Question regarding mixer, a preamp and my audio interface.
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Posted on Jun 21, 2006 02:54 pm
CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member Since: Jun 20, 2006
Ok, this is long winded, thanks ahead of time for reading.
For the last couple years I have been recording through an 8 channel digital pre-amp (i know, I can't afford analog... yet) directly into my Layla 24/96.
Although I usually use drumagog for sound replacement on most heavier musical types, for certain types of music nothing beats true blue drum tone.
My line of thinking (which may be way off) was that I buy a passive mixer (it has 8 ins and 8 outs) and do the following. Mics -> Pre-Amp -> Mixer -> Laya. This way I can actually EQ things before they are ever recorded. I had some clipping issues which have been resolved but I'm not sure if it was done the right way.
My Questions:
1) Does it benefit me to EQ the drums before they are recorded or would post processing provide me the same result.
2) On my volume settings, should I be cranking my pre-amps and then bring down volumes on the mixer, or should I bring the pre-amps down and crank the mixer.
3) Was I dumb to even put this mixer in the.... mix, and should I just go back to pre-amp -> layla and do post processing. Or maybe even remove the pre-amp and just go mixer -> Layla.
I'm a noob and I'm lost, help?
Thanks,
CptTripps
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 21, 2006 03:19 pm A mixer should have preamps built in. Mine does, as do most I see.
That would remove the external preamp from the chain, possibly using it for something else.
Or , the preamp you're using may be better than the ones built into the mixer. Not sure.
I eq things in the PC. I'm thinking that the EQs in the pc are much better than the 3 band on my mixer. I can use para in the PC, changing EQ points, Q, how many, etc. Also, you can change the eq settings after you recorded, if in the PC. Once you record the track without something (from the mixer) then it's gone forever. Boosting to get it back isn't nearly as nice.
Always have the first thing in the chain as hot as possible, without clipping. This ensures the best signal-to-noise ratio.
Seems to me that the mixer won't make anything better than what you have now. Maybe routing, and flexibility would be improved, and possibly the preamps, but not for sure.
What preamp do you use?
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 21, 2006 05:33 pm My pre-amp is a 99$ nady 8 channel digi. It sux.
So even on an unpowered mixer it should still have pre-amps (I didn't try, I assumed unpowered meant no pre's either)? If that's the case I can almost guarantee that the ART 1608 has better Pre's than the Nady.
Sigh, I'm a musician, not a technician and boy does it show. Oh well, I still have fun :)
Thanks for the info, and yes... removing freq's before recording does indeed take away something that cannot be added later, good point (i should have though of that :)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 21, 2006 10:03 pm Well if you follow the gain staging rules you will have the pre amps higher then the mixer. The signal should have the gain highest for the first device in the signal chain then progressivly lower as the chain moves through each device. Now it doesnt allways work out that way, but it should be the way to get the best sound quality into your recording application.
Now keep in mind though that software level settings may seem higher, but they are not. They dont really add any make up gain, they just allow more signal through.
As for EQing before recording. I rarely if ever do it. It is much easier to EQ after the recording is done. That way you dont have to redo a complete take just because the EQ was not what you expected.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 22, 2006 09:30 am Unpowered means you won't be able to drive speakers directly. You would need some sort of power amp. The outputs are only line level. For recording, this is more what you want.
Most unpowered mixers offer some number of xlr preamp inputs. Like on the mg16/4, there's 8 xlr inputs, to which I tap each signal out from the insert point (first click). Works quite well.
Quote:
Sigh, I'm a musician, not a technician and boy does it show. Oh well, I still have fun :)
I think, like most of us here, we're all learning. You're becoming more of a tech whether you like it or not =).
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 22, 2006 12:21 pm Well, last night I ripped the Nady out of the mix. Now I run Mics -> Mixer -> Layla. I was pleasantly suprised, I'm thinking the pre's are definitely higher quality and even if the same, working on a mixing board for dialing things in is much much easier than those little tiny knobs which sit close to the floor in my rack.
I'm leaving the EQ's all at zero by popular request and the simple fact that it just makes sense. My drum tracks were not shabby but my guitar tracks sound much thicker and cleaner.
Thanks for the info all. Good site, friendly, helpfull, and nobody down talking. Glad to have found it.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 22, 2006 12:50 pm outstanding. it's great when stuff works out better, specially when there's confusion going in.
'CptTripps', is that from 'The Stand'?
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 22, 2006 01:20 pm Indeed it is, although my origination for it is from Anthrax - Among the living. I think King used it in the same context though.
Anthrax "With the help of captain trips, he'll bring the world down to it's knees." *insert 80's metal cry here*
Anyway, back on track, can't wait to get home tonight and mess around some more, thanks for the help all. Next I am going to get some of those little ART Tube compressors, then I will have even more questions!!
