Laying out mixes on a console

[snakebit]

Hi,

Please excuse my ignorance!

I was wondering how you go about laying out mixes from pro tools onto a console.

I am using Pro Tools 9.0.5 thru an MBox Pro 3rd gen and I have a Soundcraft EFX12 mixing desk.

Can I do this? Or what equipment is required if I can't?

Thank you in anticipation of your advice!

Jamie

[Emcha_audio]

You would need an interface that has enough outputs to fit your console inputs and that interface would need enough inputs to receive the signal from the mixer + the main out. You would also need a patch bay so that you can do the necessary routing. The patch bay will have to be set to full normal so that when you insert your xlr or trs cable it will break the signal coming from your daw to the mixer and allow you to feed the mixer with what ever you are recording.

You want your master fader on the console to be sent back into pro tools so that you can record back in pro tools the mix you are doing on the console.

If you find this too confusing you might want to consider getting a controller instead, that will enable you to control pro tools and mix with the provided faders of the controller. At the moment I wouldn't recommend the artist series because of the bug in the eucon 3 drivers that prevents them from working, and in some cases reverting back to 2.7.1 doesn't help.

The Behringer B-Control Fader BCF2000 is a good low cost alternative, there's the mackie control universal pro which is more expensive, but it gives you a better control of pro tool than the Behringer. There are other options but they all get more expensive with the more options they have.

[nst7]

What he said.


In your situation, it wouldn't be worth bothering with, because you have so few outputs on the Mbox Pro. You need two for your monitors, so that leaves you with only 4 mono outputs (or 2 stereo pairs).

If it's just the idea of using faders, then look into the suggestions about control surfaces.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by nst7

What he said.


In your situation, it wouldn't be worth bothering with, because you have so few outputs on the Mbox Pro. You need two for your monitors, so that leaves you with only 4 mono outputs (or 2 stereo pairs).

If it's just the idea of using faders, then look into the suggestions about control surfaces.

Agree 100%. Analog summing can be great, but you want to use several outputs(at least 8) and feed a really good mixer or summing box. If its mixing ability you want, a controller would do nicely. If you want analog "warmth", spend the money on Slate's VTM plugin.

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by albee1952

If you want analog "warmth", spend the money on Slate's VTM plugin.

And speaking of slate has anyone seen the new MTi touchscreen control surface

Looks nice smaller scale that the raven and the price is smaller also

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by YYR123

And speaking of slate has anyone seen the new MTi touchscreen control surface

Looks nice smaller scale that the raven and the price is smaller also

I read about it but have yet to see it. I know the Raven is too much money, and Mac-only(and after sitting at one for 30 minutes, I'm not so sure I really want that one...too much arm reaching.....). If the MT1 works with Windows, it could be a serious contender for my cash Someone else just posted a pick of their setup using a pair of Acer touchscreens, and that looks very interesting(and lots cheaper).

[YYR123]

Yeah they did look nice I saw them

[guitardom]

Originally Posted by albee1952

I read about it but have yet to see it. I know the Raven is too much money, and Mac-only(and after sitting at one for 30 minutes, I'm not so sure I really want that one...too much arm reaching.....). If the MT1 works with Windows, it could be a serious contender for my cash Someone else just posted a pick of their setup using a pair of Acer touchscreens, and that looks very interesting(and lots cheaper).

right now the MTI is mac only. Already looked.....

[sunburst79]

Originally Posted by albee1952

I read about it but have yet to see it. I know the Raven is too much money, and Mac-only(and after sitting at one for 30 minutes, I'm not so sure I really want that one...too much arm reaching.....). If the MT1 works with Windows, it could be a serious contender for my cash Someone else just posted a pick of their setup using a pair of Acer touchscreens, and that looks very interesting(and lots cheaper).

That did look interesting.

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by snakebit

Hi,

Please excuse my ignorance!

I was wondering how you go about laying out mixes from pro tools onto a console.

I am using Pro Tools 9.0.5 thru an MBox Pro 3rd gen and I have a Soundcraft EFX12 mixing desk.

Can I do this? Or what equipment is required if I can't?

Thank you in anticipation of your advice!

Jamie

The real question is why? What are you hoping to achieve by doing this? Knowing that will help folks here help you most.

Are you looking for just Pro Tools fader control? Plugin control or other control? (bzzzzt, sorry can't do any of those). Access to mic preamps/line level inputs from the Soundcraft? Access to on board effects from the Soundcraft? recording the mixed live output of the soundcraft like the Mbox was a tape machine? Routing Mbox outputs through the soundcraft and using it as an outboard mixer (I doubt you would with that unit, but its a real thing with many analog consoles) etc.

The Soundcraft is not a HUI console, its a live mixer, so can't remote control the faders in Pro Tools. Which is what my guess is you are after. It is likely the most productive thing you can do is not to waste time setting up and learning to use any controller and just use the mouse.


Darryl