Whats the best (pro) DSP processor? (For *everything*, like volume adjustment)

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wes480

wes480

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There is a thread in the recording technique forum talking about volume adjustments in mixing. Ed brought up the point that *any* DSP adjustment will degrade your sound. Specifically in reference to adjusting volume. So that essentially, level adjustments are going to cause you to lose quality from your original recording. the thread is here

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=48346

my question is - are the pros using dedicated DSP processors for the most fundamental mixing tasks, like volume control? I have chatted with the VP of Meridian America (parents are in home theater) and he told me about a year ago that tons of major studios were ditching old gear and getting Meridian DSP processors (around $25,000) for use in the studio. I didn't think much of this at the time...becuase I didn't really think of DSP having much of an impact on me.

But, I can definately see how using a 25,000 dollar DSP processor to do every level adjustment for example...could give you higher quality.

Are outboard DSP processors common in pro studios? And I don't mean for "effects" - but just for the basic mixing tasks. I guess ProTools does that to an extent...but I don't know about how good their stuff is. Havn't heard the best things.

I do know that in terms of digital audio, Meridian is regarded as probably the best loudspeaker/processor company out there. Their stuff is intended for stereo/home theater use of course...but, thinking about what Meridians VP said about pro studios using them...got me thinking. I dont even know how you would set something like that up to work with a DAW - enlighten me.
 
Hey Wes .... you mentioned using a DSP for Mixing with a DAW at the end of your original question. Well I am not sure which DAW you are using but Yamaha and Waves just came out with a Y56 card upgrade to the AW4416 for mixing and master which is just what you are talking about. Check out the Yamaha Web site for details. I haven't gotten one yet but I will soon everything I have read and heard has been very positive so far.
 
Wes, apparently all the cheap DAW's suck and we should go back to analog 8track.

I would like to know the answer, though. Or at least what software is considered to have the cleanest algorythms.
 
yeah....well....i general feeling is that digital is the perfect way to go for high end recording....maybe not mixing though...unless you have an awesome DSP processor. hence the question ;)
 
Dedicated DSP processors for tasks like volume control? Sure.

Consider that:

many pros are using computers to mix. Many more are using digital mixers. Each of these can be considered, in this function, a dedicated DSP processor. For example, Logic Audio's audio handling section is simply a bunch of DSP functions, wrapped up in a graphical user interface.

A Neve Capricorn mixer is in essence a very expensive, very powerful DSP processor that is used for things like "volume adjustment." Ditto a Sony Oxford, etc.

Sorry if this is not the answer you are seeking, but I think the answer is yes.
 
yup, thats about the answer i was looking for.

Neve capricorn eh.....interesting...
 
Probably the Mackie Digital 8-bus.

I'd of course also vote for a Pro Tools HD3 system with two 192 I/0 interfaces...

but everybody here hates Pro Tools.
 
I think it's a given that ProTools TDM hardware and anything by Neve will fit the bill. Is there such thing as inexpensive, quality DSP?

I'm curious if Skippy or any of the digital Gurus can recomend the best cheapo digital mixers or outboard DSP hardware for more generic Wintel DAW's.
 
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