mixing on a console

[lukejs]

When I finally get enough DA converters, I plan on mixing on my Allen and Heath GS3000 recording console. Should I connect the DA converters outputs to the line in´s of the console or to the Tape In´s ? I am wondering if going through the line in´s will give more of that analogue sound due to the pre amp stage, or am I better off just connecting to the tape in´s ? When I did an experiment by connecting a cd player to both the line in´s and tape in´s , it seems like the line in gave it more life..... What´s the usual way this is done, and why ???? Thanks for any advice !! Luke

[cgarges]

The preamps appear on the mic ins, not the line ins. However, I have listened to the same source on both the tape ins and line ins on the GS3000 and happen to agree with you completely. Tape ins would be standard practice for multi-track outputs, but to me, the line ins on that console have a subtle thing going on that sounds a little cooler to my ears.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[djui5]

It's an impedence/voltage thing.

I'd imagine line in's are going to sound a bit better, as PT's outputs are line level.

[lukejs]

Thanks Chris ! Good to hear someone else hear´s the same thing I do. I was under the impression that you always connect to the tape in´s to mix down on an analogue console, but after hearing the line in´s thought that this seemed strange. I heard the other day where a guy who has an Allen and Heath GS3000 said he thought the line in´s sounded really good, and I thought maybe he was smokin something !! ( I figured ...how could line in´s improve the signal if it´s basically just passing through the audio, right ?) Well... they do improve the sound....somehow !! Thanks, Luke

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by djui5

It's an impedence/voltage thing.

I'd imagine line in's are going to sound a bit better, as PT's outputs are line level.

Actually on most consoles the Tape inputs are a shorter path.

They normally sound better for this reason.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Actually on most consoles the Tape inputs are a shorter path.

They normally sound better for this reason.

Plus you may be using those line ins for mic preamps, keyboards, di boxes, etc. The tape returns are designed for the tape/recorder returns.

[lukejs]

Originally Posted by djui5

It's an impedence/voltage thing.

I'd imagine line in's are going to sound a bit better, as PT's outputs are line level.

I´ll be using an Apogee DA16-x or an Aurora 16 for my outputs, coming out of a Sonar rig. I figured going to tape in would give me the cleanest signal and would be the best way to connect to the console , since I figured using the line in would force the signal to pass through the mic pre stage of the console and "dirty it up" a little.
I guess I should never accept what is the norm, and always keep experimenting !

[lukejs]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Actually on most consoles the Tape inputs are a shorter path.

They normally sound better for this reason.

Yes ! I figured this should be best.... but.... there´s ..... "that analog thing goin" by using the line in´s..... go figure.... maybe it´s just a levels thing, but I swear the line in´s sound better, not at unity gain, but with just a pinch of gain... and I´ve heard this before from some GS3000 users, so hopefully "we´re all not smokin something " !

[djui5]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Actually on most consoles the Tape inputs are a shorter path.

They normally sound better for this reason.

Right.

I get the idiot answer award of the month


forgot about that.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by lukejs

Yes ! I figured this should be best.... but.... there´s ..... "that analog thing goin" by using the line in´s..... go figure.... maybe it´s just a levels thing, but I swear the line in´s sound better, not at unity gain, but with just a pinch of gain... and I´ve heard this before from some GS3000 users, so hopefully "we´re all not smokin something " !

I hear exactly what you are saying.

Especially if the console has transformers on it.

Overloading the transformers with tape inputs can give you some grit and or girth.

Or it can make the tracks sound groggy.

As always let your ears decide.