jamest748
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Mixer?
Hi,
Instead of automating tracks in Sonar using my mouse (which is really tricky to do accurately!) I'm looking for a mixer so I can do things literally by hand that is physically in front of me!
Does that make sense?
Is that esentially what a mixer is used for? Bit naieve. Anyway, my real question is; if I have a single channel mixer (like the V-Studio 100) then can I just select which track I want to automate and it assigns it to the fader on the unit to do it by hand? Or am I better off getting something more basic? All I need is one fader to play with automation?
Sorry for the vague-ness of the question and thanks in advance for your help.
Cheers,
James
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FastBikerBoy
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From your description it sounds like you are after a control surface rather than a mixer. A control surface will allow you to control many elements within Sonar such as faders, pan pots, mute/solo buttons etc. Some mixers do come with this ability but they tend to be expensive. If it is a control surface IMHO there is no better value piece of gear than the Behringer BCF2000. If you use that in Mackie mode combined with a qwerty keyboard you'll have control of almost everything within Sonar. More details on the BCF here. I also wrote a user guide here which will give you an idea of it's capabilities. Although I now use a Mackie MCU, the differences aren't huge given the price difference. A quote I claim fame to is "BCF2000, 90% of the functions of an MCU at 10% of the price". I'm sure you'll get differing opinions from other users but while there are 'better' control surfaces on the market (the MCU for example), there's none as good value as the BCF. IMHO of course..........
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jamest748
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Thanks mate, nice bike! My username doesn't hide the fact that my bike is a Ducati!
I'll look into the Behringer...always had a soft spot for their gear!
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FastBikerBoy
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Oh got the 748 now....
Yeah Behringer have a bit of a bad rep in some parts but I've had several bits of their gear and never had a problem with any of it so far. The BCF is a gem. I use mine as an ACT controller now but the Mackie mode is the way to go for Sonar control.
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Bonzos Ghost
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What about using clip/track envelopes? That's the most accurate way if you want things bang on. Using a mouse to control a virtual fader in the console view is not the recommended way to do it.
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jamest748
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Cool, how do I go about using a track envelope?
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Bonzos Ghost
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Right click on a clip, select envelopes and select clip envelope. Select gain or pan. Add some nodes. Right click on the envelope line that is now showing on the clip. Track envelopes also let you to add automation and eq envelopes. I prefer working with clip envelopes for basic gain and pan adjustments. A track envelope will create an envelope from start to finish. A clip envelope creates an envelope only for the specific clip you clicked. Takes awhile to get the hang of it at first, but it allows you total control of your mix.
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jamest748
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Cool, cheers for the info mate I'll have a go at that later...
In the meantime I've actually got my eye on an old MCU going for a very reasonable price!
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FastBikerBoy
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If you can get an MCU you will find it a revelation. I can't imagine working without a control surface. IMHO a nightmare and I can't understand how others manage it, or how I did before I had one.
Once learnt the speed increases are huge.........
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jamest748
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Actually, after researching heavily into a control surface, I ended up finding an MCU PRO in America which I've bought!!
Thanks for your help, looking forward to using it...
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ChuckC
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ADK Built DAW, W7, Sonar Platinum, Studio One Pro,Yamaha HS8's & HS8S Presonus Studio/Live 24.4.2, A few decent mic pre's, lots of mics, 57's,58 betas, Sm7b, LD Condensors, Small condensors, Senn 421's, DI's, Sans Amp, A few guitar amps etc. Guitars : Gib. LP, Epi. Lp, Dillion Tele, Ibanez beater, Ibanez Ergodyne 4 String bass, Mapex Mars series 6 pc. studio kit, cymbals and other sh*t. http://www.everythingiam.net/ http://www.stormroomstudios.com Some of my productions: http://soundcloud.com/stormroomstudios
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