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Posted on Mar 08, 2009 01:10 am
Midi-Ian
Member Since: Mar 08, 2009
I just joined HRC literally 5 minutes ago because I am trying to set up a home studio/live rig and may need some help. I have been pricing out and figuring it out for quite some time now and just ran into a bit of a snag.
To start, I am planning on getting a new Macbook. As for my interface, a 003rack is best for my price range, and since I'm partial to Protools. I was then looking into getting a 16 channel live board, something like a Mackie 1604 VLZpro, and using the direct outs to go into Protools (and still having the board for the house mix at a show). I know that the 003 only has 8 analog inputs, so I was going to get something like a behringer ada8000, basically just as an A/D converter and run the last 8 outputs of the mixer through it at line level.
The problem I am running into now is that I realize that the mackie only has 8 direct outs. I mean, at the risk of sounding like a noob, I suppose I could always give up my aux sends and use those to send another 4 channels to protools. Then maybe send the last 4 channels to the 4 busses and use the outputs of the 4 busses to protools as well. But I'm hoping anyone can suggest a better board with 16 direct outs. (Something that I can pick up used for roughly the same price as the Mackie). Mind you, I am hoping to have this for studio use as well, so I'm looking for something with at least decent preamps. EQs isnt as big a deal, because I'll be using those more specifically for live situations and less for studio work.
Does that all make sense? Alright cool.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 08, 2009 09:21 pm A board with 16 direct outs even used will cost a bit more the the Mackie. That isn't something that is normally found on budget minded boards. Although you can find some mixer's with inserts that can be used as direct outs.
I'm running a bit behind at the moment. But either I or someone will be along to help dig you ups some info on what might work for you.
Mar 08, 2009 09:32 pm Hey...I have an older Mackie 1604 VLZ and it too only has 8 direct outs. However, as Noize states above, each channel has an insert, which can be used as a direct out (I have done it with my Mackie). Essentially, an insert is and "in" and and "out" in one jack. So, all you need to do is plug the cable into the insert until you hear/feel the first click. Now you are getting the output from that channel.
This may be oversimplifying things, but that's basically how it works.
Good luck, and welcome to HRC!!
Jim
Mar 09, 2009 01:03 am Yes, I read up on the Mackie website in their online manual and using the inserts should work fine. Especially since the 8 direct outs are post-fader, and I really don't want to be recording the boards EQs from a live set into Protools. I mean, I'm sort of losing the opportunity to throw a compressor or something on that insert, but it could be worse. Especially because the next best board I was looking at was a soundcraft fx16 which does have 16 direct outs, but also costs about double the price. Yes, I think I'll stick with a $400 Mackie.
By the by, does anyone know if the pres on the Mackie are any good? I've heard mixed reviews.
Mar 09, 2009 01:59 pm Actually, other than the plethora of routing options that my Mackie gives me, the thing I like best about it are the preamps! I have used other preamps in other mixers and interfaces, but they all pale in comparison to the warmth of those sixteen delicious preamps on my Mackie.
Jim
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 09, 2009 04:26 pm Yep, the pre's on the Mackie are really pretty good.
