timidi

smallstonefan
 
 etc. covered.
 
What would you get?

I guess it depends what "etc." is:)
 

 
Say you got the front-end covered, and good monitors. So focusing on improving the mix...

Of course, the room is #1. We all know that yet keep going on with subpar acoustics. Well, I do anyway.
 
Actual Faders and real inline eq manipulation would be nice.
I don't know or understand fully the logistics of using a controller such as Mackie control or something but, in my mind, if I got something like that, it would need to be at least 16-24 channels and "just work". And from the various threads I've read over the years, it just seems more of a pain in the ass than what it's worth. Sure would be nice though.
 
Then there's always, good references, and practice, practice, practice.
 
Or, somehow turn the $5k into $100K and get a real mixer with full automation.

That´s a good question  which is álso interesting me 
cause I wonna upgrade my studio with hardware for mixing and mastering.
The 3 devices I will buy  next year are :
 Fredenstein Bento 6 lunchbox :
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Bento6S
Elysta x filter:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/xfilter500 and 
Elysia Xpressor:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/xpressor500
 
Ihave  heard the elysia hardware tools in a friends studio,
very impressing
.Its a nice upgrade  for a software based studio.
 

As much as I luve my software Maag EQ I wonder if  hardware version would be a big step up?

Cool stuff Pragi - and Bapu a real Maag? Yeah that would be cool!
 
I have enough mics and I actually record mostly guitar through my Fractal Axe FX II. While I could go for better monitors, the Adams were a YUUUUGE step up over the Behringers Truths I had. The room is already treated and tuned, and I have 16 channels of Mackie automated faders.
 
I'm thinking a pair of Warm Audio Pultecs for the master, a UAD Apollo 16 to add to my UAD Apollo Quad Silverface so that I could feed a Dangerous 2-Bus LT for analog summing. Another $1500 to play with and I'd snag an API 2500. 

I haven't loved my Audient ASP880. I wish I had shelled out the extra for this...
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/OctaMicXTC
 
Bapu has great thoughts. One of the DBXs he mentions has expanders. I will say, I use the expanders on the RME channels way more than I thought I would to reduce feedback when the band stops playing. I often can get a band dialed in without feedback and with fairly good vocal levels while they are jamming. When they stop, it can get dodgy. Using expanders on the vocal mics helps quiet them when the band pauses after a song.
 
I like Ribbon Mics coupled with KM184s. Everyone likes them coupled with dynamics. Dynamics are probably better for really loud stuff, but a ribbon and a small diaphragm condenser make a nice combination for quieter recordings. 
 
I've wanted a lunch box for a long time (nod to Pragi) and haven't pulled the trigger because it wasn't my top priority.
 
If you do much live, you might consider a channel strip...
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ShelfordCH
I've wanted to try this one.

Ok, how about a Maag EQ, API 2500, Warm Audio(LA-)2A and a Warm Audio(11)76.
 
And then for my birthday you can get me the Dangerous 2-Bus LT for analog summing.
 
OK, my wish list is complete, when will you send it all to me James?
 
I mean... you were asking so you'd know what to get me, right?

bapu
I mean... you were asking so you'd know what to get me, right?

Just like Santa Clause, but without elves to help me...
 
:)

Wow...I feel like I live in the Ghetto of mixing 

smallstonefan

bapu
I mean... you were asking so you'd know what to get me, right?

Just like Santa Clause, but without elves to help me...
 
:)

So Imma stay home every day from now until it all arrives (don't want to miss USPS, FedEx or UPS).