Multi input mic pre + DAW EQ/Dynamics

[mike rogers]

Hi All,

Anyone have any experience using a multiple input mic pre like the
Octopre or Digimax for recording, say, a set of drums, using only the
PCs software like Cubase SX to do the EQ?

I know that there are potential latency issues, but any thoughts on
the sound quality, especially if a decent plug like UAD-1 is used?

Thanks

Mike

[Romeo Rondeau]

"mike rogers" > wrote in message
om...
> Hi All,
>
> Anyone have any experience using a multiple input mic pre like the
> Octopre or Digimax for recording, say, a set of drums, using only the
> PCs software like Cubase SX to do the EQ?
>
> I know that there are potential latency issues, but any thoughts on
> the sound quality, especially if a decent plug like UAD-1 is used?

Do it all the time. Latency is not an issue with direct monitoring, although
you will not hear the EQ while in input monitor mode. As for the sound
quality, it may take some getting used to digital EQ, it sounds a little
different from analog EQ, IMO.

[John L Rice]

"mike rogers" > wrote in message
om...
> Hi All,
>
> Anyone have any experience using a multiple input mic pre like the
> Octopre or Digimax for recording, say, a set of drums, using only the
> PCs software like Cubase SX to do the EQ?
>
> I know that there are potential latency issues, but any thoughts on
> the sound quality, especially if a decent plug like UAD-1 is used?
>
> Thanks
>
> Mike

Yup, I've done it quite a bit recording drums. Last setup config was :
mics -> PreSonus M80 + John Hardy M-1 -> MOTU HD192 -> Cubase SX2 on a PC

I used MOTU direct monitoring while tracking.

EQ, compression and effects applied after the fact with SX plugins and the
UAD-1 powered plugins ( doesn't hesitate getting this card! ;-)

Over all it works well but as I think about the last attempts I made to do
mixes, I want to just give up. I don't think it's my drums or equipment or
software or even my ears. I think it's how my sucky brain is interpreting
what my ears are hearing and what it's telling me to do with the equipment.
I'm not sure why my brain sucks while I'm mixing and then gets all smart and
has good taste when I listen back the next day. . . .sigh . . . . .

John L Rice

[tferrell]

I've used both the digimax and the octopre. The digimax suits my purposes
better in that it sounds cleaner and is more transparent to me. As I recall,
John, you've not been a big fan of the octopre, either. It's ok, but dark. And
the way you have to seat the digital card is crazy -- torques the hell out of
the board. Also, man that thing gets hot fast.

Tim

[John L Rice]

Hi Tim,

I've never used the Octopre or any other Focusrite products that I can
remember. ( and not that I'm opposed, just never had the opportunity. ) I
do tend to champion PreSonus because I've tried/own many of their products
and feel in my opinion that they offer and excellent value for low to
midrange users.

I was told at some point that the Digimax pres are very similar to the M80
pres only they are electronically balanced ( no transformer ) so even though
I've never used a Digimax I tend to suggest them since I'm 'assuming' that
they sound very good and have heard positive reviews by actual users. They
are also reasonably priced.

John L Rice


"tferrell" > wrote in message
...
> I've used both the digimax and the octopre. The digimax suits my purposes
> better in that it sounds cleaner and is more transparent to me. As I
recall,
> John, you've not been a big fan of the octopre, either. It's ok, but
dark. And
> the way you have to seat the digital card is crazy -- torques the hell out
of
> the board. Also, man that thing gets hot fast.
>
> Tim
>

[tferrell]

Sorry, John. Had you confused with someone else. But I concur. Presonus seems
to be an excellent value. Can't say enough about how pleased I've been when
I've used the digimax. Great live solution with laptops and RME interfaces.

John L Rice wrote:

> Hi Tim,
>
> I've never used the Octopre or any other Focusrite products that I can
> remember. ( and not that I'm opposed, just never had the opportunity. ) I
> do tend to champion PreSonus because I've tried/own many of their products
> and feel in my opinion that they offer and excellent value for low to
> midrange users.
>
> I was told at some point that the Digimax pres are very similar to the M80
> pres only they are electronically balanced ( no transformer ) so even though
> I've never used a Digimax I tend to suggest them since I'm 'assuming' that
> they sound very good and have heard positive reviews by actual users. They
> are also reasonably priced.
>
> John L Rice
>
>
> "tferrell" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I've used both the digimax and the octopre. The digimax suits my purposes
> > better in that it sounds cleaner and is more transparent to me. As I
> recall,
> > John, you've not been a big fan of the octopre, either. It's ok, but
> dark. And
> > the way you have to seat the digital card is crazy -- torques the hell out
> of
> > the board. Also, man that thing gets hot fast.
> >
> > Tim
> >