Mixing OTB: Monitor / Record feedback loop / Channel Sacrifice

[echoclerk]

Setup is RME Hammerfall Multiface + Behringer ADA8000 = 16 Output channels into Soundtracs Analogue 24:8:2 Mixer.

But for Mixing OTB via Analogue Mixer, out of fear of a Monitor / Record Feedback Loop I have been sacrificing a stereo Pair (RME Analog 1+2) as a dedicated DAW Monitor Channel. It runs into the TAPE A Control Room type channel on the mixer so isn't available for the Analogue OTB Mixdown. So there is no way that TAPE A can end up at the Mixer Main Outs. that then Run into RME channels 15+16 as it happens.

So I am Sacrificing a Stereo pair for OTB mixdown just to avoid a possible Feedback Loop on the Mixer Ouput --> RME Input /Monitor loop.

But I could really do with that extra pair. to get the full 16 outs rather than 14. I"m a bit sloppy with keeping track of my monitoring channels - as I hav a few Mic Pre-Amps plugged directly into the RME but then others I monitor via the Mixer Control Room.

Is this a common problem or am I being wasteful?

[drbam]

Originally Posted by echoclerk

Setup is RME Hammerfall Multiface + Behringer ADA8000 = 16 Output channels into Soundtracs Analogue 24:8:2 Mixer.

But for Mixing OTB via Analogue Mixer, out of fear of a Monitor / Record Feedback Loop I have been sacrificing a stereo Pair (RME Analog 1+2) as a dedicated DAW Monitor Channel. It runs into the TAPE A Control Room type channel on the mixer so isn't available for the Analogue OTB Mixdown. So there is no way that TAPE A can end up at the Mixer Main Outs. that then Run into RME channels 15+16 as it happens.

So I am Sacrificing a Stereo pair for OTB mixdown just to avoid a possible Feedback Loop on the Mixer Ouput --> RME Input /Monitor loop.

But I could really do with that extra pair. to get the full 16 outs rather than 14. I"m a bit sloppy with keeping track of my monitoring channels - as I hav a few Mic Pre-Amps plugged directly into the RME but then others I monitor via the Mixer Control Room.

Is this a common problem or am I being wasteful?

Are you monitoring directly from the Tape A input return or from the original mix?

At any rate, every setup of this type is a little different so you may or may not encounter a feedback loop. You could try experimenting to see. Play around with the monitor settings on the RME software mixer. I would play some discreet tones (something simple-non-rhythmic) in a mix scenario and slowly increase the volume. You definitely should hear a feedback loop if its there.

[echoclerk]

Well the current setup RME 1+2 are plugged into the TAPE A which is not routed to the Mixer Main Output. So I dont' get feedback. (and when doing My Analogue Mixdowns I just Monitor the Mixer Main Out. (not the Soundcard Input Mix on Tape A)

I suppose I"m asking if people would usally setup this way. and sacrifice a channel? for safety.

- or do you route all the 16 outs into the Mixer Line ins. and just be careful with the DAW Monitoring or RME (any Audio Interface) internal routings to avoid it possible loops?

I do kinda like having the separation as you then are easily aware of what you are hearing. / can flip between Main mix / Tape A.

But I"d like more output channels for mixdown.

What do you do?

[echoclerk]

How do you setup your output channels to use OTB mixdown?

are you Recording the stereo mix to a seperate different device?

[chuckfurok]

I had the pleasure of doing some OTB mixing recently with my 002+digimax to soundcraft spirit. I just recorded back into the 002 and muted the stereo return/record channel and monitored via the control room output of the mixer. Worked pretty well for me. I've got all this stuff routed to patchbays so it's easy to route. My first time really attempting OTB mixes and man it was soooo much fun!