out of interest ...

[PAEBAC]

how many of you are using a mixing desk in your studios ? Do you find big advantages ... do you think it's worth investing in one other than just mixing tracks down with the computer alone ?

[DJ-DS]

i would love one
from what people tell me its alot easier
plus i reckon it will stop ya lhavin to look at fuckin comp moniters all the time and its alot easier to move a slider with you hand than using a mouse


try borowing one b4 u buy ?
or see if your local shop will let you try one(wich they should do)

[Mike]

For me, mixing desk is best. Having faders, pots and 48 inputs on my desk that I can touch is sound. When I wanna tweek a few things its done in seconds. I can insert things like a guitar pedal on a synth without fuckin about on various screens. Nothing better. Only downside is fucking about with wires and patchbays if ya've got a few keyboards, drum machines, sound modules..etc

Best desk Ive had the pleasure of using is the big SSL desk at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool. Now thats a desk, fully automated moving faders..etc. Probably about half a million quid though, so its not that often you get to touch one of them. Dont think you'd ever get anything vertual that could compete with the sound of that.

If ya've got about £300 - 500 to spend then its worth gettin a decent-ish 2nd hand desk. But like DS says, maybe try one out first.

This is 'room one' at Parr Street with the whopper of a desk. How fucked would ya be if ya spilt your mug of coffee on that fucker!! Could never replace that with something vertual.

[RobC]

Check that for some serious studio monitoring setup!

[PAEBAC]

ok ... but what I am really considering is my own situation ..I work totally with software so no outboard gear and no hardware at all ..the way I see technology advancing in the software world I can't see buying a mixing desk as a very good investment as I am only running software and surely mixing everything down in the computer can be no worse than using a desk in this kind of situation?!?!?

[Sol]

There's nothing wrong with mixing inside a computer.

I think it's easier with a desk plus the sound of the pre-amps in the certain desks give it that different sound.

[RobC]

Sol's right, an analogue desk is still the purists choice, as people still do strive do capture that analogue 'sound' in their mixes. The same argument applies to the old plugins vs. outboard debate. i very much doubt any plugin can deliver the same warmth as a good quality piece of outboard hardware (lexicon, focusrite, etc.). There is still a huge market for good quality analogue gear.

And to be completely honest, if your thinking about buying a desk now, would you really want to miss out on the 50 years+ plus of engineering experience and expertise that has gone into the manufacture of a modern analogue desk (mackie/soundcraft/yamaha, etc.). People have been using analogue mixers for this length of time for a reason, they're the most flexible choice and they offer that level of 'hands-on' control that you don't get using just plugins.

Fuck it, you've got a computer. Buy a desk and you'll have the best of both worlds! There are some great deals on analogue gear around mo.

:guitar:

[Mike]

Originally posted by PAEBAC
ok ... but what I am really considering is my own situation ..I work totally with software so no outboard gear and no hardware at all ..the way I see technology advancing in the software world I can't see buying a mixing desk as a very good investment as I am only running software and surely mixing everything down in the computer can be no worse than using a desk in this kind of situation?!?!?
Yeah, If I was you id stick to the virtual mixer what your using now, Sols right, nothin wrong with that. There's really is no reason for you to get a mixer at the mo. If ya get a bit of outboard gear you could always get hold of one of those small rack-mount mixers like what Mackie do. They're very good and quiet.
I use a mixer coz I've got loads of stuff to plug in, too much for the amount of inputs I have, so I have ended up with everything going to patchbays. Can be a nightmare when trying to find out "where that buzzing noise is coming from".

My studio partner suffers from that problem a lot more at his place. He has about 25+ analogue synths, and racks of modules/outboard gear from the floor to the ceiling, so sometimes a days writing-time can be spent trying to track down a mains hum or just getting something to work with a MIDI converter. And that's obviously no fun.

As always with most studio's there a balance somewhere between the two. So we'll use the virtual stuff too, which I think you should stick to for now.
One thing I would say is great about the virtual software is that you can get some great mastering tools, which can give your master that expensive sounding finish, just like you get in a massive top level studio with a great desk.
:guitar:

[Dexter1210]

You could always try a midi/usb controller, its usefull for getting that more hands on feel without splashing out on a desk.