Digi 003 Factory +

[m_atrix13]

So I have been using a Mbox 2 and recently just got the digi 003 + with the 8 mic pre amps and pro tools 8, and I have a drum mic set up and also seperate compressor and eq rack hardware. I have been trying to find somewhere online where I can connect my compressor and eq to the digi 003 and still be able to use all 8 xlr inputs for drum mics. Anyone know how to accomplish this task or am I looking at having to possibly but another mic preamp?

[DigiTechSupt]

If you want to be able to use all 8 XLR inputs, there's no really elegant way of using the EQ and compressor on input - for that you would need a separate preamp to bring the mic level up to line level before going into the EQ or compressor.

I'm assuming you want to compress and EQ before input, yes?

If not and you wanted to use the compression and EQ as inserts, you could patch them into the line outs/ins on the 003+ and, after you're done recording, switch the input selectors on the 003+ front panel to line and then use a hardware insert on the track to get the track out to the units and back into Pro Tools.

[m_atrix13]

I want to be able to compress and eq vocals and drums before sending the signal to the digi 003 which in turn would send it to my computer for recording. The only solution I have been able to think of is getting another mic preamp and connecting it to the compressor and eq through a loop or something then the mic preamp sending the signal to the digi 003.

[m_atrix13]

Oh and yes I want to EQ and Compress before input.

[rqstudio]

Originally Posted by m_atrix13

I want to be able to compress and eq vocals and drums before sending the signal to the digi 003 which in turn would send it to my computer for recording. The only solution I have been able to think of is getting another mic preamp and connecting it to the compressor and eq through a loop or something then the mic preamp sending the signal to the digi 003.

There are no "insert send and returns on the 003." The order would be, Pre, EQ. Comp, 003 line in's. Sounds like you need an 8 bus mixer or a bunch of pres w/ EQ and Comp. (like maybe the joemeek twin Q?)

[TOM@METRO]

Exactly, pre-amp first then eq/comp, then 003.

[m_atrix13]

I already have an EQ and Compressor with 2 channels and both channels have balanced and unbalanced input output connects, what kind of preamp should I be looking at with 8 mic inputs; when I record drums. Thank you guys again :)

[rqstudio]

Originally Posted by m_atrix13

I already have an EQ and Compressor with 2 channels and both channels have balanced and unbalanced input output connects, what kind of preamp should I be looking at with 8 mic inputs; when I record drums. Thank you guys again :)

Already answered that, Don’t think you’re going to find a single unit w/ 8 pres, 8 eqs, 8 comps! You’ll either need 4 of the units like I suggested (joemeek twin Q) or a mixer. You could probably find an 8 bus Mackie pretty cheap, but even then they don’t have onboard compressors! You’re asking a lot out of a thousand dollar recording studio. Consider the fact I have been in the business for over 20 years and have kept every piece of gear I ever purchased. I have a 24 bus analog board but still need to insert compressors if I want to compress each track. (You can check out www.rickqueststudio.com if you like.) Or you could purchase a digital mixer. You can get a good deal on a Tascam dm3200 but the analog outs are on an opitional card. (you could maybe use the ADAT outs to input 9~16 on the 003) Lots of options!!!
However, many engineers do not like recording with compression because you may squash the signal too much and not be able to get the ambiance back. I know what you’re saying, I always EQ my drums while recording, and often ad comp/limiters to my kick and snare, and always use soft compression on live vocals, but if I were you, (unless you’re REALLY serious and have a lot of $$$ to spend.) I’d just watch the meters while recording and leave the effects to post production.

[mblanton66]

A Focusrite ISA428 with the digital card option would be ideal. It would patch in via optical and get you the other 8 channels of input. Of course it only has 4 preamps (they're awesome btw) but has 4 more line in jacks (balanced and unbalanced) for conversion. The four preamps each have hardware inserts, exactly like you would need. I have mine connected to my 003 R+ this way and use RNC compressors as inserts on the ISA.
I went from an MBox to having 12 preamps. It's nice...