Mixing Desks or Control Surfaces??

[Barry12string]

Hello.
I use MC and its very good but I want to incorporate either a mixing desk or control surface for mastering purposes.. is this possible and if so, which do I go for?
Also, if I do go for a mixing desk does it need to be digital, or can analogue be used?
Hope someone can help.
Many thanks

[SoundSquire]

Looks like Acoustica recommends a Yamaha.

Gear to Get: Mixcraft

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

In regard to control surfaces, anything that can send MIDI control surface messages should work.


Greg

[Barry12string]

Hi all.
Thanks for your replies, and since then I have aquired an old Peavey Studio Mix

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Trouble is, what you see is what I got lol, no Leads; Software; Drivers; Manuals; nada.
So In my wisdom, (what wisdom? I hear y'all cry), I found a power lead I had hanging around that fitted and it powered up no problem, I then downloaded the quick start manual, then connected the unit to my puter from the midi in and out on the back of the unit to a USB port on the puter. but nothing. the puter has not detected it.
So I now I assume I need the drivers and/or software or maybe even a new soundcard as the user manual indicates that the unit be connected directly to the soundcard, but my puter does'nt have this facility so i assumed the USB would be a good option.
So if any of you great great guys can help me get this thing goingor can direct me to somewhere that can, I will be forever in your debt.

[ChubbyJerk]

What did you use to go from the midi out to the usb in? I assume you need something like a Midisport hub to handle that conversion for you.

[ChubbyJerk]

Or you could just get a cheap usb controller, like the Nanokontrol.

I don't have the Nanokontrol, but I have a Nanopad 2 and Nanokey 2 (from the same line of products), and they're both pretty nice. Cheap, with a lot of functionality packed into a small form.

[Barry12string]

Thx for the suggestion chubby, but as I already have the studioMix Im gonna try and use it before I admit defeat.

[wildbil]

Hi Chubby,

I'm slightly off topic here, but I'm still trying to decode my AKAI MPK mini. I suppose I could have bought the Nano key stuff, but the MPK connects with a single USB port.

My questions are: Did you try the MPK?

How steep a learning curve is there? Did you find a tutorial?

Thanks and Happy Turkey,

bil

[Barry12string]

Ok, now I got the thing hooked up to my puter (i.e; the interface lights up when I move a slider or button) so all I need to do now is configure it with mixcraft (I hope)
Im starting to think maybe I should buy a cheap copy of cakewalk (spit spit spit) sonar (the programme this unit was originally hooked up with) offa Ebay in the hope that the drivers for this thing is on there. then transfer it, drivers an all, to my mixcraft.
Again, if any of you can see the error in my ways, or can suggest another way to go, please holla
Many Thanks

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

To configure your control surface, select "Control Surfaces" from the Mix menu.

If it's not working, check that you have the "MIDI Out" on the device connected to the "MIDI In" on your USB cable. Also, the Peavey has to be sending MIDI commands or Mixcraft won't recognize them. Some control surfaces can be set to send different kinds of commands. Have you tried googling for a manual for that device?

Greg

[Barry12string]

Hello Greg.
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated .
I did 'google' then download/print the Quick Start User Manual but it was of little use in this instant. I also looked into the 'Mix' tab, but as I am still using MC5, it isn't there.
As for the mixer connection, it is set up as you suggested, Midi-in cable to Midi-out on the unit, thru the in-line interface on the midi cable, then directly on to the USB connection on the puter soundcard.(I missed this socket earlier, D'oh!!)
and when a slider or button is pushed on the peavey, the 'Midi out' light on the in-line interface on the midi cable lights up, suggesting to me that a signal is generated and possibly getting thru. But then nothing else. the puter still does not detect the peavey at all.
So that is how things stand atm so I am pinning my hopes that the drivers for the peavey will be on the sonar8 installation disk, a copy of which I found on Ebay for less than £20 all-in and is (I hope) winging its way to me as we speak. and Im told that then the unit will be useable for all other DAWs, (mixcraft included), so fingers cross that will solve my connection problems.
Ill keep you posted as to the outcome.
Once again, Many Thanks
Barry12string

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

Okay, let us know.

Greg

[Barry12string]

UPDATE.
OK, now I have the sonar 8 producer programme on my puter, and yes, the mixing desk works fine with that. But It still will not work with MC5.
At the moment I am feeling deflated, miserable, beaten and down-right pissed off. so sod it, Ill do without a mixing desk.
Thanks for the advice but all-in-all it just aint worth the effort.
Barry12string

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

Mixcraft 5 doesn't have control surface support. I assumed you had Mixcraft 6.

Download Mixcraft 6 and give it a try!

Choose "Control Surfaces" from the Mix menu in Mixcraft 6.

Greg

[Barry12string]

Hi.
OK, I trialed the Mixcraft 6 and problem solved. the Peavey StudioMix works well with MC6.
So its an upgrade for me
Thanks for all the advice.

Stay Safe
Barry12string

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