001 pres or Mackie pres???

[QuikDraw]

I have a 1604VLZ (not the 'Pro' model) and an ADAT XT20. When I only need 2 or fewer mics and I don't desire insert compression I just use the Digi 001 pres. They sound good to me. A little crisper and brighter that the Mackie pres. The Mackie sounds smoother to me. I actually like the Digi pres better for most things, but the difference is slight.

When I'm tracking drums I use the Mackie's first 8 channels' direct outs into the ADAT using a balanced snake and then I run the ADAT lightpipe into the Digi 001 with PTLE synced to the ADAT. I usually use 10 or more drum mics so I also use the Digi pres, usually on Hi-Hat and bottom snare since they sound more crisp than the Mackie to me. Then if I need more mics I'll use the Mackie channels 9 - 16 with an unbalanced cable plugged halfway in to the Mackie's insert points on each track.

That gives me 16 tracks, all with decent sounding mic pres.

I don't really have a preference between the Digi and Mackie pres. If I'm going for a consistant sound I'll use the Mackie because there's more of them to use simultaneously. If I only need a channel or two and I don't feel like hooking up the Mackie I just use the Digi pres and I'm perfectly happy with the sound.

Mike

[Bassart]

At least in my studio the Digi Pre's sound just as good as the VLZ's and I like the convenience.

But a lot depends on other things.

The important thing is the flexibility.

Thanks for the tip though. I might give the direct outs a try.

Bob

[Rock_Artist]

The 001 pres "do the job" still they're a little cold compared to simple mixer pres...
espeically when u need true 48+ phantom.
the aux way is the best if u don't have direct-out but if u need more channels you must use the 001 pres or a better solution.

[Adam Denston]

Thanks for the info...

I guess I missed the direct outs, I remember looking but not finding anything??? Maybe I need glasses [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Adam Denston]

Yea I'm tryin to mike up this drum kit...
I have 2 neve 1272's so i'm using those on the kick and snare (AT kick mic and sm57 snare)
Got one of those old TL Audio compressor/mic pres using those for the over heads (couple of AT 4050's). And 001's get the toms (421's)and I was using the mackie for the rooms which is this funky "head mic". Its a stereo pizio mic thats suppose to simulate a human head. sounds pretty good I guess. Maybe I should use the mackie on the over heads??? If anyone can think of a better way to do this let me know.

[Adam Denston]

Couple of qestions...

I have a 1604 and just wondering if I should use those pres insted of the 001's 1 and 2 input pre's.

That said, if the mackie is prefered, what is the best out to use with the mackie to just use the bare bones of the pre? Main out, Aux out? I don't think the 1604 has direct outs for each channel.

Thanks in advance,
Adam

[Bassart]

I use 2 1202's in the studio not the latest"Pro" the model before that and I find the Digi pre's to be just as good and quieter. That said I use balanced cables from the main out and Alt 3/4 on the Mackie's for all my line gear.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Ultraslide]

Hey Bob
I have a similar setup with a Mackie 1202 (original) and I run the 1202 inserts direct out to the Digi001 , sometimes even using the Digi ins 1&2. Seems to me to be a better sound than the Digi pre's. Not mucho better, but better. Maybe cause I bypass the rest of the 1202 board??

curious?!

the 'slide

[img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[SSRJazz]

I have a 1604 VLZ that has direct outs for the first 8 channels. Beyond that, I have an ADAT and I run the mics into the 1604, use the AUX sends (there's 6)to go to the ADAT then lightpipe it back to the digi001

Did a 10 track session this way recently. Worked well and sounded great

[fresh_meat]

im pretty sure that board has direct outs on every channel. you just have to use the channel inserts and only put the cable in one click not all the way.