TH-cam suggested this video, and I became a subscriber based on how well and clearly you narrate, not to mention a great insight into a studio's journey through A/D conversion. Great job all around!
Its an amazing concept in my opinion because you can utilize the mobile rack whilst in the sweet spot of your speakers. That sort of convenience definitely impacts workflow in a positive way!
Congratulations firstly and second you really explained your reasons why the change perfectly. You gave me few ideas of why I should consider continuing to stay hybrid.
Thanks for the video Ronan. Some light bulbs just went off my head thinking about how I can optimize my room setup. Been using the same setup for over a decade
Those boards really aren't necessary any more for real. I'm glad you are leading the way in stepping into the future my friend. I keep telling my friends who are stuck in the dark ages that things are different in today's world...
Presonus faderport seems like the perfect thing. It's a way to reach into the computer and touch a fader without overcomplicating things. Set up some vca's or grouping, or whatever your daw of choice calls it, and mix groups.
Hi All, I, being on the receiving end of Ronan's console, am familiar with the power of recall, having had a digital console for a few years and loved being able to pull up mixes from a year ago and go from there. On the other hand, that console started not wanting to do what it was asked to do and the nature of my work made an analog console more practical and desirable. True, I can't instantly pull up where we left off, but I take pretty meticulous notes and have found that when resetting the console, effects, dynamics, etc, that something new is being created. I can usually come 95 to 99% of the session, but enjoy the unknown, too. I record to digital and mix to digital, but all pre's (onboard pre's are great, by the way and all outboard pre's are tube) as well as all dynamics. All effects are digital, but that's by choice and space limitations. Ronan was great to deal with during the transaction, had a friend who oversaw the loading and shipping to it's new home 1000 miles to the North. Overall great experience and love the console, as does the dog, who usually naps under it. Both winners in this situation. Thanks again, RMC.
We use the Avocet too - the remote cable is so long and tough that I wouldn't be surprised if you have it running all the way over to the rack, complete with your chair steam rolling it all day. Wouldn't matter - it's tough! :D I dig the pragmatic approach you've taken, Ronan! Too much GAS peer pressure goes around our industry! Cheers
Kirsten Monahan Forgot to mention - once you get used to one, a small controller with nothing more than a shuffle/jog wheel with function buttons can be a really handy augmentation to a mouse/kb combo. Especially for editing. Cheers
Love the set up man! I have a similar set up. Console that I use for pres, eq, and monitors to 4 sets of monitors, then that goes to a to d, then all my out board I can assign a bus out of studio one patch it on the bay to my outboard gear and print to a track. Makes my life a lot easier with recall. Still have the analogs sound and fell with my console and outboard. While maintaining the new evolving work flow of digital with all the plugins and recall for clients.
I like your video. Before I got into music production I made sure I researched every single thing about mixing and different DAWs. I don't have thousands of dollars to spare so I had to get any DAW that could help with what I wanted to create. I went from 9 different DAWs to 7. Most I use to make sounds and add the files when I'm done to others so that I can fix them. So I"m back and forth between all 7 of them. It's hard work, but the finished products are always great. I know what you mean.
Great video on you studio transformation! That was a big move! For a control surface, you might try the Behringer X-Touch control surface. It's like a small piece of the X-32 board from them (which is an underrated board). It won't break the bank and has some really nice features to help with automation, EQ, etc. It was a great investment for my home studio at only $450 street price.
I have tons of outboard and a Smart console. That workflow works for me here. I have the best of both worlds with recall and wicked powerful tracking front end and hybrid mixing options.
I am so late to the party. But there is a way to have analogue recall, its done by using midi and having a computer that controls your faders, recall it the faders move (no its not digital motorised) and you can also write automation. Honestly best peice of tech i seen in a while.
At least one fader I believe is needed for automation and bring staff in the mix, with hands on control! But the moving setup is brilliant. We have a bit try and guess with the rack gear.
Congrats Ronan, and glad that you are moving on without a load of separation anxiety. Very exciting! There is nothing quite so majestic as a huge analog desk in the studio. But then again, dinosaurs once roamed the planet...... Looking forward to the September RBC in your 'new' studio. ps: for a cheap and powerful itb studio upgrade, i ditched my mouse for a trackball
I have the same chair, lol. Except mine has the mesh backrest. I love the flip-up armrests when I need to thrown down a bass or guitar track right quick.
Yup, designed my room as multipurpose. Workstation, listening position, amps, key etc. all on wheels for mixing, mastering, training and performance. RFZ becomes a performance space / vocal booth complete with curtains, green-screen and spotlights! Went touchscreen + analogue desk but came to the same conclusion - really don't need the desk, just mix ITB + an analogue outboard something for printing back individual tracks or stereo masters. I do use some faders for midi control of instrument expression while producing. BTW, mixing is NOT about faders, it's about *ergonomics* - the person - control - environment fit. Many smaller studios would benefit from thinking more ergonomically like this instead of believing that traditionalist layouts must be adhered to! Smaller, multipurpose, efficient, flexible workflow and lower outlay - it's the new way!
For everybody who talks about ns10s, they are not designed to be played at a high rate of power. They are designed to hear everything uncolored, flat and as a reference. They are not designed to be your main monitor system however they are designed to give you an unparalleled sound through them. Basically if you can get your Final Mix to sound great on them then you're mix will sound great anywhere else. Guaranteed. But the problem is not everyone has a ear to listen for that. Just my opinion.
There's a radical concept you might consider when making future videos. It's called getting to the point. So much easier to watch than rambling discourse.
Sanctuary Studio Scotland Wayyyy toooo overpriced!!!! Avid is a bunch of crooks!!! They'll sell u that 5,000 dollar "mouse replacement", and then discontinue it a year later. SMH.
Ronan, Hi. I'm curious - how do you route mix if you have drums going into one summing box, but if you want kick drum to have separate compressor and eq but going into one stereo compressor for drums, pretty much multi bus compression but without console?
Tascam built us up, then let us down with their boards when we were all converting form analog to digital.Had many of their boards. SX-1 being the best of both worlds except for the speed(s) affordable and professional sounding /MIDI. Great video sir.
hey Rowan nice to see you again I've learned a lot from you over the years from your website although I never had a chance to be in your boot camp. where are those big speakers coming from please share sincerely Carlito..
I wonder if were considering your decision in 2024, if you would have liked the AMS Neve Gen Black console which is analog but it allows you to save your EQ and compressor settings on each track for recall.
Maybe, but another factor is that I travel so much, including splitting my time between the US and Italy. I print my outboard processing to tracks, and I can recall things any where in the world. I have had my biggest commercial successes since dumping the console, so I guess it works out OK.
Very cool setup. I am looking into getting a small transport controller, because for tracking, it is so much easier to have a tactile button than to try and click... at least to me. Let us know when you come to a conclusion on the Slate Raven. I would like to hear your thoughts.
There are tactile controllers...mine has recall and motorized faders...controls like a mouse your in the box software...but feels like analog working...
Finally! A pro realizing that big clunky analog consoles aren't cutting it anymore. I'm bored of people still hyping up consoles when digital makes more sense in this day and age. Welcome to the 21st century and I hope you enjoy your hybrid setup!
Kurtis Roy As I said in the video, I have been doing mixes in the box since 1993, so none of this is new. I still love almost everything about analog consoles except the recall issue.
@Kurtis Roy What do you mean "aren't cutting it anymore?" Don't you know that all the professional facilities still have Neve, SSL, Focusrite or API desks in all of their rooms? It looks as if Ronan had an Amek desk, in which case he's not loosing too much by not using it on the front end. Analog consoles will always find a home among true musicians. Based on your comment I would venture a guess that you are not one of them.
Neil Tuuri absolutely. Not a lot, but as I am getting to the last 15% of a mix I definitely switch over to the big speakers back in the room. I also switch to small computer speakers, as well as listen while walking around the room.
Ronan Chris Murphy That is a really cool way to work! I'm glad it is going well for you. I've been doing this for about 10 years and am just finishing building a ground up studio on some rural ohio land. I spent a ton of time deciding what console, outboard mixing, summing stuff to use and eventually decided to build a really comfy mastering style desk with 20 rack spaces in it. It houses the few analog pieces I mix with and a patch bay. I built the desk with what I call "Stealth Technology" ha. It has reflectors built into the back of it to reflect the high frequency stuff from my soffit mains to the cloud above. What I'm getting at is "I'm glad to see somone I can look up to CHOOSING to bail on the control surface/console and not feel like it is a handicap, but an advantage". Also, I have a big (30'x24'x13') live room that I have been planning to permanently install some PA/House speakers for band rehearsals as well as playback from the control room for exactly the same thing you're doing with your mastering setup. Not only different speakers, but it FORCES me to get up, walk around, regroup, and listen in an entirely new environment. Not trying to spam your page, but if you want to see the desk and some of the space, check out this website I'm (struggling) building. www.amishelectricchairstudios.com Thanks! Hoping to make it to a bootcamp sometime in the future. Just need to get the plane tix and a place to stay! If you're ever in Ohio, stop in! Later
havent you ever heard of the Duality boards??? from SSL? get you one of those and those can integrate with Pro Tools!! That way its still looks impressive when clients come in.
Hi Ronan, have you considered using something like a Digidesign Pro control? They are pretty cheap nowadays on the second hand market and work pretty nice. Very low profile, I think a bit more ergonomic and certainly more desk like then the newer controllers like the Euphonix ones. Not sure if PT11 still supports them (but 10 does).
Great Video... I would say to add the LIVID BASE II to your mix if your work intent is to be in the box WITH CURRENT DAWS... it will in some ways conflict with the Queneo you have, with the Queneo having the ability to use each corner of the pad as a separate channel breaking away from the traditional 16 pad drum rack,BUT with the BASE II you gain a totally sleek and purely digital mixing surface with the BASE II faderless faders... I early in my caree had a behringer bcf2000 as a control surface.. was very nicewitg motorized faders with total recall features and automation capabilities.. but it was so ugly... behringer has updated their line with xtouch BUT I think the combo of pads and faders are cool... yeah it's a little gimmicky with the other features Got One and I love it
Congrats, Ronan. A labor of love. Are you really mixing that close to the 10s or do you pull back a little into the room? That almost looks like a hard L/R mix position. I'm constantly juggling the sweet spot with ergonomics and practical design in my humble abode.
Marc Smith Yes, I am mixing that close. Monitor is just out of the audio path and my head forms a rough equilateral triangle with the speakers. On thing I am loving is that it has got me mixing at much lower volumes, which is really helping my mixes.
Ronan Chris Murphy The Cranesong remote is very cool and could easily solve some of my config problems. Are there competitors out there? Is it your primary D/A converter or are you incorporating something else? I' quite fixated recently on the Burl B2 Bombers for conversion. Ain't happening anytime soon. Thoughts on those?
Marc Smith The Cranesong is awesome. It is my primary monitoring D/A. I sold my Lavrys when I got it. The Burl seems cool, but from what I have heard they are pretty colored devices and for monitoring I want things as neutral as possible. There are some other competitors to the Avocet, but the Cranesong really hit all the nails on the head (and I am a huge Dave Hill fan)
Hey I'm not new to recording but new to your channel. Just wondering, how do you automation or mix the tracks you're working on through the DAW software? Is that possible or do you use remote control software on Tablet devices?
very nice to have tables with theels, very nice video, but making a creative mix using midi controllers and mouse and a screen is really something a lot of people can't do!
and then if you need to recall, there is no way back indeed! unless you manage to record post-fader and post-eq and then play it back without any EQ or attenuation. it's a lot of backend and not fun work for sure!
I know this is an older post but have you considered the SSL sigma delta as a digitally controlled analog summing box? Might be the solution for recallable routings.
ok what about the instant recall on all that outboard gear? Plugins are instant recall the same with the digital mixer in the daw. I never could understand giving up the console and not giving up the outboard gear.
Loved your video! That looks like a great room. I’m on the hunt for a mixing space outside my home setup. What is the size of your room? Cheers from Brazil!
I've done sessions on a high class SSL G-Series, an old and dodgy D&R Orion console, an Avid S6 (which is only a DAW controller, not a console), and with a simple keyboard and mouse, and for large scale tracking sessions I have always found the console to be king. When you use an analog console for your processing, bussing and headphone mixes and monitoring all that you need to do worry about when switching between the session files are the inputs and outputs between the console and converters. When you have to import the levels, pans, plugin setting, sends and bussing every time you start a new session or change something in one of them is the biggest waste of time in a professional studio session. I always print EQ and compression to disk, while I'm recording, so I can get the sound I want there and then and not give myself even more work later on when mixing. You also have more flexibility with outboard gear when using a console, unless you have 32 equalisers in your outboard racks, you'll more then likely be left to only be able to have your outboard just before your A/D converter, which means any processing done in the box cannot be put before the outboard. You could use a hardware insert, going out from your daw and back in, but that adds more latency and uses up your I/O's. I've done sessions fully in the box where I use auxiliary tracks to process and buss them to audio tracks to print with eq, compression, etc. Nothing is a bigger pain then importing data between session files, especially when I want to make simple changes and constantly re-importing everything when I open up another session file is tedious and this is where mistakes can and have happened. The S6 is great as a controller, but even having something with faders does nothing to remedy this when is does nothing to affect the signal flow. The only option around this is heaps and heaps of outboard gear to use before it goes into the DAW, but then that defeats the purpose of not having a console to begin with.... Although I have not used them personally, Interfaces such as the UAD Apollos with their own Console window do seem to remedy this by giving you a console inside your computer independent from your DAW, that still will still limit your flexibility with outboard gear while tracking unless you are content with the plugin versions of the hardware. It's not about using vintage gear or anything like that, it's simply workflow and proficiency. Why wouldn't you want to record through the nice sounding gear in the studio that's costing hundreds an hour to use?
wow very interesting approach to the entire setup of mix'n'master movable location, may I ask what eventual adjustments have you done since then, now 2 years later?
It's just seems like something is missing, quickest way to a home studio set up is getting rid of the console. IMO the console inspires and is faster to work on. Recalling is not as important as the end results. Having faders makes a world of difference. I've been ITB, Hybrid, and OTB. I know the difference. Either way congrats!
Hello Ronan. Could you tell us of the equipments that are in your movable rack? Also the Programs that your using in your Computer. You've already mentioned the pads that you've on the computer desk. Thank you so much in advance. 🍻🍻
Ronan you might want to check out the Mackie Control Universal Pro with the Mackie Control Extender Pro modules. By the way those big monitors seem a bit of over kill? Aren't they ridiculously loud? Just wondering.
Bro, that's one of the best studios I've EVER seen.
TH-cam suggested this video, and I became a subscriber based on how well and clearly you narrate, not to mention a great insight into a studio's journey through A/D conversion. Great job all around!
Its an amazing concept in my opinion because you can utilize the mobile rack whilst in the sweet spot of your speakers. That sort of convenience definitely impacts workflow in a positive way!
Nice setup and so good that you embrace technology and progress. Makes for a highly productive environment.
What a beautiful studio!
Translation: We needed money. End of story and you know it.
Congratulations firstly and second you really explained your reasons why the change perfectly. You gave me few ideas of why I should consider continuing to stay hybrid.
Amazing setup and adaptability!!! 1 of the best ideas and studios I've ever seen.
Very interesting ! With this "modular" system you can find the best way to use your gear in any conditions. Thanks for sharing ;-)
Thanks for the video Ronan. Some light bulbs just went off my head thinking about how I can optimize my room setup. Been using the same setup for over a decade
Right on!!
I love the setup and the way you can change positions of the mixing desk.
Jrel Thanks
Those boards really aren't necessary any more for real. I'm glad you are leading the way in stepping into the future my friend. I keep telling my friends who are stuck in the dark ages that things are different in today's world...
I did the same thing. Glad you're happy with it.
James Lugo Yeah, I notice we are on similar paths (but I a not moving any time soon). Good luck with all the changes.
Presonus faderport seems like the perfect thing. It's a way to reach into the computer and touch a fader without overcomplicating things. Set up some vca's or grouping, or whatever your daw of choice calls it, and mix groups.
I really cant imagine how you manage to keep all the cables away !
Great Ideas and great video!! Love the different mix / mastering positions in the room ….that's awesome ….thanks again Ronan
Hi All,
I, being on the receiving end of Ronan's console, am familiar with the power of recall, having had a digital console for a few years and loved being able to pull up mixes from a year ago and go from there. On the other hand, that console started not wanting to do what it was asked to do and the nature of my work made an analog console more practical and desirable. True, I can't instantly pull up where we left off, but I take pretty meticulous notes and have found that when resetting the console, effects, dynamics, etc, that something new is being created. I can usually come 95 to 99% of the session, but enjoy the unknown, too. I record to digital and mix to digital, but all pre's (onboard pre's are great, by the way and all outboard pre's are tube) as well as all dynamics. All effects are digital, but that's by choice and space limitations.
Ronan was great to deal with during the transaction, had a friend who oversaw the loading and shipping to it's new home 1000 miles to the North. Overall great experience and love the console, as does the dog, who usually naps under it.
Both winners in this situation. Thanks again, RMC.
where in Oregon?
Nice job planning out the new studio arrangement. Smart! I LOVE effective work flow!
We use the Avocet too - the remote cable is so long and tough that I wouldn't be surprised if you have it running all the way over to the rack, complete with your chair steam rolling it all day. Wouldn't matter - it's tough! :D I dig the pragmatic approach you've taken, Ronan! Too much GAS peer pressure goes around our industry! Cheers
Kirsten Monahan Forgot to mention - once you get used to one, a small controller with nothing more than a shuffle/jog wheel with function buttons can be a really handy augmentation to a mouse/kb combo. Especially for editing. Cheers
Cool hybrid concept and glad it works, i love sitting in sweetspot working in the box, i cant imagine world without recall haha
Love the cable management
Love the set up man! I have a similar set up. Console that I use for pres, eq, and monitors to 4 sets of monitors, then that goes to a to d, then all my out board I can assign a bus out of studio one patch it on the bay to my outboard gear and print to a track. Makes my life a lot easier with recall. Still have the analogs sound and fell with my console and outboard. While maintaining the new evolving work flow of digital with all the plugins and recall for clients.
Avid S6 way to Go ! 32 ch >>>> Total Recall !!! Print > Recall !
Wow! Congratulations Ronan. Radical move.
I like your video. Before I got into music production I made sure I researched every single thing about mixing and different DAWs. I don't have thousands of dollars to spare so I had to get any DAW that could help with what I wanted to create. I went from 9 different DAWs to 7. Most I use to make sounds and add the files when I'm done to others so that I can fix them. So I"m back and forth between all 7 of them. It's hard work, but the finished products are always great. I know what you mean.
Great video on you studio transformation! That was a big move! For a control surface, you might try the Behringer X-Touch control surface. It's like a small piece of the X-32 board from them (which is an underrated board). It won't break the bank and has some really nice features to help with automation, EQ, etc. It was a great investment for my home studio at only $450 street price.
This video is a gold mine Ronan, as always, thanks!
I have tons of outboard and a Smart console. That workflow works for me here. I have the best of both worlds with recall and wicked powerful tracking front end and hybrid mixing options.
like your style man. this is just the way to go in the 21st century and how most people are working now, especially the home studio guy
We got rid of our huge cumbersome console then purchased the largest near field monitors we could find.
Very cool! I love the modular layout! Bravo!
Softube console 1 and console 1 fader. $1300 instantly recallable enhanced console style workflow
Ronan!!! I understand the console going away. I was in the same state of mind when I gave up my Tascam. Attended your class in 2011. Peace.
I am so late to the party. But there is a way to have analogue recall, its done by using midi and having a computer that controls your faders, recall it the faders move (no its not digital motorised) and you can also write automation. Honestly best peice of tech i seen in a while.
Amazing concept!
Very Nice and creative setup!
Wow that's really nice. I love good organizing! Awesome man.
Brilliant! Thank you!
At least one fader I believe is needed for automation and bring staff in the mix, with hands on control! But the moving setup is brilliant. We have a bit try and guess with the rack gear.
***** ou re
ρε αυτα που του λέω στη στάση μου τα λέει στο λεοφωρείο ρε το γατακι ο Chris...χααχαχαχαχαχα
I have the Avocet as well. Best purchase to date.
Congrats Ronan, and glad that you are moving on without a load of separation anxiety. Very exciting! There is nothing quite so majestic as a huge analog desk in the studio. But then again, dinosaurs once roamed the planet...... Looking forward to the September RBC in your 'new' studio. ps: for a cheap and powerful itb studio upgrade, i ditched my mouse for a trackball
gregory curry There was plenty of separation anxiety!. I just spent a year processing it in private.
I have the same chair, lol. Except mine has the mesh backrest. I love the flip-up armrests when I need to thrown down a bass or guitar track right quick.
Great!!Lots of inspiration here!!Well done!
Yup, designed my room as multipurpose. Workstation, listening position, amps, key etc. all on wheels for mixing, mastering, training and performance. RFZ becomes a performance space / vocal booth complete with curtains, green-screen and spotlights! Went touchscreen + analogue desk but came to the same conclusion - really don't need the desk, just mix ITB + an analogue outboard something for printing back individual tracks or stereo masters. I do use some faders for midi control of instrument expression while producing. BTW, mixing is NOT about faders, it's about *ergonomics* - the person - control - environment fit. Many smaller studios would benefit from thinking more ergonomically like this instead of believing that traditionalist layouts must be adhered to! Smaller, multipurpose, efficient, flexible workflow and lower outlay - it's the new way!
Great honest video...thanks for pointing out you can make great records without a analog console ...👍
great job guys!
For everybody who talks about ns10s, they are not designed to be played at a high rate of power. They are designed to hear everything uncolored, flat and as a reference. They are not designed to be your main monitor system however they are designed to give you an unparalleled sound through them. Basically if you can get your Final Mix to sound great on them then you're mix will sound great anywhere else. Guaranteed. But the problem is not everyone has a ear to listen for that. Just my opinion.
Very good info. Thank you.
This guy is all about the music
There's a radical concept you might consider when making future videos. It's called getting to the point. So much easier to watch than rambling discourse.
The great thing is that no one is forcing you to watch my videos!
@@RonanChrisMurphy Great for whom?
If you are still looking for a control surface then definitely check out the Avid S3 !
does it work perfectly with some modern DAW, which ProTools definitely aren't? :P
Sanctuary Studio Scotland Wayyyy toooo overpriced!!!! Avid is a bunch of crooks!!! They'll sell u that 5,000 dollar "mouse replacement", and then discontinue it a year later. SMH.
Thank you.
I'm starting to understand how people feel when I corner them at parties and talk incessantly without saying anything for 15 minutes straight.
This is a good set up
The studio looks beautiful. Love the rug in the ceiling and the thick curtains on the side walls. How well is that working for the acoustics ?
Consoles still have a big place, but probably these days mainly at the tracking stage. Very interesting times though.
Nice... I made the same move 15 years ago...
zmix I consider faders a must, however : www.sonicscoop.com/2015/01/05/making-the-mix-room-chuck-zwickys-zmix-chelsea-new-york-city/
This is a genius idea
Ronan, Hi. I'm curious - how do you route mix if you have drums going into one summing box, but if you want kick drum to have separate compressor and eq but going into one stereo compressor for drums, pretty much multi bus compression but without console?
Tascam built us up, then let us down with their boards when we were all converting form analog to digital.Had many of their boards. SX-1 being the best of both worlds except for the speed(s) affordable and professional sounding /MIDI. Great video sir.
I love the fact google is advertising a £7000 console at me below this video :D
I guess you don't need the experienced PRO engineer image look, i feeling a Pro DJ look watching your videos that's Cool
hey Rowan nice to see you again I've learned a lot from you over the years from your website although I never had a chance to be in your boot camp. where are those big speakers coming from please share sincerely Carlito..
Printing hardware FX in real time = workflow killer
like the approach, made the move away from console in 2009, avocet is 👍 - and yes it is all about total recall.
The rolling desk is a good idea.
welcome to 2020!
putting a candle directly on an NS10, that's confidence :)
They're LEDs, no worries.
Nick, I have an HD system with a 96/IO but almost all of the I/O is on custom Apogee 16Xs and a Cranesong HEDD.
I wonder if were considering your decision in 2024, if you would have liked the AMS Neve Gen Black console which is analog but it allows you to save your EQ and compressor settings on each track for recall.
Maybe, but another factor is that I travel so much, including splitting my time between the US and Italy. I print my outboard processing to tracks, and I can recall things any where in the world. I have had my biggest commercial successes since dumping the console, so I guess it works out OK.
absolutely awesome. this is my ideal set up. wow. what i would give for a few hours in that room. ugh.
Very cool setup. I am looking into getting a small transport controller, because for tracking, it is so much easier to have a tactile button than to try and click... at least to me. Let us know when you come to a conclusion on the Slate Raven. I would like to hear your thoughts.
Ha, I use to have that Ikea desk.
There are tactile controllers...mine has recall and motorized faders...controls like a mouse your in the box software...but feels like analog working...
Like the flying faders?
Really nice ronan!
Finally! A pro realizing that big clunky analog consoles aren't cutting it anymore. I'm bored of people still hyping up consoles when digital makes more sense in this day and age. Welcome to the 21st century and I hope you enjoy your hybrid setup!
Kurtis Roy As I said in the video, I have been doing mixes in the box since 1993, so none of this is new. I still love almost everything about analog consoles except the recall issue.
Either way, I'm glad you're confident in your decision.
Ronan Chris Murphy Couldn't you snap pic's of the board & out board gear make some voice notes on a iPhone ?
An analog mix for me has about 1000 things that would need to be recalled. No realistic to get a mix right back to the original mix.
@Kurtis Roy What do you mean "aren't cutting it anymore?" Don't you know that all the professional facilities still have Neve, SSL, Focusrite or API desks in all of their rooms? It looks as if Ronan had an Amek desk, in which case he's not loosing too much by not using it on the front end. Analog consoles will always find a home among true musicians. Based on your comment I would venture a guess that you are not one of them.
thats exactly what I do with my setup , different positions with the desktop
Do you ever find yourself checking mixes in your "mastering position"? I feel like I would do that constantly as a brain refresher.
Neil Tuuri absolutely. Not a lot, but as I am getting to the last 15% of a mix I definitely switch over to the big speakers back in the room. I also switch to small computer speakers, as well as listen while walking around the room.
Ronan Chris Murphy That is a really cool way to work! I'm glad it is going well for you. I've been doing this for about 10 years and am just finishing building a ground up studio on some rural ohio land. I spent a ton of time deciding what console, outboard mixing, summing stuff to use and eventually decided to build a really comfy mastering style desk with 20 rack spaces in it. It houses the few analog pieces I mix with and a patch bay. I built the desk with what I call "Stealth Technology" ha. It has reflectors built into the back of it to reflect the high frequency stuff from my soffit mains to the cloud above. What I'm getting at is "I'm glad to see somone I can look up to CHOOSING to bail on the control surface/console and not feel like it is a handicap, but an advantage". Also, I have a big (30'x24'x13') live room that I have been planning to permanently install some PA/House speakers for band rehearsals as well as playback from the control room for exactly the same thing you're doing with your mastering setup. Not only different speakers, but it FORCES me to get up, walk around, regroup, and listen in an entirely new environment. Not trying to spam your page, but if you want to see the desk and some of the space, check out this website I'm (struggling) building. www.amishelectricchairstudios.com Thanks! Hoping to make it to a bootcamp sometime in the future. Just need to get the plane tix and a place to stay! If you're ever in Ohio, stop in! Later
awesome!
havent you ever heard of the Duality boards??? from SSL? get you one of those and those can integrate with Pro Tools!! That way its still looks impressive when clients come in.
love your vids brother .keep up the good work .cheers
Hi Ronan, have you considered using something like a Digidesign Pro control? They are pretty cheap nowadays on the second hand market and work pretty nice. Very low profile, I think a bit more ergonomic and certainly more desk like then the newer controllers like the Euphonix ones. Not sure if PT11 still supports them (but 10 does).
It really is a great situation.
Great Video... I would say to add the LIVID BASE II to your mix if your work intent is to be in the box WITH CURRENT DAWS... it will in some ways conflict with the Queneo you have, with the Queneo having the ability to use each corner of the pad as a separate channel breaking away from the traditional 16 pad drum rack,BUT with the BASE II you gain a totally sleek and purely digital mixing surface with the BASE II faderless faders...
I early in my caree had a behringer bcf2000 as a control surface.. was very nicewitg motorized faders with total recall features and automation capabilities.. but it was so ugly... behringer has updated their line with xtouch
BUT I think the combo of pads and faders are cool... yeah it's a little gimmicky with the other features
Got One and I love it
Congrats, Ronan. A labor of love. Are you really mixing that close to the 10s or do you pull back a little into the room? That almost looks like a hard L/R mix position. I'm constantly juggling the sweet spot with ergonomics and practical design in my humble abode.
Marc Smith Yes, I am mixing that close. Monitor is just out of the audio path and my head forms a rough equilateral triangle with the speakers. On thing I am loving is that it has got me mixing at much lower volumes, which is really helping my mixes.
Ronan Chris Murphy The Cranesong remote is very cool and could easily solve some of my config problems. Are there competitors out there? Is it your primary D/A converter or are you incorporating something else? I' quite fixated recently on the Burl B2 Bombers for conversion. Ain't happening anytime soon. Thoughts on those?
Marc Smith The Cranesong is awesome. It is my primary monitoring D/A. I sold my Lavrys when I got it. The Burl seems cool, but from what I have heard they are pretty colored devices and for monitoring I want things as neutral as possible. There are some other competitors to the Avocet, but the Cranesong really hit all the nails on the head (and I am a huge Dave Hill fan)
Hey I'm not new to recording but new to your channel.
Just wondering, how do you automation or mix the tracks you're working on through the DAW software? Is that possible or do you use remote control software on Tablet devices?
I just use the mouse.
very nice to have tables with theels, very nice video, but making a creative mix using midi controllers and mouse and a screen is really something a lot of people can't do!
and then if you need to recall, there is no way back indeed!
unless you manage to record post-fader and post-eq and then play it back without any EQ or attenuation. it's a lot of backend and not fun work for sure!
I know this is an older post but have you considered the SSL sigma delta as a digitally controlled analog summing box? Might be the solution for recallable routings.
How about SSL Sigma as summing mixer which has total recall!
ok what about the instant recall on all that outboard gear? Plugins are instant recall the same with the digital mixer in the daw. I never could understand giving up the console and not giving up the outboard gear.
I print the analog processing back into the session.
i just plan to make 2 studios.. one focused on recording vocals and one for instrumental production.
Loved your video! That looks like a great room. I’m on the hunt for a mixing space outside my home setup. What is the size of your room?
Cheers from Brazil!
I've done sessions on a high class SSL G-Series, an old and dodgy D&R Orion console, an Avid S6 (which is only a DAW controller, not a console), and with a simple keyboard and mouse, and for large scale tracking sessions I have always found the console to be king.
When you use an analog console for your processing, bussing and headphone mixes and monitoring all that you need to do worry about when switching between the session files are the inputs and outputs between the console and converters. When you have to import the levels, pans, plugin setting, sends and bussing every time you start a new session or change something in one of them is the biggest waste of time in a professional studio session.
I always print EQ and compression to disk, while I'm recording, so I can get the sound I want there and then and not give myself even more work later on when mixing.
You also have more flexibility with outboard gear when using a console, unless you have 32 equalisers in your outboard racks, you'll more then likely be left to only be able to have your outboard just before your A/D converter, which means any processing done in the box cannot be put before the outboard. You could use a hardware insert, going out from your daw and back in, but that adds more latency and uses up your I/O's.
I've done sessions fully in the box where I use auxiliary tracks to process and buss them to audio tracks to print with eq, compression, etc. Nothing is a bigger pain then importing data between session files, especially when I want to make simple changes and constantly re-importing everything when I open up another session file is tedious and this is where mistakes can and have happened.
The S6 is great as a controller, but even having something with faders does nothing to remedy this when is does nothing to affect the signal flow. The only option around this is heaps and heaps of outboard gear to use before it goes into the DAW, but then that defeats the purpose of not having a console to begin with....
Although I have not used them personally, Interfaces such as the UAD Apollos with their own Console window do seem to remedy this by giving you a console inside your computer independent from your DAW, that still will still limit your flexibility with outboard gear while tracking unless you are content with the plugin versions of the hardware.
It's not about using vintage gear or anything like that, it's simply workflow and proficiency. Why wouldn't you want to record through the nice sounding gear in the studio that's costing hundreds an hour to use?
dude your page is the worst! LOL you do know what you talking about for sure! lol
Dicey Record in the box man.
Check out the presonus faderport 16.
wow very interesting approach to the entire setup of mix'n'master movable location,
may I ask what eventual adjustments have you done since then, now 2 years later?
Recall rules...Where are your mic preamps in the room? Did you need to add channels after eliminating the board?
Helios711 Even before getting rid of the boards I was using only outboard pres. I have a really nice collection in the racks on the right.
It's just seems like something is missing, quickest way to a home studio set up is getting rid of the console. IMO the console inspires and is faster to work on. Recalling is not as important as the end results. Having faders makes a world of difference. I've been ITB, Hybrid, and OTB. I know the difference. Either way congrats!
Hello Ronan.
Could you tell us of the equipments that are in your movable rack? Also the Programs that your using in your Computer. You've already mentioned the pads that you've on the computer desk.
Thank you so much in advance. 🍻🍻
Desk on wheels! Whoa
Ronan you might want to check out the Mackie Control Universal Pro with the Mackie Control Extender Pro modules. By the way those big monitors seem a bit of over kill? Aren't they ridiculously loud? Just wondering.