The Best of Both Worlds Mix Down Method
Using An Alternative To Pro Tools
By Rick Naiser
Prices recently have dropped so much in computer based recording that we can offer a mixing service that only upper echelon recording studios offer. Studios in Los Angeles and New York are doing this on major projects. Now we have figured out a way to do this inexpensively here at Festival. We call it Computer Digital and Analog console mixing. This process offers the accuracy and flexibility of the computer and the sonic quality of vintage analog gear.
The Process Explained
The signal flow goes like this:
-Record 24 tracks into the 2" Studer analog tape deck for best sound quality, or you can record directly onto our Hard Drive using an Alesis HD 24, Mackie HDR24 or record directly to Cubase for a virtually unlimited amount of tracks.
-Transfer the audio into Cubase at 32 bit.
-Output all 24 tracks at the same time on the analog console using plug- ins, dynamics and automation in Cubase for each individual track. At the same time, using vintage compressors and EQ’s with each individual channel of the analog console with the console automation as needed.
Cubase 5.1 is one of a few programs that allow this to happen and is the one we prefer as well as other Stienberg products such as Cubase SX (newest version) and Nuendo. Other programs that can be used are Pro Tools HD or Mix+, Logic Platinum, Digital Performer and Cakewalk Sonar. Any program that will output 24 tracks or more at the same time at a 24 bit rate or better will work. All these programs basically do the same thing but the main difference is that Pro Tools Mix+ or HD rely on process cards and farm cards for audio processing power (DSP). The other programs use the computer’s software for DSP. 3 years ago, Pro Tools was the only program that worked properly, i.e. 24+ tracks of 24 bit audio with dynamic EQ and automation. Now, we can easily record and playback 24+ tracks of audio at 32 bits at one time using Cubase. I haven’t hit the limit of tracks yet! As an example, I am currently working on mixing Blood Feast II, a full length feature film playing back 40 tracks of audio with processing and automation while running an AVI video with NO PROBLEMS!
Just recently, computers have become powerful enough to support software driven audio without extra hardware processing. The smart software that manufacturers are designing is getting better and better.
I will now describe this process for those of you who are techies out there. Use the diagram below for reference.
-After recording all tracks onto the 2" analog or HD24, the tracks are then transferred into Cubase using 32 bit true tape mode (Fig 1). The drawing shows this beginning with a 2" analog, but you could record to either HD24 or directly to Cubase to save money on tape media.
-After the tracks are transferred, you can add audio or MIDI tracks. Cubase is setup to playback. (Fig 2) Usually at this point, we begin editing the song, if needed, or we repair mistakes such as moving drum hits around, editing guitar parts, etc.
-Then each individual track is output simultaneously to the Sony Console. At this point the actual mix is being worked on in the CPU and the analog console and at the same time using the analog console inserts with Neve’s, API’s, Focusright, LA2A, 1176 and other top end analog gear. Even though plug- ins are available that simulate these pieces of gear, it is still not as good as the real thing. You can also use the gates, compressors and plug-ins in Cubase. Automation is used in Cubase for precise detailed moves. Pans, EQ’s and the Sony analog console automation are used for general fader moves.
Cubase is our choice not only because of the user interface, but it has been around for a long time. It is more of a music program than Pro Tools. It becomes better with each version. We feel it is as good if not better than Pro Tools HD. Steinberg has created a program called Nuendo that is designed for the film/video industry to compete directly with Pro Tools HD at a fraction of the price. As computers become faster and less expensive, the software will become better as well. And so will the mixes. Look for upcoming seminars on this subject!
