How hard would it be to...

[gainreduction]

...build a high quality analog automation unit ?

Like those 90's budget thingies from Mackie and Niche, only with pristine transparent audio quality and fast, glitch-free volume control.

The automation data would obviously be MIDI automation from the DAW sent to the actual hardware unit inserted to the console inserts.

Is it possible to build such a unit at a pricepoint that makes sense ? Say at below $500 / channel.

[JohnRoberts]

You could probably make an arbitrarily clean insert box using inexpensive motorized pots with midi or some other interface/control surface. This could easily cost much less than your ball park target price.

Whether there's a market for it that would justify doing it is the real question IMO.

JR

[Led]

Problem is unless you put those faders into your console in place of the real ones and you use an insert to control it instead, you are going to be adding a gain stage most likely in the form of a VCA, so there goes the pristine transparent audio.

[gainreduction]

Originally Posted by JohnRoberts

Whether there's a market for it that would justify doing it is the real question IMO

I'm only thinking about getting one built for myself, I need something like that. I would not be able to build it myself either, I'm not a tech, but would like to get a picture of how possible or impossible it is.

Aren't there very clean sounding VCA's today ?

[gainreduction]

No physical pots or faders are needed/wanted. Gain change information would be drawn in the DAW as MIDI control data or using a DAW controller transmitting MIDI.

What I need is an analog gain control circuit that makes fast and smooth gain changes from the MIDI data recieved.

I need simple but accurate and good sounding automation for a couple of channels on my non-automated console. Want to ride vocals post-compression.

How is the automation done in modern consoles such as the AWS900 and Tonelux ?

[Matt Syson]

Hi
Fast and smooth would probably need to be a VCA as motorised faders are a bit slow.
Is midi resolution enough (128 levels??)?
Maybe an interesting project but it may be worth looking out a Mackie or similar 'box' and clean it up as the main 'graft' is done.
Matt S

[paully]

I still have 3 of the Niche molules(total of 24 channels) that get used all the time. They are certainly fast enough for anything I need to do, and I don't remember ever needing to be 'in between' the 127 midi steps. I also find them to be quiet and faithful audio-wise. They're always popping up on Ebay at reasonable prices. A definate option to motorized fader convertion. Hell, for $50-75 pick one up and give it a listen before dropping substantial bucks.

Best, Paul