Hi all I have collected some devices over the years and trying to come up with a minimal octa centered setup. One - two synth, perhaps a cue / insert effect (zoia en zen delay - so a lot of options). So for now I HD tracks 1-4 occupied with samples (drums) then 567 for thru tracks. Thinking of making my effects sends. End use a (analog mixer) to combined everything. As I would like to add some other (stereo ) devices as well. I have a scarlet 18i8 and Behring expander. But don’t really like mixing in the box. Have seen that a usb connection from mixer to pc is really handy. So basically looking for enough inputs (8 or 4 stereo) and some aux for effects ( could possibly use some insert faders as well. An6 suggestions? I don’t care for new latest stuff. If it Is 10y old and does the job… also open for completely different options
I really like my Mackie 1642VLZ4
Has plenty of bells and whistles.
Lot’s of routing possibilities for OT
What is your setup and what do mean with ot capabilities
Looks great but more looking in a less cheaper range
I basically plug everything into the Mixer.
AK, RYTM, Turntable DJ mixer, TV, computer, soundcard, anything else I have room for.
The SUB out’s go to the OT AB CD inputs.
The OT outs go back into a channel on the mixer.
This allows me to send what ever I want to the OT AB or CD.
I have 4 sends on the mixer for various effects.
I can use the OT cue out for other things as well.
The OT drives everything, and processes everything.
Interesting… I was more thinking like this:
Octa out —> mixer-> to pc for record
Effects to aux mixer or insert
All machines to abcd—> octa or via. Mixer
Additional machines via mixer
I have something really similar, but I only send the submix out to one pair of OT inputs. I use the other pair of inputs on the OT for FX return, because I use cue at an FX send – I used to have my FX chain on an aux from the mixer, but I’m liking this cue method more because like that my hands are on mostly on the OT.
It’s so nice to be able to send any instrument to the OT for sampling, without mucking about with cables.
And I’m using a really old analog mixer, the Mackie CR1604, which somewhat colors the sound in a pleasant way when overdriven. I got one really cheap and so far haven’t needed to get anything more modern.
For ages I ran a much simpler leaner set up, no mixer.
Now with the mixer I still do most things the same. Certain things always going to the same spots on OT.
I just got into sampling on the OT and like having everything plugged in all the time.
Was doing live streams during covid and had fun processing anything I had in the mixer with OT scenes.
Same here. I only got my mixer a couple years ago. I usually only turn on one or two machines at a time, but I don’t need to re-cable anything like this.
Just a preference… I like to be able control output
How so?
The way I see it, all devices have volume and gain all over the place.
I generally control volume on tracks, or globally on a synth.
On the OT I use the volume knobs per track.
I almost never touch a fader on my mixer.
I want that the other around
Thats kind of what makes the right mixer fun. Plug everything in, and work however you want. Tons of possibilities.
Mixers are cool, but oddly dated for my current desires.
I basically want Ableton and the OT mixed together in a small format mixer.
No one is doing that except Roland, and I’ll never buy that weird ass gear they are putting out.
Smaller format mixer indeed would be great. I don’t really like to work on music and constantly looking at pc monitor to mix. I have a digital setup where I mix in the box and mainly use plugins. I can hook up analog gear as well. Enough I/o for digital.
For my outboard (analog) gear I would like to try a handy mixer. So I can just focus on 2-3 synths max and a few pedals. And combine that in a mixer. That mixer will straight record into ableton and in ableton I will master it. Or perhaps at additional fx or stuff (but rather not)
The K-Mix is good for this. Route any inputs to any outputs, and you can record all the inputs separately in Ableton. It’s also small, and USB powered.
Buy a DJ mixer, it will be perfect for you - more synth people should be using them! They cost a little more but you don’t have all those XLR jacks you don’t need, mono channels you don’t want and features that are geared toward acoustic bands in 1993.
Our guy Dave Mech has some good videos on A&H gear - which sounds great. I use a XONE:PX5 and it gives me the following:
- Analog EQ
- Analog multimode filter
- 20 channel soundcard
- Built-in effects geared towards electronic music
- 5 stereo channels (4 on faders, but all 5 have EQ/Filter)
- Multi-use crossfader
- Master insert and a stereo FX send (with dedicated return through the filter)
I’d like a XONE:96 at some point but can’t really justify the upgrade…
Yeah Allen & Heath make great mixers.
One day I may swap out my current mixer for a big ol Xone 464.
I really like the DB4 idea, but always ready about tons of issues with them.
I once had a Rane MP25. I freaking LOVED that thing.
It just didn’t have the send/return set up I wanted.
Having a filter on every channel was really sweet tho.
Another unconventional mixer I had that was REALLY cool was and Ashly MX508.
All stereo channels, and a really tight layout.
Sounded fantastic too.
I have a denon mixer . Pretty good, and would probably do the job. Just need to find correct plugs. I have been thinking of that option.