Analog console for mpc 2000 classic

Retro Styles wrote:I'm tending to soundcraft but still can't say what is more important to me, the swept lows but no direct outs or the d. outs but no swept lows. The m12 is very good but has pre eq direct outs as I know.
Thanks for your replies

You don´t need direct outs for mixing down your MPC outs. And keep in mind that you´ll need an audio interface with a lot of inputs if you want to use direct outs of a console.

I had a Soundcraft Spirit Studio 16 once. It sounds nice, is build like a tank and has some nice features. The only downside imho is the lack of a EQ bypass switch.

The EQ on this console sounds really nice. Used it to fatten the lows and to bring in some air. And btw, the lows are sweepable...

Retro Styles wrote:Thanks guys but I don't know yet.
A question to all those who use mpc with mixer, do you guys wish to have swept lows more often than your swept mids?
Oh, in the mackie the lows are at 100Hz, that is to high for bass, I say that based in my mixing experience.
Sorry for being so tiring with my questions.

On my model its 80Hz. You can sweep the mids from as low as 100hz. It is pretty basic, but sounds nice enough to me. It's really about the workflow for me. The MPC/analog mixer combo just feels good.

If you want you can also just invest in an analogue summing mixer. With an Analogue summing mixer you can still work with your DAW and just have the outputs go through the analogue summing and back into your final mix of your soundcard. The advantage I've experienced so far was I can drive channels hard and get better headroom out of my mix.

@v00d00ppl several good points man.

Having a dope console isn't really going to mean anything if you have nowhere to record it to. I'm fortunate enough to have an RME Multiface II that I can record all 8 outs in one shot but there are other cards we can find to accomplish the same goal.

I'm with pull-over and peterpiper. You can do both, mix with a console and a DAW but it is important to know what goal you want to accomplish. The plugins available on our DAWS are too dope to pass up though.

Retro Styles wrote:I'm tending to soundcraft but still can't say what is more important to me, the swept lows but no direct outs or the d. outs but no swept lows. The m12 is very good but has pre eq direct outs as I know.
Thanks for your replies

you can use inserts (half inserted) as direct outs. might help ya

mr_debauch wrote:

pull-over wrote:ditch the romantic idea with the console and buy a soundcard with enough ins, and mix in the box. the Eq s on budget mixer are just weak. Any standard eq in a daw is way better then an eq on a cheap Mackie or behringer console. if you wanna mix with hardware get a api lunchbox .
it s 2015 there are absolutely stunning virtual EQs .

I agree with this.


As for sweepable mids vs lows... I would pick mids. The low band at 100 doesn't mean it only affects 100hz and nothing 99 or below and 101 and above.... it has a curve. With the sweepable mid, you can cut it down above 100 and the low band will boost below. if that isn't good enough then a channel EQ isn't the tool for the job. Maybe you need a 1/3 octave EQ or two... however I suggest the interface over all of that.... that way when mixing in the daw, the EQ wont be destructive and can be changed to fit the mix.

yup.

i ditched my mixer (actually swapped it for a SP202) and just have 16 channels of inputs on my interface. With some DAWS you can monitor with FX, so if i want to EQ something, i load the DAW and make edits and save the project (even if its empty) then once i bounce (you can track dry with monitoring FX) i can edit away. Too many times with my desk id be faded and make a mix only to discover in the morning that it sounds like mud and i got REALLY sick of re-tracking things.

Thanks guys you are really helping me. I finally find what I want. My first choice is to buy a soundcraft spirit studio 16, if I can't buy this console for any reason I 'll buy a soundcraft spirit live 16. I'm stuck by the name, I know but...
the final mix will be into tape.
Thanks guys a lot
Peace.

@mrbrown: I can't find easily vintage consoles near in my region and the shipping costs are an issue.

the new rme soundcard have also dsp. effects like an eq

Thanks for the reply pull-over
My dreams are falling apart, i can't bring the spirit studio in Greece due it's very heavy.
Guys, my last question (I hope) a mackie 1604 vlz pro with xdr mic preamps does it worth its money, cause are plenty in Greece, against a spirit live?
Something else, does the xdr preamps affect the line signal from the mpc or they're just mic preamps?

Thought I would post here instead of starting a new thread. I'm in the process of putting a setup together which would consist of an MPC 2500, S3000XL and a synth or two. I've got everything more or less figured out except the mixing part.

So my question is: do I need a mixing desk or is a good audio interface the better option? I have little experience with mixdowns etc. and I have no problem with working ITB (for the mixing part at least).

I've been looking at the Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro, which I can get for a decent price, is that a worthwhile purchase? If not, what are some audio interfaces you guys would recommend (with enough inputs that I wouldn't want to upgrade after a year)?

Just looking for any advice/thoughts, thanks in advance.

Audio interface. Get one with 8 inputs at least.

I have a 1402 VLZ Pro, and wouldn't be without it. The EQ is fine and I've used it to distort things beyond comprehension, or just to give a little more bite. In fact that's one of the things I've never fully recreated with VSTs. Only my VLZ gives me that option. I haven't used any other analogue desks so I can't comment.

The send/return is also useful because I have a little outboard comp so again it offers flexibility with the addition of the aforementioned distortion and EQ.

I also have a Mackine Onyx audio interface, and it's a completely different beast. The pre-amps are clean, so again I can use the compressor on an insert and get a completely different result.

So it's horses for courses. I think in the long run they'd both serve you well for different reasons. But for me I'd start with a good interface, especially if it's mixdowns you're concentrating on.

Thanks for your input guys.

Decisions, decisions... I guess since I'll be recording into my computer anyways, I'll need an interface in any case. So I might as well get a proper interface than a mediocre mixer and a mediocre interface