For discussion about setting up your studio and advice on the gear and equipment within it.
By hotnix Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:48 pm
Hi folks,

I need some advice on setting up my work flow. I'd like to keep the 2000xl as master, I have the 8 outs with smpte, I'd also like to incorporate my mg 614 4 track recorder and Dbx 160xt compressor before the audio hits logic. Also, I'm looking at buying an novation 61 sl mk II or a Arturia keylab 61 to use within logic. Don't know what one I want yet, that analog lab software is tempting.

I'd like to be able to use the 4 track/ compressor combo to dirty up the drums a little bit before they hit the DAW.

Should I use the smpte on my Mpc or on my MG 614?

Any advice would be great thanks.

Sent from Olliewood, Storrs, CT
By Clint Wed Apr 09, 2014 6:55 pm
I can see no reason to use SMPTE at all, so I'll ignore that.

On the MG614 you have 2 FX sends and an insert point, per channel. Plus of course, you have the tape recorder itself which may provide some tape 'saturation' or 'compression' effect if used.

So would you be using your compressor as an insert to one channel, or as a bus compressor?

As an insert to one channel, you'd want to use the MG614 'ACC SND/RCV'
As a bus compressor, you'd want to use the MG614 EFFECT SEND & EFFECT RCV.

However, the MG614 does not have direct channel outputs to feed your Presonus Firebox, it has master stereo output. There are 4 track outputs for the tape recorder section. So you may decide to record your drums to TAPE with or without compression, and then feed those 4 tape outputs to your Firebox/Logic Pro 9.

I suppose there are several ways to achieve what you want, you'll just have to try and see what works. Compression won't 'dirty up' your drums, but the MG614 analogue signal path, parametric EQ and tape section most likely will.

For more on the MG614 go here...viewtopic.php?f=11&t=165484