Mackie 24 x 8 AND Existing Set-up Question

[rio452001]

I recently inherited a Mackie 24 track, 8 bus mixer, like this:

http://www.mackie.com/products/24-8bus/index.html

I currently record to 2 x Delta 1010s, using a variety of "pro-sumer" pre-amps (ART MPAs & DMPAs, DMP3s, BTDPs). I put the kick, snare & toms through inexpensive compressors just to help tame them a bit before they go into the system, using a patchbay between the line of pre-amps and the compressors. Otherwise, I record amps & vocals etc dry and do all effects (compression, limiting, eq etc) and mixing "in the box". For monitoring, I am currently taking stereo outs from my soundcard into a smaller Behringer mixer & then into headphone mixers, main monitors, and alternative monitors.

I'm mainly doing demos for my own bands, and occasionally other bands, and some locally distributed CDs etc. I'm not unhappy with the product I get, all things considered (including my own humble abilities). Here's a link to some mp3s: http://www.myspace.com/thehightidesrocknroll

My current thinking is that the Mackie board provides additional versatility and options, in conjunction with my current set up.

From a recording perspective, there are direct outs for each of the 24 channels in the Mackie, so it's no big deal to connect any individual channel from the Mackie directly into any part of my current system. So in effect, adding the board gives me 24 additional pre-amps/direct inputs, along with eq and option of outboard effects should I ever want them. It's not like I really need them-- generally, I'm recording 3 and 4 piece bands, and I've got enough inputs using my current pre-amps etc. It's more a matter of having different flavours, and different routing possibilities, that's of any interest to me.

Secondly, from a monitoring perspective, there are more monitoring options provided by the Mackie than my current little mixer-- it's easier to route different headphone amps, monitors etc through the outputs of the Mackie than my existing mixer. Otherwise, however, I think I would continue to mix "in the box", using Cubase and UAD and other plug-ins, and then burn the mixes/masters to CD etc.

I guess my first question is whether it's worth the bother-- i.e., should I forget about recording with the Mackie, stick with my current pre-amps, and just pack away the board until I'm ready to open my own club and need a mixer for the house PA system? Or, will it give me something I don't currently have, in terms of recording options?

I guess I'm just throwing up the question of whether it will really add much, and if so, how best to maximize it's utility.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

I think the first question would be what is there about your current setup that you feel leaves your short in some way or could stand improvement somehow. Then with the answer to that we could help you determine whether that mixer can address any of those issues for you.

Other than that, I can say that (IMHO) the 24.8 is a decent proven workhorse of a mixer that, like any piece of equipment (especially from Makie) tends to leave people split 50/50 between those that are happy with or like it and those that have had problems or don't like it (you'll probably get both points of view in this thread.)

It does give you the opportunity for yet more variety in preamp/channel strip sound by adding yet another brand of circuitry to your inventory, but frankly the Mackie, while not awful, really gives one little to write home about in the way of it's "sound". The pres are solid and perfectly serviceable, but nothing that most folks would call super "special", and the EQ section is not really known for anything special either the way some mixer EQs are. It's a fine mixer, but not really known for anything special in the way of proprietary "coloration".

As far as signal routing options, sure it gives you plenty in that regard, the way any decent mixer would. The question which only you could answer is whether you feel your current setup could stand for any improvement over what you have now in that regard. It sounds like you have things pretty well managed in that regard, but only you know whether it leves you wanting or not.

Personally, though, if using the mixer seems like a borderline question for you, I'd consider selling it and using the money towards a (another?) "gold channel" of quality microphone and/or killer preamp. One can never have too many of those, IMHO .

IMHO, YMMV, ISDN, FEMA, ETC.

G.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

I currently record to 2 x Delta 1010s, using a variety of "pro-sumer" pre-amps (ART MPAs & DMPAs, DMP3s, BTDPs). I put the kick, snare & toms through inexpensive compressors just to help tame them a bit before they go into the system, using a patchbay between the line of pre-amps and the compressors. Otherwise, I record amps & vocals etc dry and do all effects (compression, limiting, eq etc) and mixing "in the box". For monitoring, I am currently taking stereo outs from my soundcard into a smaller Behringer mixer & then into headphone mixers, main monitors, and alternative monitors.

I'm mainly doing demos for my own bands, and occasionally other bands, and some locally distributed CDs etc.

First I have to ask, what "soundcard" are you using for monitoring?

I think you're a good candidate for using a big mixer. You're working with bands, so you need lots of inputs and monitoring options. You're already using a patchbay. Using the mixer as the routing center of the system lets you set up multiple zero-latency monitor mixes. Using patchbays lets you replace the Mackie preamps with your outboard ones and/or route through compressors for recording, though you may need several patchbays for this.

 

[mixsit]

I use the 24-8. For a while, initially tracking direct outs to ADAT's and mixing on it. Then transitioned slowly to added pre-amps, and a pair of RME ADI-8's (still in use), then ITB-Cake/Sonar. Mackie's main roll now is phone mixes and track monitoring on the way in (All my pre's get a physical split.
I really like; Real time monitoring (no latency , 'Stereo phone mix on mix-b for the band (optional phone mixes on aux, but seldom needed because--
Once the mics/tones are verified, all that channel eq is available to clean up and make a nice (read- effective! phone mix.
Then while they're tracking I get to try out mixes on the main faders.
Any who.. FWIW, there you go.

 

[rio452001]

Thanks to all for the input.

I checked out my patchbay and sure enough, I could easily keep my existing set-up, but add channels from the Mackie to my existing patchbay, from where they can either be routed them through my compressors, or send them directly into my soundcard. No big deal, but it gives me some additional options going into the system. Onboard eq, plus the option for effect sends/returns.

On the monitoring side also, it will give me more flexibility.