Mixers Vs. Software Mixers

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sweetshoes18

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What is the point of a regular mixer if you record one track at a time? The tracks can be mixed with much ease using software.


I know that you need more than one mic on many occasions to record something but other than that, and patching stuff out through the mixer, what is the point of one with todays digital mixing?
 
Nothing beats the feel of real controls.
Personally, I like real faders and knobs, and while I understand you can do this stuff digitally, I guess it just comes down to taste.
 
wishtheend said:
Nothing beats the feel of real controls.
Personally, I like real faders and knobs, and while I understand you can do this stuff digitally, I guess it just comes down to taste.
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Not only does a real control surface "feel better" - which it does immensly - but it's also much more efficient and flexible. Try recording and mixing with a physical control surface and then try it with a mouse and a keyboard and you'll know the difference.

There are some functions in mixing where a DAW excells. Rubber-band automation of the fader, pan and aux returns as well as being able to visually edit the digital signal down to the individual sample are a couple of examples where prosumer-level mixers just can't compete; though many digital mixer/recorder systems are now blurring those lines between mixer and DAW. But when it comes to live-action, hands-on comtrol, "riding" the channel strips beats "mixing by mouse" hands down.

Additionally, mixers gine you the ability to add external hardware processors like preamps, equalizers, compressors, and reverbs to the signal chain. Yes, there are plug-ins for DAWs that emulate the same functions. But not only does the external iron allow you do do such processing in the analog realm, but in many cases the external iron available has sound qualities just not available in all but the most expensive digital plug-ins.

G.
 
The eq on my soundtracs console sounds better than any digital eq I've ever used. That's reason enough for me.
 
As you have noted, mixers are very optional in a digital home studio. Sometimes they are a good option; sometimes they are an unnecessary expenditure. I have two setups with one of each :)

As for plugs, a UAD-1 card is likely to beat the price/performance ratio of any similar outboard gear.
 
My UAD-1 Pultec sounds pretty good. I also can't live without a few LA2A limiters in the mix somewhere.
 
There is also the basic issue of sound quality. Some (perhaps many) argue that the summing properties of analog mixers are superior to their digital counterparts. It's an interesting issue that has been pursued in some depth at the 3d audio site:

http://www.3daudioinc.com/

Of course, a lot depends on the quality of the mixer and your D/A converters.
 
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