2025 Operating and Recording

The Studio has come a long way in both it's functionality, and it's precision. Optical Audio converters bring 192 to the studio, through our Scarlet pre amps. The sound on these OctoPre rack units are very nice. Putting about 250 hours of runtime through them on full bands.

The Soundcraft UX22 boards (hate and love) are being used as analog transport to monitors and mains, and no longer the recording interface except in video broadcasts, or simple tasks. The one on the desk is used for splits to send monitor support to the in studio band, and have a place to bounce audio back to the producer, or Live stream; in real time.

LIVE - The Soundcraft in the Atom Case is post preamp, post Adat I/O. However the Soundcraft is pulling a lot more weight at live shows, as we use it "channel for channel". (not computer assisted) For live shows, it's our final mixing/summing. We have a separate stage box, with a Soundcraft ui24 Rack Mixer (tablet/laptop control). This is great for monitor splits at stage, with independent control from FoH. We don't have channel inserts on these boards (the part I hate) and instead utilize the Aux and Bus outs to get our channels that need FX back out of the board. We send 8 channels out to a separate mixer (only when Analog events are requested), This Other mixer has inserts and ways to mix the tracks into effects, and get the right sound. It sounds crazy, but it's just a budget way to solve the problem of wanting to use my late father's Lexicon rack FX, as well as other outboard gear. It's just for Live, so the audio coloration is not an issue. where effects come through a spare channel, and get summed for the mains, seasoned to taste.

PARTY/DJ - As far as DJing, it's entirely for show, everything can be done from the small stage monitor rig, and no FoH is needed, except if there is a lighting operator., or for Multi DJ events. (4 universe wireless DMX system). As shown in the pic below....

The Atom Case is running the lighting wirelessly. The audio is transported through a 32ch XLR snake, Main LRC, however it has 8 unused TRS returns, that I may wire up a non destructive adapter to use it as a LAN transport cable. My Idea here was because LAN requires (4 twisted pairs), that would need 3 channels if the snake uses a common ground wire.(TRS=3 copper strands). Simple 3 channel TRS adapter to RJ45 terminal on each end. Unplug and back to 1/4 TRS ports. The snake is shielded, but not sure to what extent., (needs testing)

STUDIO - Our studio workflow is high quality pre-amps, Optical to computer using RME interfacing. in real time mix in the box, with effects, and by the time they are done with a few playtime minutes, we have the sound dialed in. I prefer to record a good live playthrough, getting the drums as perfect as one can; then fixing around that core. Re-recording our errors, and keeping focus on the final product is easier when you can hear clearly. Using the soundboard we are able to switch between pre and post digital converters in our monitors. The board also allows us to have more listening volume control. We use different studio speakers, in various rooms, to help to compare the sound across multiple speaker fidelities, in multiple environments. Some stereo monitors aren't using a subwoofer to make sure we can still hear all the parts. Nothing in the studio stays un-updated for long, these photos have been outdated 3 times in a 6month period. We adapt how is needed.