I'm currently using a hybrid mixing setup, sending 10 stems out of the computer that are compressed and EQ'd by hardware, that get sent to a passive mixer with makeup gain provided by mic preamps. I love the way this setup sounds, but there is one major limitation: the ability to control the level of each stem after EQ and compression. If I want to increase the volume of one of the busses, the only option I have is increasing the level on the DAW, but that affects the level and the tone of the hardware (and the compressors just compress more, undoing the level increase).
What I would like to add to the setup would be a box with 10 faders to control levels before they hit the mixer. I've read several threads where folks were wanting to implement similar things, but haven't found an answer that addresses my particular situation. I guess I have a few options:
1. buy this box: http://www.speck.com/viafader/viafader.html this seems to be what I want, but the 10 fader version is about $1600. I think that's a little steep, but not sure?
2. use faders in a passive box
3. use faders with active electronics to improve performance. I've built quite a bit of my gear, but don't know exactly how to do this. Looked for ideas online, but there seems to be a lot of options, and not sure what would be best practice for my situation.
I've attached a diagram that might clarify my setup and where I want the faders.
Thanks in advance,
Craig
What I would like to add to the setup would be a box with 10 faders to control levels before they hit the mixer. I've read several threads where folks were wanting to implement similar things, but haven't found an answer that addresses my particular situation. I guess I have a few options:
1. buy this box: http://www.speck.com/viafader/viafader.html this seems to be what I want, but the 10 fader version is about $1600. I think that's a little steep, but not sure?
2. use faders in a passive box
3. use faders with active electronics to improve performance. I've built quite a bit of my gear, but don't know exactly how to do this. Looked for ideas online, but there seems to be a lot of options, and not sure what would be best practice for my situation.
I've attached a diagram that might clarify my setup and where I want the faders.
Thanks in advance,
Craig