre's from a mixer give better results. Mixers also has the benefits you can record several channels on one track (handy when you want to record a drum, but haven't got enough tracks to record at once).

Another advantage is that most people, like the fact more that you have real knobs to use, instead of mouseclicks.
 
Your question is actually the subject of what is a pretty hot ongoing debate. Kind of like the whole digital versus analog thing. Much of it is subjective, but there are camps out there who believe that a real mixer has better "summing" (another way of saying the finished product will sound better if mixed on a console).

Other schools of thought will tell you there is no difference. Others even say your software will deliver a better mix, since you're not running your signals throught all that extra circuitry, thus introducing even more noise. Also, you're not putting everything through yet another digital-to-analog conversion, only to be converted back to digital yet again for the master.

If it's any consolation to you, there have been many commercial releases and hits you hear every day on the radio that have been mixed completely within the digital domain (usually with pro tools), using software not a whole lot different (in theory) than what you're using.

Personally, I can't comment, since I have absolutely 0 experience comparing anything done on a multi-gazillion dollar console with what I currently do with Cool Edit Pro. :) Still, one can make a very good argument that there are at least some advantages to working with and manipulating a mix strictly within the digital domain; mostly in terms of flexibility . . . and of course I don't think I could live without the "undo" funtion :)
 
thanks guys for your input..

the responses you guys gave are very helpful....my delta 66 has two pre-amped inputs for mics....and i'm using an electronic drum kit that i run directly in with no need to mic a bunch of drums...therefore it may be beneficial to stick with what i have since i can get the job done just fine without worrying about extra noise obtained connecting to a mixer....thanks again for your inputs!!!

sessep
 
chessrock said:
Y
If it's any consolation to you, there have been many commercial releases and hits you hear every day on the radio that have been mixed completely within the digital domain (usually with pro tools), using software not a whole lot different (in theory) than what you're using.
Click to expand...

I think the original question was referring to the total process, not just the mix stage (i'm guessing here!). While many hits have been mixed entirely within Pro Tools et al, the vast majority of them were tracked using some kind of console and/or outboard mic preamps.
 
Good point.

Sess, if you're doing a track-at-a-time, with a drum machine, I don't see where any more preamps (or better ones) would be necessary until you're ready to succumb to gear lust . . . which shouldn't be too far behind. :) The pres on your Omni are pretty good. Get yourself a decent mixer when you start recording real drums, full bands or several tracks at a time (since it will give you the extra preamps).
 
I'm a firm believer that a good mixer can help the overall sound of a home DAW mix. Pro Tools TDM is a completely different hardware platform than a home DAW.

A good mixer can help add a little extra oomph and air to a home DAW mix.
 
chessrock said:
Your question is actually the subject of what is a pretty hot ongoing debate.
Click to expand...

Here we go . . . :)



(I just quoted myself. Is that breaking any rules?)
 
It is amazing how sometimes using your gear in a different configuration can have noticeable impacts on your sound. I have heard some people say that running mixes through the ALT buss on their Mackie's has a fatter sound than the main bus.

You should experiment and try different things. Use your different busses, headphone jacks, try doing the same mix on a mixer or just in the DAW. Do a lot of comparisons and learn how to massage every little bit of performance out of your gear. You may find yourself needing less new gear and being much happier with what you have.
 
Great post.

I too have the Delta 66 with Omni Studio. I work with Sonic Foundry Vegas and Nuendo and honestly, with the flexibility of the Onmi - I haven't found a need for a real hardware mixer in over a year.

My company provides digital media/voiceover services to the broadcast industry and while some of my productions get fairly large - there has been no reason to bring in a outboard mixer to handle any project. We are totally digital right inside the DAW.

I guess it depends on what your vibe is - I know I can't do a live band with 20 inputs in my studio - but I will never have a call to do that so this setup is most excellent.

One thing I did do (and I am glad I did) is add the Mindprint Envoice to my installation. That preamp coupled with SPDIF direct into the Delta 66 has blown me (and my clients) away. Absolutely awesome device.

Cheers,

Cuzin B
 
thanks people for your awesome input!

hey cuz b....what is a mindprint envoice?
 
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