So, I’ve never incorporated a mixer into my setup (monomachine, tetra, Biscuit, Timefactor, space, and a rolls MX28 to bring it all together) because I used an AudioFire 12 for a long time where I had control over all my channels via ableton. I have since sold it and just record straight into a stereo recorder, DA3000. I have a real simple 6 channel Mixer with volume/panning, but I rarely mess with the levels.
I’ve had an itch for a decent mixer to have more control over my sound, but my big dilemma is that I typically save all my “mix” settings for a track via the monomachine (program changes etc). So I’m afraid that once I have a mixer it’ll be hard to work on more than one track at a time because I’ll lose my mix settings.
My setup is tucked neatly in a flight case and I like how all inclusive it is. I just plug in the stereo outs to my recorder/monitors and I’m ready. With a mixer I’ll need to use couplers to connect my inputs from the flight case to a mixer.
Anyway, what are y’all’s advice on this? Should I stay with my setup and keep it simple or should I introduce a mixer into the mix?
Why did you move away from the direct-to-interface recording method?
Recording directly “into the box” offers the most flexibility for mixing, applying effects, and mastering, etc. after recording.
More than that, you can save everything you do and automate everything, too. But you already know this.
What is your aim? A compact setup? Greatest flexibility? Highest quality recordings? This will help determine the best course of action.
I used to record everything through a 12-channel Mackie mixer, directly into the computer, usually just the stereo master bus. I found that I hated the fact that I couldn’t go back and edit the tiny details or mistakes.
Recording tracks separately was a pain and a waste of time.
I haven’t used a mixer for many years now and haven’t regretted it.
You sound like you’re very organized on the MIDI front, but nothing beats having everything in once place and being able to go back and work on the details, at least for me.
Well, I recently started a family and new career, so I really wanted an all inclusive setup that was fun to use and straightforward as to facilitate the finishing of tracks.
I really do miss the flexibility and ease of arranging that I had with a multi i/o interface. Though, I feel like I’ll need to sell the DA3000 since I see little point in using both. I suppose I could still use the DA3000 to record the interface’s output for a final stereo mix/master.
Anyhoo, thanks for providing me with some new insight. I think I’ll mull it over a bit more and buy back an audiofire 12 (or some other interface that’s similar, but i think that’s the best bang for you buck one out there).