Quote:
Originally Posted by
sinewavves
hi all, hope this isn't a totally random question looking for a little help. I'm testing out an SSL SIX at the moment. I want to be able to track through it (synths/drum machines/vocals) as well as use it for summing from my DAW. At the moment I have all my gear plugged in to my apollo 8 and an ADAT expansion. I then have two mono channels running in to one and two, and three stereo pairs running out of my Apollo. Ideally I want a set up where I can just route things around in software on Ableton and they are hardwired rather than plugging and unplugging. So two questions:
1. does that sound like the right approach for my situation in general?
2. In terms of monitoring, my monitors are connected to my apollo. Is there any reason to change that to monitoring out of the six as my master monitor? And if so how would you suggest doing it.
Thanks!
Sorry, late reply.
I use an Apollo 8 and SSL Six with a bit of outboard gear for summing and recording.
I found for me the best setup was a patchbay.
Sorry if this gets technical:
I use the SSL as the monitor controller because there is no real latency issue. Plus it's so handy having the dim, alt, mono cut and fader knob sitting near my left hand. And when you're summing through it, it's just easier – you want to hear the final mix not what's running through the Apollo.
The 2 monitor outs of my Apollo (1+2) go into EXT 2L and 2R (the last inputs on the top). I then switch the EXT2 button on the rhs off so I don't get feedback. From there I have two sets of monitors running. I also have a really **** monitor I run off the headphone jack of the Apollo to check bass etc. Zero phase or latency issues coming out of the jack or through the SSL.
The two SSL mic pres – I hook them up to an XLR patchbay that has all my other mic pres hooked up to it. You could just get away with plugging XLR in and out if you don't have any more outboard.
The eight remaining inputs are multed on the patchbay, so Apollo channel 3-10 go into SSL input 1,2,3+4, 5+6, 7+8. For summing that really comes in handy. I can patch outboard gear between the Apollo and the SiX using the patchbay. Or just have the signals going straight in.
To track, just use the patchbay for all your line ins, or XLR for microphones.
Often I'll track vocals through a nice pre into a compressor then into the SSL (and add compression / eq / buss compression to taste). The patch bays make this really easy.
I also hook the LMC up to the patchbay and can run things through that if I want to.
The SSL master outs go back into the Apollo on Channel 5+6 (no point wasting an XLR in)
Hope I've helped and not confused, took me ages to work out my setup but patchbay is probably the best way to go without unplugging everything all the time.