Mixing to CD..

[Ray J]

I've been through the archives for the answer to this one, but couldn't find it. Possibly because its probably a no-brainer, but you have to understand that I have never actually seen a CD recorder. I have a Yamaha MD8, and I am considering either getting it mixed at a local studio, but I'm also considering doing it myself. My first question is:

Can I mix straight to CD from my recorder, with of course an effects processor and either a compressor or some kind of Finalizer/Maximizer in between? (The MD8 has no digital I/O)

If so, can I mix to RWCDs until I get the mix right and then to a "redbook" CD so that I can rip it to MP3? I will probably be borrowing or renting a stand alone CD recorder. (I won't be using my computer)

One more question, I will be going cheap with the Maximizer. Between the BBE 482 and the Behringer Ultramizer pro which one should I get? Or is there another in the $199 price range that's better?

Neither unit is highly regarded from the impressions I'm getting reading the archives but can anyone offer any advice? I laid a goose egg last time I asked a stupid question in this forum so common guys, show a brother some love, any help would be appreciated, really.

 

[DALtune]

You can mix from the MD8 to CD. You'll be running your signal from the master outs (RCA) to the CD burner. You could have it mixed someplace else via the direct channel outs and depending on the equipment the studio has, you may get a better result. This is not to say that the results you would get at home would not be good (I like the results I got when I used it as have other MD8 users here).

As far as CDR vs CDRW goes, that depends on the burner that you use. Some units do not support CDRW and only burn CDR. If your burner supports both, then you can mix to the CDRW till you get it right.

BUT REMEMBER!!!
CDRW discs ONLY play back in other machines that support CDRW (thus, CDRW discs, even when finalized, will not play in consumer machines). You would have to burn from the CDRW to a regular CDR. This is not a problem if you have a duel deck burner. That whole thing above really isn't as bad as it seems.

You can rip CDR to the computer, or CDRW if your computer drive supports it (see above).

I don't know anything about sonic maximizers 'cept what I've heard here and you've read the same. I hear they are good for increasing audio performances of camcorders when recording drum lines.

 

[Ray J]

Thanks a lot Dal, I forgot about the commercial units not playing RWs. I will probably want to play it on a bunch of stereos since I seldom nail the mix using my monitors. THe guy at the studio is gonna go to dat or adat first then to cd, but I was worried about noise or sound degregation. If I get my hands on a duel deck, I might take a shot at it. The studio has superior mixdown equiptment compared to what I will be using, but I find myself having to ride the faders alot on some of my stuff and the guy at the studio will be doing it after hours, for cheap and may not have that kind of patience. Everything's a trade off I guess. Thanks again for lthe help...Peace..Ray J