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bitrate

Joined: 12/06/10
Posts: 10
Loc: Sydney Australia

Signal chain DAW new

#922944 - 28/06/11 05:20 AM

I run an M Audio Projectmix I/O PC running Pro Tools 8 and was thinking of using some outboard gear in my recording and mixing signal chain but not sure how to set it up.

I want to run Mic - preamp - compressor - EQ - Projectmix - computer.

Is this a proper signal path?

Am I better off getting seperate hardware pieces or will a single channel strip type unit do a reasonable job? Maybe a Joe Meek, Focusrite strip or GA pre with DBX comp. Should I use a para metric eq or will a graphic be any good?

Lots of questions I know but I look forward to getting some advice as I am not overly happy with the Projectmix pre's.

Thanks

Bitrate

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The Elf
active member

Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8141
Loc: Sheffield, UK

Re: Signal chain DAW new

[Re: bitrate]
#922982 - 28/06/11 08:29 AM

Quote bitrate:

I want to run Mic - preamp - compressor - EQ - Projectmix - computer.

Why? I see no reason to EQ and compress as you record. It's just a complication you don’t need while you’re tracking.

Quote bitrate:

I run an M Audio Projectmix I/O PC running Pro Tools 8 and was thinking of using some outboard gear in my recording and mixing signal chain but not sure how to set it up.

A good way is to use spare I/O on you audio interface and define your hardware to your DAW as an external plug-in. This means that you can track cleanly, then add the effects of the hardware later.

Quote bitrate:

Is this a proper signal path?

The order of the EQ and compressor will do different things and each way round is perfectly reasonable in the right circumstances. Often I will EQ both before AND after the compressor.

Quote bitrate:

Am I better off getting seperate hardware pieces or will a single channel strip type unit do a reasonable job? Maybe a Joe Meek, Focusrite strip or GA pre with DBX comp. Should I use a para metric eq or will a graphic be any good?

I think it’s fair to say that a graphic is less desirable in the context of channel EQ, but again, each has its merits, time and place.

But…

I think you maybe need to step back and define the problem you’re trying to solve. You seem to feel that the pre’s you are using are holding you back, so before you head into throwing money and additional boxes at the problem, maybe you should look at replacing the Projectmix with something more to your liking?

--------------------
An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

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James Perrett

Joined: 10/09/01
Posts: 9645
Loc: The wilds of Hampshire

Re: Signal chain DAW new

[Re: bitrate]
#922985 - 28/06/11 08:34 AM

If you want to avoid the Project Mix preamps then you will need to use an external preamp with a digital outputs as the Project Mix line inputs are likely to simply be attenuated and then sent through the preamps anyway.

Which unit you get is really a matter of taste. My preference would be to use a neutral mic preamp and then do all the eq and compression in your DAW. Take a look at the Audient range for something suitable.

James.

--------------------
JRP Music - Audio Mastering and Restoration.
http://www.jrpmusic.net

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bitrate

Joined: 12/06/10
Posts: 10
Loc: Sydney Australia

Re: Signal chain DAW [Re: bitrate]
#923182 - 28/06/11 09:21 PM

Thanks for the info. I suppose I am trying to overcomplicate things.

Will have a look at the Audient gear though.

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