alexis
Joined: 10/01/03
Posts: 1204
Loc: San Antonio, TX USA
|
A little confused about mixer/desk-interface set up
#985981 - 06/05/12 12:47 AM
|
|
|
|
Hi - I've been looking at interfaces, and noticed that (unlike my M-Audio Omni I/O break
out box for the Delta 66 card) most of them don't have features like Aux In/Out, Inserts,
etc.
Am I right in understanding then that I would need to purchase a separate
mixing board/desk if I wanted those features?
And if so (and I think this is my
main question) - having noticed that these mixing desks/boards generally have preamps, -
is there usually a way to bypass the preamps? For example, if one were purchasing an RME
Fireface UFX or UCX, and had a Mackie Mixer for routing purposes, it'd sure be nice to
bypass the Mackie preamps!
Thanks in advance for any words of advice here!
--------------------
Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1
|
jaminem
active member
Joined: 19/03/01
Posts: 1127
|
Re: A little confused about mixer/desk-interface set up
[Re: alexis]
#985984 - 06/05/12 05:38 AM
|
|
|
|
To answer your first question, yes if you wanted to insert effects while recording a mixer
would be what you needed or an interface with those facilities. My Steinberg MR816 has
insert points on the first 2 channels so you can insert a compressor into the signal chain
while recording. However I think you maybe need to look at the way you are working.
Compressing on the way in is not really required if you record at 24 bit, making insert
points less useful and 'most' people use plugins now removing the need for aux ins/outs,
hence these features are becoming more scare on interfaces these days. If you wanted to
integrate HW effects into your setup (which it sounds as though you do) an interface with
multiple I/O can act as a send/return loop, managed by your DAW's external effects option.
|
The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8156
Loc: Sheffield, UK
|
Re: A little confused about mixer/desk-interface set up
[Re: alexis]
#985987 - 06/05/12 06:02 AM
|
|
|
|
A multi-input/output interface can use it's I/O in any way the DAW allows. In Cubase you
define I/O and its associated external hardware (as 'External FX') and then you can
allocate this to inserts on individual channels, or FX channels as required.
Also, with the Fireface you mention, Totalmix allows such flexible routing that you can
create zero latency aux sends and 'inserts' very easily - I do this to provide reverb to a
vocalist while tracking, for instance.
I always feel that adding a mixer
simply introduces complications and compromises.
--------------------
An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
|
alexis
Joined: 10/01/03
Posts: 1204
Loc: San Antonio, TX USA
|
Re: A little confused about mixer/desk-interface set up
[Re: The Elf]
#986018 - 06/05/12 02:14 PM
|
|
|
|
Gentlemen - Thank you for your perspective!
I shall attempt to avoid a mixer if
at all possible, using instead the I/O's of the interface. "Compromises and complications"
... shudder!!
--------------------
Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1
|
Gary M
Audio Technica
Joined: 18/04/01
Posts: 985
Loc: Northwood, London
|
Re: A little confused about mixer/desk-interface set up
[Re: alexis]
#986047 - 06/05/12 05:04 PM
|
|
|
Quote alexis:
Gentlemen - Thank
you for your perspective!
I shall attempt to avoid a mixer if at all possible,
using instead the I/O's of the interface. "Compromises and complications" ... shudder!!
Having a separate audio
interface and mixer does cause an extra bit in the chain as well as expense but there are
mixers that have the audio interface functionality built into them and allow you to do all
things you wish. you can also use these desks as analogue summing units to add a bit
something back into your mix. Don't completely Bin the idea, do a little research.
|
Previous
Topics
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
