I’m looking for some advice regarding monitor controllers. Do any of you guys use one? If so what are the features you couldn’t be with out?
Basically my set up at present consists of a Focusrite L56 going into the FireWire port of my Mac. Everything goes into the DAW and I use the monitor output of the L56 to drive my studio monitors. Synths/drum machines go directly into the L56 inputs (8 of).
I’ve chopped and changed my workflow a few times but I still find myself harking back to ‘simpler’ times when my analogue desk was the hub of everything I do rather than the DAW. I recently tried swapping around and got my old Tascam M2524 rigged up but sadly there was an issue that at first appeared to be an earthing problem but turned out to be the desk picking up tons of RFI from my Mac that was sitting directly above it. I’d still like to incorporate an analogue (or digital) desk to more suit my workflow; I hate having to run the DAW just to be able to noodle on a synth etc. So I started to think about monitor controllers. My plan would be for a small desk with ideally direct outputs across 8 channels that would feed the L56 inputs. I could take the main or sub outputs to one of the monitor controllers inputs which would mean I could work outside the DAW if required and I still have the ability to use the desk for multiple instruments. Obviously the DAW output could feed a second MC input. Another advantage would be taking a headphone mix from the MC rather than the L56. It’s got that awful Mix Control software that’s just a pain to use. When you do stumble upon a headphone output it’s always affected by the main monitor level control so it’s a case of monitors and headphones or neither. The only workaround is to physically switch off my monitors if I want to use headphones. Not ideal…
What do you guys do with yours? Are there any features I should be looking out for apart from multiple ins/outs, Mono/stereo modes etc.
Ps… forgot to add that I use just one set of monitors at the moment but I will be going for a second pair when funds allow.
Also I’d consider binning off the L56 and going with a desk with a built in multitrack interface but most I’ve seen look hamstrung in some way or other like a lack of inserts, only 2 or 4 channel interfaces etc. I’m open to suggestions tho!
…i think, u really should consider a digi mixing desk that can record standalone and also work as an interface backend for ur mac…
got no idea what this will sound like…out fresh…but looks pretty reasonable…and since ur used to focusrite converters, which are not the best, to be honest, this thing will do at least a bit better job on converting…while all ur monitoring issues are solved for sure…
Yeah I was reading the thread about the Tascam. Looks interesting if it can do what I want it to. I looked into the Soundcraft MTK 22 recently but I was put off by the lack of inserts or direct outs (can’t remember if it was both, I’ve slept since then…)
Basic requirement would be to be able to run multiple inputs to the desk using channel eq etc and directly out to monitors when I’m noodling/writing etc. Then when it comes to laying tracks down have the ability to send channels to daw and return them via the channel strips. I’d also want inserts for using outboard. As far as internal recording I don’t think I’d get much use to be honest. If I’m hooked up to the DAW anyway I’d prob just use that unless I’m missing something.
Was it the Mackie Onyx that offered a multitrack interface via FireWire?
Is also available as 20 channel version. It allows also multiple Headphone mixes. I think that is cool to compare different mix settings, or for jamming with friends, each one getting his own personal mix.
…since ur already experienced with tascam gear and if ur fine with that not the smallest footprint it has, i’d say it does all u said what u’d expect…
and never underestimate the option to noodle along and record at any time without any computer involved…
the onyx stuff is fine but worx only as a one way ticket into a computer attached to it…
and requires firewire plus dedicated drivers…no standard class compliance here…
wait…i’m wrong…actually the onyx stuff is capable of playing back a stereo sum, coming from the computer…via firewire…
I was gutted about the M2524; it’s fine without having the iMac on the shelf above it… I used it for years in the pre DAW days. Not the cleanest but tons of options.
Midi mute scenes😀 I used to compose tunes on the scene buttons and some deft finger work🙈
My only issue with the new one is a lack of midi ports. Looks like I’ll still need it hooked up to the Mac and then it looks like the desk will have to be the master clock/MTC source…
I have both a Onyx and a Focusrite Clarett (not sure how it compares to the L56 converters), and can say the the Onyx DA conversion was definitely worse than the Clarett. Much more hazy and muddled.
I’ve been happy with the L56 in that regard, I just find it a pain on the headphone side. I was leaning toward a desk of some sort… it just feels natural to me to mix at a desk/console rather than a mouse and screen. I considered the icon Qcon pro or even the 16ch Faderport (I’ve got the single one) but that would still mean Using the DAW. Maybe one of the Behringer x mixers could cover both camps? ‘Analogue’ use outside the box but the ability to work as a DAW controller?
I’ve never really enjoyed using controllers to mix in the box. I’d rather just use a mouse. On the other hand, I’ve been eyeing the MOTU 16A in conjunction with a desk like the Soundcraft LX7ii so that I could send individual channels from hardware to the computer and through a patchbay for ultimate amount of signal manipulation options. Finding the right workflow with hardware and computers is tough.
