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absrec · 14th February 2006

I have a question about mixing through a console. Gain structure, more specifically. Most of my favorite mixers mix on an SSL which I know has a tone in and of it self. But my question is, how different is it to go through a console with the faders all at unity vs. going through individual channels (which obviously requires more outs and involves less summing). I know there has to be a difference. I just wanted to get some opinions on the subject.

I mix in ProTools using the "summing box" method. What I mean is that I have a Mackie 32.8 that I go out through. I use only line amps meaning, I don't use any console eqs. I send everything out through stereo pairs:

Drums and perc L-R
Bass, keys L-R
Gtrs L-R
Vox L-R

I use converters 9-16 for inserts: Outboard comps, eqs, et cetera. I send the output into my Alan Smart C1 and then back through my AD8000 to a stereo aux in PT. I set the output of that aux to converters 15-16 and that goes to the external input of my master section. This is the best I've come up with for my particular setup.

Let me just say that I don't want this to turn into some kind of a "Mackie sux" thread. I know Mackies aren't the best but they certainly aren't the worst. Plus, that aspect of what I'm saying has little to do with my question.

My point is, I am going to buy another console this year. I really am leaning towards a custom Daking 1112. If robmix wouldn't mind chiming in, that would be great. I know he owns one and was trained by some great people, including one of my favorites, CLA. I've read that a big part of CLA's sound is how he hard he hits his desk. Would it produce similar results if you ran each stereo pair out at different levels and then trimmed accordingly with the faders? What I mean is hit the line amps harder or softer depending on whats going through that set of outs (for example, drums and gtrs might run hotter, vocals and bass might benefit from more headroom) and then put faders to zero on the 2-buss meters with a signal gen. Hopefully, noone will view this as a dumb question. Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Aaron

14th February 2006	#1
absrec Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,138 Thread Starter	OTB mixing question... I have a question about mixing through a console. Gain structure, more specifically. Most of my favorite mixers mix on an SSL which I know has a tone in and of it self. But my question is, how different is it to go through a console with the faders all at unity vs. going through individual channels (which obviously requires more outs and involves less summing). I know there has to be a difference. I just wanted to get some opinions on the subject. I mix in ProTools using the "summing box" method. What I mean is that I have a Mackie 32.8 that I go out through. I use only line amps meaning, I don't use any console eqs. I send everything out through stereo pairs: Drums and perc L-R Bass, keys L-R Gtrs L-R Vox L-R I use converters 9-16 for inserts: Outboard comps, eqs, et cetera. I send the output into my Alan Smart C1 and then back through my AD8000 to a stereo aux in PT. I set the output of that aux to converters 15-16 and that goes to the external input of my master section. This is the best I've come up with for my particular setup. Let me just say that I don't want this to turn into some kind of a "Mackie sux" thread. I know Mackies aren't the best but they certainly aren't the worst. Plus, that aspect of what I'm saying has little to do with my question. My point is, I am going to buy another console this year. I really am leaning towards a custom Daking 1112. If robmix wouldn't mind chiming in, that would be great. I know he owns one and was trained by some great people, including one of my favorites, CLA. I've read that a big part of CLA's sound is how he hard he hits his desk. Would it produce similar results if you ran each stereo pair out at different levels and then trimmed accordingly with the faders? What I mean is hit the line amps harder or softer depending on whats going through that set of outs (for example, drums and gtrs might run hotter, vocals and bass might benefit from more headroom) and then put faders to zero on the 2-buss meters with a signal gen. Hopefully, noone will view this as a dumb question. Thanks in advance for any and all input. Aaron __________________ If you don't spank it, you can't crank it!