33X32 COMPACT DIGITAL MIXER User Manual

32 in / 32 out

This mode obviously allows the full potential of the interface to be tapped.

Note that the computer needs to be able to handle that amount of concurrent I/O stream without any glitches. Depending on its speed and memory configuration, some optimization for audio recording might be required.

It is also possible to run a virtual sound check of all 32 input channels by recording them directly to a computer during a brief line check. The performers can leave the stage while you play back the recorded instruments from the hard drive and tweak the sound accordingly.

Generally, the Card outputs may use any of the available signal sources in the console (local or AES50) for recording independently. When the X32 COMPACT is used in a quasi in-line mode, the card with connected computer represents a classic tape machine. In this case, the X32 COMPACT mic inputs would be selected to feed the card outputs (see graphic), and all signals are run from the mixer’s preamps directly to the multi-track recording machine (PC) and from there 1:1 back into the console’s input channels.

When the console channel inputs are set to Card, the channel Gain control will be a +/- 12 dB digital trim for the interface card signal, without direct access to any head amp - which is great for mixdown but would be an issue for recording. So, mixing and monitoring can be done using the X32 COMPACT input channel controls, but the

actual mic preamps must now be controlled from the Setup/preamps page, which gives remote control to every one of the available preamps in the system. Use the Setup/preamps page to make sure that phantom power is set as needed, and that there is a reasonable amount of headroom for recording the preamp signals.

TIP: Sometimes it is more convenient to run the sound check while the preamps are still connected to the X32 COMPACT input channels. Once you are confident about the fundamental settings, you can switch the channel inputs to the X-USB Card inputs for laying the tracks and monitoring the DAW outputs.

If you wish to switch back and forth between the two modes more frequently, you could consider storing 2 routing scenes, ’DAW’ and ’preamps’. Make sure Scene Safes are set in a way that all other parameters remain unchanged.