Does anyone know a way to setup a talkback mic...

[Allbaldo]

I tried the search function, but came up with nothing usefull so...

What I want to do is setup a talkback mic in my studio, and in my control room that's on all the time, allowing easy communication with the performers, but will shut off when I hit play or record. Kind of like the talkback mic on an SSL console. Has anyone figured out a way to do this? Thanks!!

[Drew Mazurek]

use an aux input with a gate (set to duck) on it that is keyed by a bus that you assign several of your tracks to. when the tracks play the ducker keeps aux track muted. i used to do this with the TC track back in the tape days.

[Steve MacMillan]

Is the only gate that has a duck mode the Drammer?

STeve

[Shawn Simpson]

I actually use a compressor for this purpose instead of a gate because most plug-in gates don't have a duck function. If you set the threshold low enough and the ratio high enough it accomplishes pretty much the same thing.

[JSR]

Hi,

I know the question is asking how to do this within Pro Tools but I'd just like to share with you that I just purchased a Dangerous Monitor ST, and it's been one of the most useful pieces of gear I have bought in some time. Solves all kinds of headaches, and generally makes life a lot easier; especially when dealing with artists and cue monitoring.

Check it here: http://dangerousmusic.com/

- JSR

[bruceup]

Ever since I went 'boardless' and use a Coleman Audio M3 monitor control (which has no talkback function), I use a Shure 522 dispatch mic going into an aux channel that's always on (the mic has a momentary on-off switch) and can be assigned anywhere you need. I use it for ISDN communication as well. Kind of Neanderthal, but it works:

http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/522.asp

[Jeremy Mix3000]

Another option for Talkback is The Mackie Big Knob. It's not as nice as the Dangerous Monitor ST but it only costs about $280.00 It's worth checking out. It won't however automatically switch on and off as you go into Record or Play.