Opinions: Where Is The Optimum Place To Mix Down To

[Joe Raguseo]

I'm kind of new to digital recording. I had been an analog engineer many years ago and the standard was to mix down from 24 or 48 tracks on 2 inch tape to stereo 2 track 1/4 inch or sometimes 1/2 inch tape. (Digital tape came a little later) So I'm just a bit curious what is preferred these days. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated

[richiebee]

That depends. If you're using a computer, mix down to your hard drive. Then create a CD or DVD - its often useful to record and mix down at 24bit so that your mastering engineer has the most information to work with. If you can't do that, 16bit will be fine. If you mix to 24 bit, you should provide your mastering engineer with a data disc. In fact, a data disc is probably always the best way to get your mixed songs to your mastering engineer. They will tell you if they have any different or additional requirements.

If you're using a standalone device, the options depend on what kind of machine you're recording to.

[garageband]

You can still mix down to 1/4". I do sometimes. You can configure your outputs of your interface and run them through a console and record the result: either to tape or back into the interface. This will produce very good results, as this is a paradigm you are familiar with. Mixing down ITB for someone familiar herding vast amounts of signals may not give you as good a result as you are used to. It's really a different mindset and different ballgame. ITB tends to be more static and OTB more dynamic as far as your involvement in shaping the mix. Besides this is a great way to bring all your cool sounding toys into play.

[Joe Raguseo]

Thanks. I would be using a computer. How do you make a data disk? I've also heard some people mix to a separate CD recorder. What type of equipment would a mastering engineer use for the finished product?

[garageband]

Most MEs can use whatever format you give them - AIFF, WAV, SDII, whatever. Bounce to disc (following the manual) using the same same rate and bit depth as your project. Burn the CD with the files on it.

[Joe Raguseo]

Thanks for the response Garageband. I don't have access to a full blown studio anymore, I'd just be working at home. I guess for now, while I'm getting familiar with the process, simple would be better.

[garageband]

I would not recommend the Masterlink sort of approach for what you are doing.

[Joe Raguseo]

Hey Garargeband, thanks again for the info. Masterlink does sound interesting, although I don't think I'm following it completely. Could you elaborate a little more on it? Also, I'm not sure what ITB and OTB is.

[garageband]

To reiterate, I would NOT recommend the Masterlink. In the box, outside the box.

[grooveboxmusicTony]

For many years most mastering engineers I worked with wanted a DAT tape. It made sense because it was digitial, but still in a hard tape case so it couldn't be scratched or messed up easily.
But the last several years or so, they all want a data disc-cd or dvd. Usually 24 bit, stereo 2 track.
I've worked in studios that used pro tools for editing and then ran it through the neve or ssl and used the eq's and faders along with the outboard gear. Then you could record the output to an external cd player.
But if its all in the computer, mixdown/bounce to disk and make a data disc. This seems to be the standard now.

Tony Laughlin
Audio Engineer/Promoter
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