High end mixing, low price....

[lukejs]

Hello.. I need advice on an analogue mixer.... and tell me.... do I really need one ? I'm contemplating whether or not I need an analogue mixer . I have great mics, mic pre's, and converters, and use a Lynx AES16 interface. I was planning on doing all my mixing in the box, but have seen that many people like to go out to analogue for mixing. I've seen people saying they just like the warmth that it gives, or that they like to use the eq's on the consoles. I am considering buying a Mackie mixer, the Onyx 1640, that supposedly has mic pre's that compare to boutique standalone units, and has a new Perkins EQ. What's my best alternative for me if I want to get the same qualtiy analogue mixing and eq that big studios get, but I don't want to spend the big bucks for a giant mixer.....16 channels would be enough. Just 16 channels of pristine analogue mxing , with a great eq section.....I don't even need mic pres, if there is an option out there, Thanks, Luke

[deft_bonz]

do it like me: get the chandler tg mini mixer.

but they dont have eqs, but you can buy them also as outboard or you wait until the chandler modular system comes.

greetings deft:::

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by lukejs
What's my best alternative for me if I want to get the same qualtiy analogue mixing and eq that big studios get, but I don't want to spend the big bucks for a giant mixer..... Thanks, Luke

Your best bet is to rent time at a great mixing studio in your town(with a nice console and monitoring) and if need be a great mixing engineer.

[Geoff_T]

Originally posted by lukejs
Hello.. I need advice on an analogue mixer.... and tell me.... do I really need one ? I'm contemplating whether or not I need an analogue mixer . I have great mics, mic pre's, and converters, and use a Lynx AES16 interface. I was planning on doing all my mixing in the box, but have seen that many people like to go out to analogue for mixing. I've seen people saying they just like the warmth that it gives, or that they like to use the eq's on the consoles. I am considering buying a Mackie mixer, the Onyx 1640, that supposedly has mic pre's that compare to boutique standalone units, and has a new Perkins EQ. What's my best alternative for me if I want to get the same qualtiy analogue mixing and eq that big studios get, but I don't want to spend the big bucks for a giant mixer.....16 channels would be enough. Just 16 channels of pristine analogue mxing , with a great eq section.....I don't even need mic pres, if there is an option out there, Thanks, Luke

Hi

You have great mics, great mic pres, and a good DAW system. That's precisely what I designed the GTM for.

There is even an option of remote faders so that you can locate them in the sweet spot between your speakers while leaving the GTM in your rack, permanently connected to your mic pres, DAW and two sets of monitors.

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...threadid=22674

[lukejs]

Hi thrillfactor... that would be nice to be able to rent time...but imagine this....I'm located in southrn Mexico, in a city of about 800,000, but there is only one other studio here, and he uses Pro Tools HD and does everything digital. I bought some good mics, pres, and converters and am trying to compete with him, but on the PC platform, using Lynx AES16 interface, Powercore, UAD1, and Sonar 3 producer Edition. Since he's all digital, and I want to be able to produce better mixes, I thought that maybe I should get an analogue mixer ..... but would you say it's true that if I wanted to improve the quality that I can now get in the box, that I would have to spend 10's of thousands on an analogue mixer, or is there another alternative less costly ? Should I just stay in the box ? And if I do, what are the best plugins that I can use to simulate an analogue sound ? thanks !!!

[SpaceChild]

Originally posted by Geoff_T
That's precisely what I designed the GTM for.

Heya Geoff,

That GTM sure looks interesting. Can you give any info concerning the price?


Spacey

[Geoff_T]

Originally posted by SpaceChild
Heya Geoff,

That GTM sure looks interesting. Can you give any info concerning the price?


Spacey

Hi

Wh're still fine tuning the spreadsheets because we don't have labour and some other detail costs yet.

It's in the $4K to $6K kind of ballpark.

[SpaceChild]

Originally posted by Geoff_T
It's in the $4K to $6K kind of ballpark.

Thanks for your prompt reply


Spacey

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by lukejs
Hi thrillfactor... that would be nice to be able to rent time...but imagine this....I'm located in southrn Mexico, in a city of about 800,000, but there is only one other studio here, and he uses Pro Tools HD and does everything digital. I bought some good mics, pres, and converters and am trying to compete with him, but on the PC platform, using Lynx AES16 interface, Powercore, UAD1, and Sonar 3 producer Edition. Since he's all digital, and I want to be able to produce better mixes, I thought that maybe I should get an analogue mixer ..... but would you say it's true that if I wanted to improve the quality that I can now get in the box, that I would have to spend 10's of thousands on an analogue mixer, or is there another alternative less costly ? Should I just stay in the box ? And if I do, what are the best plugins that I can use to simulate an analogue sound ? thanks !!!

Luke.

I think Geoff T's suggestion is a valid one(he is a great designer and a nice guy to boot), albeit i've personally never used it.

And you will hear about others also(Chandler,Speck,Purple Audio,Dangerous Music,Tubetech,Boutique Audio,Cranesong,etc).

On the experience side though, there is more to a "big studio" sound than the console or summing.

First is the experience of the engineer,the monitoring or acoustics of the mixing area,the console and the outboard gear that is used.

I just feel with the prices you can get big studios for today and their need for business, its a good time for the big studio shopper.

Its a great oppurtunity to not only get to work at great place but also establish a relationship that may benefit you in the future.

I gather you are a engineer/producer or writer and if you bring business to the bigs, they will repay you someday by sending their business to someone they know and trust.

The music business is really about more who you know not just what you know and relationships are crucial to stay in the business.

Again its just an opinion, but taking a plane trip up to Mexico City and working at a great facility maybe not be to bad after all.

But if this not an option, than Geoff T's mixer looks damn good.

And its not too expensive.

If you want a fancier option, i personally like the new SSL AWS 900.

I like everything all in one.

Makes mixing much easier.

[frist44]

I think you'd be hardpressed to get a much sound out of a mackie. Look at this http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showt...threadid=22650

I have a soundcraft 600 that I'm contemplating letting go of just because I've been getting similar results in the box now. Plus the upkeep of the console is something to take into consideration. There are so many factors, but if you're expecting day and night out of a mackie I wouldn't count on it. I haven't personally used one, but the soundcraft I have is regarded as having a better sound and I still don't prefer it to ITB all the time.

Brandon