04-09-2022, 03:31 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-09-2022, 03:32 PM by Scardanelli.)
I know there are a few threads on controllers generally but I'm about to buy and would love some specific feedback on this issue.
Everyone has their own way of working so I'd be very glad to hear different views on how the configuration of your controller fits your mix workflow.
Those of you with 16 fader controllers - how often do you really use more than a bank of 8? By this I mean of course that you have more than 8 under your fingertips and are making adjustments across a range of tracks in the same pass.
Those of you with 8 faders - how often do you wish you had another bank of 8?
If you're able to give specific examples here that'd be great!
If I have a large session, with drums, I tend to work on the kit and the bass first, then by groups; vocals, guitars, keys, odds and ends, percussion etc, all the while with the main vocal in and out as I go. So for me, 8 faders is 'probably' going to be OK for most band type sessions. Given that once I've balanced and EQd the drums and they're bussed anyway, minor adjustments come later when the whole mix is starting to gel. I doubt there are many sessions where a particular class of track exceeds 8, apart from drums and percussion, and the occasional vocal choir. And of course we use Mixbus because - Mixbusses!
I like the idea of a whacking great bank of 16 faders, and perhaps it would impress clients - I've just sold my 24 channel Soundtracs vintage console so my desk space is feeling rather empty! But I'm trying to be realistic here and not just fill the space with faders for the sake of it. Of course I can add a second bank later, Behringer X-Touch (cannot afford Icon and again, there may be a touch of snobbery involved in wishing for an Icon - Icon users please chip in if you've used an X-Touch and moved to Icon - apart from quieter faders - what else would I be missing?).
There's a used X-Touch WITH extender available for not a lot more than the price of the new X-Touch (without extender). But a/ buying used from across the nation is always a bit of a risk (France) and b/ it is still more cash!
Last question - is there a simple way to disengage the controller and re-enable without re-starting MB etc? A lot of my work is with quiet acoustic instruments and if the faders are noisy then I'd want to be able to shut them out for critical listening, and re-enable quickly for adjustments.
So there it is, I'd be very grateful for your input.
Everyone has their own way of working so I'd be very glad to hear different views on how the configuration of your controller fits your mix workflow.
Those of you with 16 fader controllers - how often do you really use more than a bank of 8? By this I mean of course that you have more than 8 under your fingertips and are making adjustments across a range of tracks in the same pass.
Those of you with 8 faders - how often do you wish you had another bank of 8?
If you're able to give specific examples here that'd be great!
If I have a large session, with drums, I tend to work on the kit and the bass first, then by groups; vocals, guitars, keys, odds and ends, percussion etc, all the while with the main vocal in and out as I go. So for me, 8 faders is 'probably' going to be OK for most band type sessions. Given that once I've balanced and EQd the drums and they're bussed anyway, minor adjustments come later when the whole mix is starting to gel. I doubt there are many sessions where a particular class of track exceeds 8, apart from drums and percussion, and the occasional vocal choir. And of course we use Mixbus because - Mixbusses!
I like the idea of a whacking great bank of 16 faders, and perhaps it would impress clients - I've just sold my 24 channel Soundtracs vintage console so my desk space is feeling rather empty! But I'm trying to be realistic here and not just fill the space with faders for the sake of it. Of course I can add a second bank later, Behringer X-Touch (cannot afford Icon and again, there may be a touch of snobbery involved in wishing for an Icon - Icon users please chip in if you've used an X-Touch and moved to Icon - apart from quieter faders - what else would I be missing?).
There's a used X-Touch WITH extender available for not a lot more than the price of the new X-Touch (without extender). But a/ buying used from across the nation is always a bit of a risk (France) and b/ it is still more cash!
Last question - is there a simple way to disengage the controller and re-enable without re-starting MB etc? A lot of my work is with quiet acoustic instruments and if the faders are noisy then I'd want to be able to shut them out for critical listening, and re-enable quickly for adjustments.
So there it is, I'd be very grateful for your input.