Quote:
Originally Posted by Deuce 225  Coyoteous,
I'm really interesting in your tracking set-up. Could you share a typical tracking sheet ? How many "active" channels of tracking have you been able to do at the same time?
Thanks a lot,
Tim Cochran |
Hi Tim,
So far, I've only been tracking a few channels a time through the X-Desk... usually four or less. I use the direct outs to go to the A/D, with those channel inputs from whatever sources. Then, I return the DAW D/A to the X-Desk ALT channel inputs. It's great for me for an eight track setup. You can use the CUE bus for an actual alternate monitor mix, or for a stereo effects send along with the two mono sends.
Currently, I'm using 6-in/10-out conversion that I treat sort of as an eight track recorder, though I'm less two on the in-side plus two on the outs. I'm due for a conversion upgrade that will be 8x8, 16x16, or maybe even 24x24 if I go with SSL conversion. If I go beyond 8x8, that's going to change things. But, I really like going through this to record. So, even with 16x16, I may stick with eight or less active inputs.
I also have 12 channels of X-Rack summing, although that's really a separate system. Trying to integrate the two seems like it might be messy, though I can just use the X-Rack for summing/monitoring. I'm still hopeful that SSL will come out with a 12 channel X-Desk expander. For me, that would take it into the territory of tracking bands with drums, etc. I'm not set up for that currently, anyway.
If they were to produce an expander, I might sell the X-Rack mixing modules. Although, they are very useful for utility in the studio and for my live rig. I know I could just get another X-Desk, but the center section redundancy and the way they chain is not attractive to me. A single X-Desk really is best for eight track tracking, pushing over to sixteen+ "at mixdown."