How direct are the "direct outs"??

[SMT]

Is there a loss of quality in the audio if I would:
Use a high-end mic pre + EQ and go into a lowend console mic in - bypass the EQ in the console, and using the Direct Out to a A/D - DAW....????

Of course compared to going straight from the mic pre + eq into the A/D

I would prefer to go into the console and use the direct-outs. That would help me with the routings, aux etc....

The thing is that I´ll get a high-end mic pre to test for a minimum time soon, and I actually don´t have the time testing different ways, with the band/client beeing there and all.... So has someone tried these different ways and compared?

[Joemamma]

Don't use two mic preamps in a row! Unless you're going for a certain sound!

If you need to go into the console after your highend preamp, you could try using an insert return on a console channel.

[david_fowler]

Is there a loss of quality in the audio if I would:
Use a high-end mic pre + EQ and go into a lowend console mic in - bypass the EQ in the console, and using the Direct Out to a A/D - DAW....????

Of course compared to going straight from the mic pre + eq into the A/D

I would prefer to go into the console and use the direct-outs. That would help me with the routings, aux etc....

It's always better going direct with a short lead.I've tried both ways.
You can always hear a difference if there is more signal path in the system.
I highly recommend avoiding the console by all means if you want to preserve the detail in your signal.

[DrKoss]

Running through a low end console will certainly degrade your audio quality. Most likely the analog design is not stellar and this will certainly change the sound of your signal.

Ditto on the double mic pre scenario - if there isn't a line in option, try the returns as Joemamma suggested.

Does your pre have a send? Perhaps you could use that for whatever monitoring needs you have and still feed the pre out to the converter directly.

[tINY]

If you need the console for foldback, it might be better you feed the converter and the console woth a "y" cable.



-tINY

[drBill]

It's not a general question that only has one answer. Each console takes it's direct out from a different part of the signal path. Also, it depends where you "enter' the signal path on the console strip. Probably a insert in would be your best choice, but I'm guessing you're still going to have at least one amplifier stage before hitting the direct output. Again, the topography on each console will be different. That's why they have flow charts - so you can see exactly where and how your signal path flows. Sometimes it's worth it to have everything up on the console. Sometimes you want the shortest path and should go directly from the pre to the AD input. You'll have to use your ears on this one and decide for yourself.

[drBill]

Originally Posted by DrKoss

Running through a low end console will certainly degrade your audio quality. Most likely the analog design is not stellar and this will certainly change the sound of your signal.

Agreed - to a point. I wouldn't want to come into a mackie console after micing thru a U67 into a 1073, but there are times when it is not only more convenient, but actually preferable sound wise. Like I said before, you've got to use your ears on this one. Personally, I'm more of a straight wire, less is more kind of engineer, but there are definately exceptions to the rule.

[SMT]

Thank you all!!!


Let´s see if I have some time to test different ways today...

[Benmrx]

I say spring for a patchbay.

Set it up so that your nice preamps are half normalled to your AD, and then use a patch cable and take it from the preamp out to the LINE or TAPE input of your board.


BTW, direct outs are usually pre or post fader. Some boards let you switch between the 2. Most live boards have pre-fader direct outs, and most recording consoles have post fader direct outs. This means that regardless of pre or post fader, the direct out is still post insert and post eq. So, direct outs usually travel through the entire channel strip.