Thomas Lester wrote on Wed, 22 December 2004 11:31 |
I know that sounded like a strange question, so here's my preface:
80% of my recording background is all Analog. 2" 24 track or locked 48 Track analog mixing on SSL's or Neve's (and occasionally a harrison at one place). Over the last few years, I've worked on some lower budget project that have been all DAW based. I.e. tracked in the box, edited in the box, mixed in the box.
So.. my experience has been pure analog and pure DAW.
Now... I'm about to start a couple of projects that is going to be what most of you are probably used to. I'm going to track into the DAW (PT and with one project Nuendo), but I'll be mixing in SSL rooms (4000's on all but one project that'll be on a 9000J).
Do you guys only use the DAW as a multi track and editor or are you actually doing some of the mixing in the box, too? I.e. are you using plugs, effects, etc in the box? If so, how are you deciding what you mix on the desk (i.e. dynamics, efx, etc) vs. what you use in the box?
Just curious... my first thought was I'd do it just like I do when I'm mixing all analog.... but then I started thinking... and that lead me to this post.
Thanks, Thomas
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This really depends on taste. Like someone else said, tempo-timed effects like delays and filter sweeps are much easier in the box.
If there are certain plugins you like the sound of then that would be a reason to stay in the box. If there are external hardware you like then you would go out of the box.
For example, when working with protools into a console (especially if everything was tracked dry directly into the DAW), I like to run the bass through an external LA2A. I also like the sound of external reverbs much more than ITB verbs. So I'll get a couple external verbs setup on Aux sends on the console. I really like the sound of distressors on drum room mics, and there is no plugin that really sounds like a distressor...so I'll patch the drums through some distressors and maybe an API 550b here and there.
Conversely, Autotune is much easier to use inside PT. I really like the sound of the Soundtoys UltraFX (Filterfreak, PhaseMistress, etc) so I'll usually opt for using those in the box than trying to find something external to get the same sound.
personally I am not a huge fan of SSL consoles (Although I wouldn't be bitching if someone were to give me one!). But that's just me...so depending on the sound you're getting you might want to use more EQs from the console, or from the DAW.
I usually use the console automation because I hate trying to draw it in with a mouse. But plugin automation, unless you have an HUI, obviously has to be done with a mouse.
One other thing I take into consideration is the type of protools system I am going to be using. I like the sound of the HD systems moreso than the Mix systems and the HD systems have a lot more power. If it's a Mix system, I might try ot do more on the console than in the box...if it's an HD system I might opt for in the box first if it's going to require less setup time.
But in the end, it has to sound good regardless. If you're used to getting really good sounds while mixing strickly analog then so be it. Use PT as a tape deck and do everything outside. but if there are specific tools you know and like that are in the box then you mix and match. There are no rules on this subject.