Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
spindlebox
Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 2645
  • Joined: 2007/05/30 07:56:11
  • Location: Kansas City, MO
  • Status: offline
2015/02/25 18:43:11 (permalink)

Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW

OK, my brain is tired and I have never done this before - so I'm looking for some advice.
 
I have 16 channels of audio going from my AI's into a HARDWARE MIXER that I am using for summing.  I want to insert a Hardware Compressor on my mix buss.
 
I have L/R XLR Main outs coming out of the mixer.
 
I am thinking I would like to have my Hardware Compressor as an insert option via my patchbay, so I can use it for other things too.  But barring that, I have come up with the two following routing scenarios:

1)
  • Main Out (L/R) from Mixer into 2 Channels (Focusrite Pro 40), say 3 & 4.  
  • Direct Line out (3 & 4) from Focusrite (L/R) into 2 spots on the patchbay.
  • {THIS IS WHERE I WOULD INSERT THE COMPRESSOR}
  • 2 Lines from Patchbay back into Focusrite say, channels 1 & 2
  • into DAW - Stereo Print Track with receive from 1 & 2
  • RECORD on this Stereo Track Real time
 
2)
  • Main Out (L/R) from Mixer into Patchbay (XLR to 1/4" cable)
  • {THIS IS WHERE I WOULD INSERT THE COMPRESSOR}
  • 2 Lines from Patchbay to Focusrite, say channels 1 & 2
  • into DAW - Stereo Print Track with receive from 1 & 2
  • RECORD on this Stereo Track Real time
 
Advice?

Thank you!!
 


 
 
#1

6 Replies Related Threads
    tlw
    Max Output Level: -49.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2567
    • Joined: 2008/10/11 22:06:32
    • Location: West Midlands, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re: Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW 2015/02/25 22:51:57 (permalink)
    As far as I can see either routing should work.

    Personally I'd be inclined to put the compressor between mixer and interface simply to avoid an extra trip through the interface and any additional AD/DA conversion or gain staging involved. If the compressor accepts a balanced input (XLR or TRS) I'd also try and keep everything balanced, so I'd not use a patchbay if it's an unbalanced one.

    Sonar Platinum 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit, I7 3770K Ivybridge, 16GB Ram, Gigabyte Z77-D3H m/board,
    ATI 7750 graphics+ 1GB RAM, 2xIntel 520 series 220GB SSDs, 1 TB Samsung F3 + 1 TB WD HDDs, Seasonic fanless 460W psu, RME Fireface UFX, Focusrite Octopre.
    Assorted real synths, guitars, mandolins, diatonic accordions, percussion, fx and other stuff.
    #2
    AT
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10654
    • Joined: 2004/01/09 10:42:46
    • Location: TeXaS
    • Status: offline
    Re: Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW 2015/02/26 00:48:19 (permalink)
    Yea, the lack of inserts become a lot of trouble when your system grows.
     
    @

    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
    http://www.bnoir-film.com/  
     
    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
    24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
    #3
    spindlebox
    Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2645
    • Joined: 2007/05/30 07:56:11
    • Location: Kansas City, MO
    • Status: offline
    Re: Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW 2015/02/26 03:57:55 (permalink)
    tlw
    As far as I can see either routing should work.

    Personally I'd be inclined to put the compressor between mixer and interface simply to avoid an extra trip through the interface and any additional AD/DA conversion or gain staging involved. If the compressor accepts a balanced input (XLR or TRS) I'd also try and keep everything balanced, so I'd not use a patchbay if it's an unbalanced one.

    tlw
    As far as I can see either routing should work.

    Personally I'd be inclined to put the compressor between mixer and interface simply to avoid an extra trip through the interface and any additional AD/DA conversion or gain staging involved. If the compressor accepts a balanced input (XLR or TRS) I'd also try and keep everything balanced, so I'd not use a patchbay if it's an unbalanced one.




    That ws my concern too TLW, but considering my cable run is less than 13 feet would it really matter whether it is balanced/unbalanced?  I hear that it starts becoming a problem if you go more than 20 sound-wise.
     


     
     
    #4
    AT
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10654
    • Joined: 2004/01/09 10:42:46
    • Location: TeXaS
    • Status: offline
    Re: Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW 2015/02/26 10:54:05 (permalink)
    even short, unbalanced cable runs can be problematic if you live next to a radio or power station.  But if you don't hear anything at loud levels, you are probably OK.  Just keep the cabling as simple as possible.  The connectors are where a lot of problems creep in.

    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
    http://www.bnoir-film.com/  
     
    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
    24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
    #5
    spindlebox
    Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2645
    • Joined: 2007/05/30 07:56:11
    • Location: Kansas City, MO
    • Status: offline
    Re: Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW 2015/02/26 11:35:56 (permalink)
    Yes, well I build my own cables and use quality components. I am using shielded cable too. Balanced connections and runs no longer than 15 feet. Many much shorter.


     
     
    #6
    spindlebox
    Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2645
    • Joined: 2007/05/30 07:56:11
    • Location: Kansas City, MO
    • Status: offline
    Re: Routing Help - Main Mixer back into DAW 2015/03/07 04:21:19 (permalink)
    I actually have everything working now, and I have it set up where I can patch the compressor I am going to use as a BUSS compressor in my signal path during mixing and mixdown - if I so desire.  I wanted to do that so I could also use it - if desired - during tracking and for other things - so it's not a "one trick pony".  Short balanced patch cables is what I'm using.


     
     
    #7
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1