The best mix video in my opinion 😍😍🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻,how do you made this possible? hybrid mix,how to add the plugins into the mixer?I'm just got my self an analog mixer MX9000 and still not understand how to do like this video😭
Hey there, thank you!🙌🏻 2 ways of doing it - inserting the plugins into the mixer or inserting the mixer into the DAW (with the plugins). To do it like I do you need an interface with line in and outputs for each channel, interface out -> channel input, channel direct out -> interface line input. Then for each channel either send it from DAW track output to interface out and from interface in onto a new track or use an insert plugin that inserts the interface I/O (your mixer channel) onto the DAW channel. What DAW are you using? 🙂
@@MaxFreist thanks for your time to reply,I'm using Reaper DAW and Adat 3 interface to get 24 in and out,i like to do hybrid to get the best of both worlds but I'm not sure I'm doing it the right way or not😅😂,i want to be able to use my mixer and DAW EQ, Preamp and insert some DAW and Outboard compressor...do I need to disconnect the DAW channel from the master (return to my channel 23/24)Or just let it connect like default
Hi Max this video was super helpful thanks for that! I like how you explained what you were doing with all the sources on each band, but you did it in real time which seemed to drive it in a bit better somehow. Is the reason you are bringing every track back into the box (as opposed to just the 2 bus) because you like to do processing both before and after the board eq? I hear a lot of talk about “summing” in analog being a real advantage to hybrid mixing, and I guess in your setup the summing happens in the daw? Also, what mixer are you using?
Hi Mark! Glad you enjoyed the video & it was helpful for you. You are correct - I wanted to have the ability to do further processing in the box after going through the board. This was really the first test drive of the console and my setup so I'm constantly tinkering. As I don't have any outboard fx I also wanted to have freedom on sending different channels to different FX plugins. Regarding summing - the board is a Soundcraft MH4 which used to be one of the high end live mixing consoles but leans more on the cleaner side. So until now I didn't really bother regarding summing. I want to do a shoot out and compare my master bus out of the console vs. the digitally summed master from the DAW but haven't done so yet, too much to mix and happy with the results anyway ;) In my opinion whatever works for you and get's you to a satisfactory result is cool - be it digital, hybrid, analogue. Analogue Summing can make a / the difference but I haven't tested it yet with this console. How are you mixing? :)
@@MaxFreist I'm just learning about mixing. I also have a desk (Allen & Heath ML4000), but no outboard. I'd like to find a way to use the sends on my board, and I assumed that due to latency, the only plugins which would work this way were were certain verbs and delays. I was following this chart: anotherproducer.com/online-tools-for-musicians/delay-reverb-time-calculator/ So the tight ambiances and small rooms wouldn't work, but large rooms and halls might. I would just set the pre delay to suggested value - my sound cards latency (measured at 32 ms). Your video has me rethinking this. If my tracks are looped back and monitored through Reaper, then from my desk I can send to any plugin FX I like and not have to worry about latency. I wouldn't be able to bring the FX tracks back to the board, but that shouldn't matter. My card (Fireface UFX) has 30 in and 30 out (Well 28 really. because I don't have any AES/EBU gear). I'd like to save a bunch of inputs for tracking, so I'd probably only bring back the groups, auxes, and sends, so I can save a bunch of DAW inputs for instruments. But I'd monitor all recorded material in the daw, and throw plugs on them. Either that, or pick up a patch bay so I can change this stuff on the fly. Thanks again. I'll take any and all advice regarding this setup. I'm happy with the sound of plugs, just looking for a desk workflow. You made it look fast and easy, though I know it will take a lot of work for me to get to that point. I just wiggle eq knobs willy nilly till it sounds good, but I need to adopt a more strategic approach like you are doing.
@@MarkBragg Hi Mark! The A&H ML Series is another nice live console series! 32ms with a Fireface seems pretty high, as RMEs driver performance is stellar - you could try using a smaller buffer and thus decreasing the latency. BUT I'd still prefer it to leave the FX with their sends in the box and not worry about and latency and potential cancellation issues. Right now I have setup the console splitted like you described: left bay =24 channels for mixing with input to direct out post fader routing and right side 16 inputs for tracking (DI, Axe Fx, 2x Cab Mic
Hello Max, fantastic Hybrid set up. Have you tried using in the box Delays in the daw coming out to the console and back ? or there’s latency there when using in the box delays ?
Hey, thanks! What do you mean with in the box delays? Latency between strict in the box tracks and hybrid routed to console and back? Or delay effects? Or something else? :)
@@MaxFreist What I meant to ask is can the fx , reverbs, delays etc be routed to the auxes on the desk without latency when mixing hybrid ? or you mostly have the fx sends set up in your daw ?
Hi Max, Great video. Very instructive. I plan to invest into an analog mixing console. Maybe now digital is great enaugh, but i don’t know... i’m just old school i guess. Prefer tweaking real knobs. When i’ll record, would i bybass the eq and let it for when i will come back from the daw to the consol to mix ? I’ll go back from the audio interface into the line in of the consol or for the mix the preamp could add something interesting according to you ? I will try both ways but your knowlegde and opinion would be appreciate. Thanks, Julien
Same here! Digital is great, I'm using it a lot for live sound but a digital desk doesn't make sense to me for studio work, then I can mix in the box with controllers alltogether. What you asked: both ways are viable so yeah try both - but in general you can trust yourself and commit to the sound and eq you do when recording, that way you a) learn and b) get the sound you are after faster. The possibility to always go back to zero and redo the whole mix isn't always great and can lead to you never finishing tracks, I've been there ;)
@@MaxFreist thanks for your answer. Yes, the idea is to finish the project. But the learning part is important too, it’s a part of the process i guess.
Just to butt in on your question, I recently bought a Soundcraft Signature 22MTK because of its old school feel. It all feels very analog but so easily connects to my daw. If you’re looking for a mixer somewhere in between digital and analogue, this little baby will do just the job. Plus the preamps are awesome and it all sounds fantastic. Good luck.
Hi Max, as the MH4 doesn’t have line inputs, do you use the mic inputs with pads activated or the inserts to connect the converters? Thanx, love your mix!
Hey Dick, sorry for the late reply, missed it! Yes I use the mic inputs and if necessary I pad the inputs - depending on recorded level :) Glad you like it!
Hi. It's a MH4 board right? How do you interface it with the DAW? do you run all 32 channels via an interface? And how good are the mic pres and EQ on the board itself? Thanks
Hi there! Correct, it's an MH4. I'm using a Presonus Quantum 4848 interface to get 32 Line IOs from and to the board, plus ADAT to my UA Apollo. The mic pres are okay, cleanis, nothing really to write home about - the EQ I really like, especially the shelfing bands.
@@MaxFreist Thank you very much for your reply. I have antilope/audient interfaces and a QU-24, was digging an analog board which won't break the bank. Good luck!
It's switchable - it has jumpers under the hood of each channelstrip and it also has a direct out switch on top that can switch between two points - post fader or dedicated direct out control IIRC and jumpers change Pre or post EQ / insert / fader or something like that. Not every setting is combinable but you can select between 2 ways of behaviour depending on the dir out switch on top. More in the brochure or manual ;)
Interesting setup.. I have an old 20 channel 8 buss console at home and what you do is sort of what I like as well. EQ on the board for a general shaper and then I use plugins for the more extreme shaping. Comps, some hardware but due to not having enough, either printing or using plugins. Do you find doing EQ and mixing through the board helps to gel the mixes more and make them sound more cohesive than using diff plugins for eq etc? Also limited channels making you make decisions or create groups to send out to mixer on one fader?
Thanks for your comment! I can get the mixes cohesive inside the box as well as outside - for me it's more about the workflow, grabbing faders and EQs with my hands and establishing a balance like that that feels more intuitive and eventually faster. I too have a few hardware compressors right now and thought about getting more - but still throw the ones I have around in different routing scenarios. As I have an extensive plugin comp collection right now I try not to invest money in hardware that I'm not 100% sure is really benefiting my mixing. Limited channels did have an impact - grouping some stuff together on one fader or a stereo group - yes. Also right now I'm using the right side of the board for tracking :)
I'd like to but filming and editing these videos is something I can't fit in right now - building a new studio and having a child somehow takes up a lot of time 😅 plus client / band projects. But it is planned for the future :) Do you prefer with or without commentary?
@@MaxFreist oh yes I can see where you're coming from. No worries we'll just keep our fingers crossed..that could be a very promising and profitable opportunity in the future...
I didn't record it, so couldn't help it - just got the final tracks 🤷🏼♂️ Regarding the vocal clean up - 2 reasons: speed being one (this was supposed to be a mixing, not editing video - otherwise I wouldn't have gated but cut out the toms too) and the more important one - it would change the instrumental mix sound every time the vocals come in. Bleed was so loud that you would hear when vocals come in and out in the instruments sounds. Which is unacceptable - in this case I leave the bleed in and work around it and have a not so stellar instrument mix but with consistent sound and without jumps in quality. Otherwise the listener gets too distracted.
Sounds great! I'm mixing hybrid on a Soundcraft series 2. Awesome consoles.
Cheers Kyle! Yeah I really like the old soundcraft boards - absolute workhorses. And the series 2 has a nice meterbridge :D
Very nice mixing job Max. I like it
thanks Richard!
Nice! looks like fun ! Nice Workflow :)
Brilliant Sound.... Loved the mix. Very live mix feel to the whole thing..... Even your actions.....
Thank you Micheal! I've been mixing live shows for over 10 years now, so maybe that shows 😁👍🏻
@@MaxFreist Same here. Good to see those moves. Waiting to get out and do that.....
@@michaelmikejameswillliams8373 hell yeah...mixed 1 show in 2020 :/
2000 pax location with 200 people allowed. Good luck and stay safe Mike!
Nice Console!
Thank you :)
You're a beast, son!
Great video!!! Super entretaining and intresting. Hope to be able to mix on a analog console one day.
cheers man! yeah it definitely is fun, good luck hope you can one day :)
Great mix!
Thank you mate!
The best mix video in my opinion 😍😍🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻,how do you made this possible? hybrid mix,how to add the plugins into the mixer?I'm just got my self an analog mixer MX9000 and still not understand how to do like this video😭
Hey there, thank you!🙌🏻
2 ways of doing it - inserting the plugins into the mixer or inserting the mixer into the DAW (with the plugins). To do it like I do you need an interface with line in and outputs for each channel, interface out -> channel input, channel direct out -> interface line input. Then for each channel either send it from DAW track output to interface out and from interface in onto a new track or use an insert plugin that inserts the interface I/O (your mixer channel) onto the DAW channel.
What DAW are you using? 🙂
@@MaxFreist thanks for your time to reply,I'm using Reaper DAW and Adat 3 interface to get 24 in and out,i like to do hybrid to get the best of both worlds but I'm not sure I'm doing it the right way or not😅😂,i want to be able to use my mixer and DAW EQ, Preamp and insert some DAW and Outboard compressor...do I need to disconnect the DAW channel from the master (return to my channel 23/24)Or just let it connect like default
Hi Max this video was super helpful thanks for that! I like how you explained what you were doing with all the sources on each band, but you did it in real time which seemed to drive it in a bit better somehow.
Is the reason you are bringing every track back into the box (as opposed to just the 2 bus) because you like to do processing both before and after the board eq? I hear a lot of talk about “summing” in analog being a real advantage to hybrid mixing, and I guess in your setup the summing happens in the daw?
Also, what mixer are you using?
Hi Mark! Glad you enjoyed the video & it was helpful for you.
You are correct - I wanted to have the ability to do further processing in the box after going through the board. This was really the first test drive of the console and my setup so I'm constantly tinkering. As I don't have any outboard fx I also wanted to have freedom on sending different channels to different FX plugins.
Regarding summing - the board is a Soundcraft MH4 which used to be one of the high end live mixing consoles but leans more on the cleaner side. So until now I didn't really bother regarding summing. I want to do a shoot out and compare my master bus out of the console vs. the digitally summed master from the DAW but haven't done so yet, too much to mix and happy with the results anyway ;)
In my opinion whatever works for you and get's you to a satisfactory result is cool - be it digital, hybrid, analogue. Analogue Summing can make a / the difference but I haven't tested it yet with this console.
How are you mixing? :)
@@MaxFreist I'm just learning about mixing. I also have a desk (Allen & Heath ML4000), but no outboard. I'd like to find a way to use the sends on my board, and I assumed that due to latency, the only plugins which would work this way were were certain verbs and delays.
I was following this chart:
anotherproducer.com/online-tools-for-musicians/delay-reverb-time-calculator/
So the tight ambiances and small rooms wouldn't work, but large rooms and halls might. I would just set the pre delay to suggested value - my sound cards latency (measured at 32 ms).
Your video has me rethinking this. If my tracks are looped back and monitored through Reaper, then from my desk I can send to any plugin FX I like and not have to worry about latency. I wouldn't be able to bring the FX tracks back to the board, but that shouldn't matter.
My card (Fireface UFX) has 30 in and 30 out (Well 28 really. because I don't have any AES/EBU gear).
I'd like to save a bunch of inputs for tracking, so I'd probably only bring back the groups, auxes, and sends, so I can save a bunch of DAW inputs for instruments. But I'd monitor all recorded material in the daw, and throw plugs on them.
Either that, or pick up a patch bay so I can change this stuff on the fly.
Thanks again. I'll take any and all advice regarding this setup. I'm happy with the sound of plugs, just looking for a desk workflow. You made it look fast and easy, though I know it will take a lot of work for me to get to that point. I just wiggle eq knobs willy nilly till it sounds good, but I need to adopt a more strategic approach like you are doing.
@@MarkBragg Hi Mark!
The A&H ML Series is another nice live console series! 32ms with a Fireface seems pretty high, as RMEs driver performance is stellar - you could try using a smaller buffer and thus decreasing the latency. BUT I'd still prefer it to leave the FX with their sends in the box and not worry about and latency and potential cancellation issues.
Right now I have setup the console splitted like you described: left bay =24 channels for mixing with input to direct out post fader routing and right side 16 inputs for tracking (DI, Axe Fx, 2x Cab Mic
I hope that studio update video is still coming!
Hello Max, fantastic Hybrid set up.
Have you tried using in the box Delays in the daw coming out to the console and back ? or there’s latency there when using in the box delays ?
Hey, thanks! What do you mean with in the box delays? Latency between strict in the box tracks and hybrid routed to console and back? Or delay effects? Or something else? :)
@@MaxFreist What I meant to ask is can the fx , reverbs, delays etc be routed to the auxes on the desk without latency when mixing hybrid ? or you mostly have the fx sends set up in your daw ?
Hi Max,
Great video. Very instructive.
I plan to invest into an analog mixing console. Maybe now digital is great enaugh, but i don’t know... i’m just old school i guess. Prefer tweaking real knobs.
When i’ll record, would i bybass the eq and let it for when i will come back from the daw to the consol to mix ?
I’ll go back from the audio interface into the line in of the consol or for the mix the preamp could add something interesting according to you ?
I will try both ways but your knowlegde and opinion would be appreciate.
Thanks,
Julien
Same here! Digital is great, I'm using it a lot for live sound but a digital desk doesn't make sense to me for studio work, then I can mix in the box with controllers alltogether. What you asked: both ways are viable so yeah try both - but in general you can trust yourself and commit to the sound and eq you do when recording, that way you a) learn and b) get the sound you are after faster. The possibility to always go back to zero and redo the whole mix isn't always great and can lead to you never finishing tracks, I've been there ;)
@@MaxFreist thanks for your answer.
Yes, the idea is to finish the project. But the learning part is important too, it’s a part of the process i guess.
Just to butt in on your question, I recently bought a Soundcraft Signature 22MTK because of its old school feel. It all feels very analog but so easily connects to my daw. If you’re looking for a mixer somewhere in between digital and analogue, this little baby will do just the job. Plus the preamps are awesome and it all sounds fantastic. Good luck.
@@deajae1974 thanks for your answer.
Hi Max, I have a question. Do you compress before the mixer or you compress the tracks after they have passed through the mixer?
Hi Elijah, Gate/expander before the console, Comps after it :)
Hi Max, as the MH4 doesn’t have line inputs, do you use the mic inputs with pads activated or the inserts to connect the converters? Thanx, love your mix!
Hey Dick, sorry for the late reply, missed it! Yes I use the mic inputs and if necessary I pad the inputs - depending on recorded level :) Glad you like it!
Hi. It's a MH4 board right? How do you interface it with the DAW? do you run all 32 channels via an interface? And how good are the mic pres and EQ on the board itself? Thanks
Hi there! Correct, it's an MH4. I'm using a Presonus Quantum 4848 interface to get 32 Line IOs from and to the board, plus ADAT to my UA Apollo. The mic pres are okay, cleanis, nothing really to write home about - the EQ I really like, especially the shelfing bands.
@@MaxFreist Thank you very much for your reply. I have antilope/audient interfaces and a QU-24, was digging an analog board which won't break the bank. Good luck!
Hey, quick question. Is the direct Out pre or post fader on the MH4 ?
Thx in advance :)
It's switchable - it has jumpers under the hood of each channelstrip and it also has a direct out switch on top that can switch between two points - post fader or dedicated direct out control IIRC and jumpers change Pre or post EQ / insert / fader or something like that. Not every setting is combinable but you can select between 2 ways of behaviour depending on the dir out switch on top. More in the brochure or manual ;)
Max Freist
Thx a lot. Can u just tell me how u have it set up? Would u recomend pre or post for studio application like yours?
@@MrJackTheRipper00 I guess both ways are viable, depending on your situation - both can work for you! I have them set up post fader.
Interesting setup.. I have an old 20 channel 8 buss console at home and what you do is sort of what I like as well. EQ on the board for a general shaper and then I use plugins for the more extreme shaping. Comps, some hardware but due to not having enough, either printing or using plugins. Do you find doing EQ and mixing through the board helps to gel the mixes more and make them sound more cohesive than using diff plugins for eq etc? Also limited channels making you make decisions or create groups to send out to mixer on one fader?
Thanks for your comment! I can get the mixes cohesive inside the box as well as outside - for me it's more about the workflow, grabbing faders and EQs with my hands and establishing a balance like that that feels more intuitive and eventually faster. I too have a few hardware compressors right now and thought about getting more - but still throw the ones I have around in different routing scenarios. As I have an extensive plugin comp collection right now I try not to invest money in hardware that I'm not 100% sure is really benefiting my mixing.
Limited channels did have an impact - grouping some stuff together on one fader or a stereo group - yes.
Also right now I'm using the right side of the board for tracking :)
oh and there is an update to my studio setup and workflow coming some time soon :)
Sauber gemacht! Ich seh zwar nur Knöpfe, aber das macht nichts. 😉
Das is nix Neues 😁
Danke!
Max. Is that something you can frequently do? A nice mix in 20-30 minutes? Sort of a "mix while you wait" concept.
I'd like to but filming and editing these videos is something I can't fit in right now - building a new studio and having a child somehow takes up a lot of time 😅 plus client / band projects.
But it is planned for the future :)
Do you prefer with or without commentary?
@@MaxFreist oh yes I can see where you're coming from. No worries we'll just keep our fingers crossed..that could be a very promising and profitable opportunity in the future...
This is cool but I want to know what audio converter was use to achieve this into the system
Presonus Quantum 4848 - best bang for the buck line level I/O + overall great quality.
@@MaxFreist love this info thanks so much I'm a fan for quality gears
Just hope one day I will have money to work with quality gears like this
Do you have a way I can contact you.i have a question ..thank you
shoot me a dm on insta!
instagram.com/maxfreist/
What is the brand of this analog console?
Soundcraft - it's an MH4
why not stay in the box and put a SSL channel strip across every channel?
Because that's less fun!
The workflow like this is much more interactive and well...... fun x)
can you do this again with CLA Epic plugin?
@@e.apollis2877 I don't have that plugin, sorry
@@MaxFreist oh crack🙈
Was she singing into a soup can or what? Distorted as well... also why didn’t you scrub her vocal removing the other instruments from the track...
I didn't record it, so couldn't help it - just got the final tracks 🤷🏼♂️
Regarding the vocal clean up - 2 reasons: speed being one (this was supposed to be a mixing, not editing video - otherwise I wouldn't have gated but cut out the toms too) and the more important one - it would change the instrumental mix sound every time the vocals come in. Bleed was so loud that you would hear when vocals come in and out in the instruments sounds. Which is unacceptable - in this case I leave the bleed in and work around it and have a not so stellar instrument mix but with consistent sound and without jumps in quality. Otherwise the listener gets too distracted.