Hybrid Mixing Question

[Mahzinho]

Hi people, how are you? My name is Marcos and my question is the following:
Nowadays I mix ITB and want to buy for the future a mixer for do hybrid mixing. I was analyzing and as the sound is leaving from Pro Tools, going to the mixer and returned to Pro Tools, the correct is: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 (Outputs from the interface) to 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 (Inputs/Line Inputs from the mixer) and 1,2 (Outputs from the mixer) to 1,2 (1-2 inputs from the interface). If I do this and in Pro Tools do the same: ch 1 (output = not the main output of the interface, but output 1-2 linked to input 1-2 from the mixer), ch 2..., and all recording to one audio track with input 1-2 and output as normal output of the interface, it's correct? Do you think that one Soundcraft mixer or Behringer mixer with an 8-output interface/input will be great?

[64GTOBOY]

Just my opinion but I think the only good reason to come out of your DAW would be to go through a high dollar console. Maybe you've read about hybrid mixing and think you can improve your mixes but the fact is the sound quality of an inexpensive mixer such as you are talking about would not improve and could potentially harm the sound of your mixes. The people you hear of using hybrid mixing do it because they want the sound of say an SSL, Neve, or Amek channel input, eq, comp , etc , I suspect, usually to have the transformers coloration. Some consoles can also be used as a control for Pro Tools but if you aren't actually using a mixer for it's "sound", you would be better served by picking up an Avid/Pro Tools mixing surface. And if you're looking for the sound , then you will be better served by picking up channel strips/modules. Only my opinion!

[Mahzinho]

Originally Posted by 64GTOBOY

Just my opinion but I think the only good reason to come out of your DAW would be to go through a high dollar console. Maybe you've read about hybrid mixing and think you can improve your mixes but the fact is the sound quality of an inexpensive mixer such as you are talking about would not improve and could potentially harm the sound of your mixes. The people you hear of using hybrid mixing do it because they want the sound of say an SSL, Neve, or Amek channel input, eq, comp , etc , I suspect, usually to have the transformers coloration. Some consoles can also be used as a control for Pro Tools but if you aren't actually using a mixer for it's "sound", you would be better served by picking up an Avid/Pro Tools mixing surface. And if you're looking for the sound , then you will be better served by picking up channel strips/modules. Only my opinion!

Well, where I live (BR) all is expensive and I would try with a mixer of R$1.400,00 - R$2.000,00 ($29 is almost R$100,00). Well, I like analog, but I want something that won't consume so much in watts.

[amagras]

I would go with Waves NLS, it sounds as good and I can't stand the idea of depending of external hardware to recall my work anymore. It's also only $100R when on sale.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by amagras

I would go with Waves NLS, it sounds as good and I can't stand the idea of depending of external hardware to recall my work anymore. It's also only $100R when on sale.

My vote as well(or maybe Slate VCC). Going thru a high-end console, or a high-end analog summing box CAN impart some good qualities onto a mix. However, (and this is the great big "BUT") a cheap console(which is what you are talking about) is not likely to make anything sound better, and will complicate your workflow in a big way(probably in many ways that you haven't thought of). Many of the busiest and most famous(highest paid) mixers are now working completely in the box, so I suggest you hone the craft of mixing(experience is the best teacher) and worry less about the hardware

This is very similar to the question we see a lot where someone is just dying to insert some DBX or alesis compressor, or thinks they can do a better mix if they could only use that old Lexicon Alex unit.... The single most important piece of "hardware" is the person holding the mouse