Is it a bad idea to run all of my audio through the octatrack?
My synths all go through a Mackie 1202 VLZ4 and then into the octatrack C D inputs (thru machine with neighbor on T3 & T4) through a cheap Pyle hum elminator, into the Boum, and into the Scarlett 4i4 inputs 1&2 (pre amps, set to pad/air). Analog Rytm goes into A B and thru track 1 with neighbor track 2. Master track 8 with comp and delay.
Slightly out of date but mostly still the same idea
The Mackie alt 3 4 outs go to the Digitakt, which is fed back into Mackie stereo ins. I also have a 1010 blackbox, which I wanted to be able to capture post Octa & Boum, so I split the pre interface input signal with a hosa mini patchbay and sent it to the 1010 as well, which uses the Scarlett 3&4 inputs to ableton
I never really dug too far into the -12db input conversation about the adc on the ot but it seems like people think it reduces audio quality slightly
I’ve tried multitracking, but my workflow is so entwined in using Octa as a mixer, multitracking with flex machines, and mangling/editing live that it doesn’t make sense for me to bypass the octatrack. I’ve had one since I started my setup and it’s always just been in the center of everything
Sometimes I think I’d like the ability to get more clarity in my hardware mixes by individually mixing stems in a daw but I really dislike that workflow, so I’m not overly concerned with that at the moment.
I’ve seen people recommend taking the alt outs from the Mackie to the Octa and back in but I think that might defeat the purpose of Thru machines and my entire workflow but I haven’t tried it yet. It might make them redundant, But I imagine direct ins would create feedback(?)
How would you route this setup? Is it a stupid idea to run all audio through the octatrack? Is it dumb to put the Boum between that and the interface? It’s tough to gain stage but I’ve got it down ok after a few years. The only problem is that instruments don’t seem quite as full and clear as they do when I plug headphones straight into them, but I think that might be normal
I don’t think I’d change the workflow. I’d just like to know if I’m missing something obvious. I never seeked out advice, just did the intuitive thing. Sometimes I wonder if the mix could be clearer if I made an easy change but it’s really not bad. Sometimes I struggle, sometimes it feels like constant troubleshooting and gain staging, but all that may be normal
I should clarify. I don’t know a lot about gain staging, pre amps, dacs. And I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone else using a mixer into the octatrack, I wondered if there was a reason for that. Then I found a thread where people were discussing how the Octa lowers the input signal, which I assume may potentially mess with signal to noise. But maybe I’m overthinking it
The available equipment all came from troubleshooting and trying to find solutions to fit into this predetermined workflow. So it’s not like there’s a grand design. I’m just trying to make it work the best I know how as I go and am asking if there are any glaring problems that stand out that maybe I missed
Don’t break your workflow for something that „no one“ will notice in the finished product.
Even if there is a slightly quality decrease: it won’t make your music better if the sound might be „better“ but you don’t have fun and make worse music.
People put bitcrushers and lofi effects on their music, miss the old sampler because they had reduced Bitrate and they liked the sound….
99% of the audience does not feel the difference between 44 and 48k or 16 or 24bit etc.
And most of those 1% doesn’t care
Your diagram is incredible! Do you mind posting a performance video sometime? I can’t even wrap my head around how this would look / how this would work / how this would sound / how is this legal???
