What's the standard procedure when using a summing mixer?

[qbert1]

Hello,

I have a personal project I'd like to use my new DIY passive summing mixer (psm) with, but am confused on how to maximize my results. I like my mixes, but I've tried my psm on some some older projects and heard a noticeable difference. So i figure I'll try to eek out a little more quality before the mastering date.

Here's the deets:
The psm has only 4 stereo ins and will be brought up to level through Millennia Media pres.

Everything is coming out of PT8 through a modded 002r.

My project has:
-4 piece kit with overheads - no room
-Acoustic bass
-Electric Guitar
-Stereo Keys
-Saxophone
-sometimes background horns
-2 to 3 stereo fx (all in the box)

So what pairs/stems would one make into the 4 stereo channels to maximize results?

[Jeff Hayat]

Originally Posted by qbert1

Hello,

I have a personal project I'd like to use my new DIY passive summing mixer (psm) with, but am confused on how to maximize my results. I like my mixes, but I've tried my psm on some some older projects and heard a noticeable difference. So i figure I'll try to eek out a little more quality before the mastering date.

Here's the deets:
The psm has only 4 stereo ins and will be brought up to level through Millennia Media pres.

Everything is coming out of PT8 through a modded 002r.

My project has:
-4 piece kit with overheads - no room
-Acoustic bass
-Electric Guitar
-Stereo Keys
-Saxophone
-sometimes background horns
-2 to 3 stereo fx (all in the box)

So what pairs/stems would one make into the 4 stereo channels to maximize results?

I would do multiple passes. Not sure if the '4 piece kit with overheads' means 4 tracks, but let's assume that it does.

Pass 1 - Drums
Pass 2 - bass, guitar, keys, sax
Pass 3 - Horns, fx
Pass 4 - Anything else that didn't make it into any of those three passes

Passes 1 - 4 > psm > stereo audio file.

Basically, what you are doing is making stems through your psm, as opposed to making the stems by summing in your sequencer.

Depending on how much your psm really does for you, will dictate if the extra time spent doing the above will be worth it.

Cheers.