Mackie Ultramix!!

[13th_Omen]

I have been trying to find a way to have at least 16 channels of automation. I have been brought to the attention of the Mackie Ultramix, which comes with it's own Mackie Ultrpilot "mixer", patchbay and software for wither Mac or Windows (limited versions). What I need to know is whether this product - which has been discontinued from Mackie- could still be serviced by Mackie or other reputable source if it should break any thime soon! Also, I still am not all that clear as the the actual funtionability of this system. I currently am using 2 Alesis ADATs and was wondering if I still need them, or how to hook it all up!! HELP!

 

[TexRoadkill]

As I recall the ultramix works by plugging it into the inserts on your mixer. I would be surprised if you couldn't get it worked on but parts are probably limited. Yes you would still need your Adats because it is not a recorder. It just intercepts the signal at the mixer insert point and adjusts the volume there.

I don't know how much you have budgeted but I would rather have a good HDR system than an ADAT/Ultramix. With most HDR's you can edit the gain for any subtle volume changes over the course of a mix. You can also record your master mixdown on to two tracks of the HDR and that allows you to punch in during the mixdown with perfect sync. For example if you had a really weird intro or bridge where you needed to have different effects and volume settings you could set it up and punch in those parts of the mixdown after you mixed the vanilla parts of the tune. That is how a lot of 'automation' was handled in the 70-80's.

You could already to the same thing with your ADATs but you will be sacrificing two tracks for the mixdown.

 

[masteringhouse]

As I recall the ultramix works by plugging it into the inserts on your mixer. I would be surprised if you couldn't get it worked on but parts are probably limited. Yes you would still need your Adats because it is not a recorder. It just intercepts the signal at the mixer insert point and adjusts the volume there.

Tex is correct. Just insert the channels in you mixer and the software controls the volume and mutes. It also has an automute function that works to a degree, but usually needs to be fine tuned.

The good thing about the ultramix is that you can use it with any board that has inserts. If you plan to go to an analog machine in the future it will allow automation for that as well.

The bad thing is that it doesn't support the editing capabilities of a DAW.

Omen - I know that we've been speaking off line about this. To be quite honest I would sell the ADATs and use that money along with what you would spend on the Ultramix to purchase the best DAW possible.

Unless you plan on going to a 2" tape machine in the future, it's probably money better spent.

 

[13th_Omen]

I agree! Unfortunately, my drummer and I have been pretty much building this studio from scratch. I mentioned that we oughtta just say fuck it and get HD but he thinks that it may be too large of an investment. I tried to explain to him that if we get HD then it will save us money in the long run (ie. tape , effects, cables, time!) but he is a primitive dude who hates computers! In all atuality, I don't really see the point in building a studio when after we get it all up and running we will want to convert to Pro Tools anyway! I think I will run it by him again and try to convince him!!!