controller suck. get yourself the largest analog board you can afford and a computer system running MOTU hardware or a Digi Pro Tools system. Trust me... I dont use my controller, most people dont unless you get that cool Pro Tools controller. the HUI looks cool but would ya really use it?

I use Digital Performer for some tracking and editing, but I personally hate mixing inside it. I've never liked mixing in Pro Tools either, though I know multitudes get great success doing just that.

Lots of guys are running out of their MOTU or Pro Tools hardware into a DDA or a Ghost or even an old Trident (if you can find one).

Me, I'd find a used Yamaha 02R and hook it up via TDIF cards or ADAT cards to a 2408. The 02R's are priced pretty cheap these days, and sound good.

The real benefit is in the full automation that you can lock up via SMPTE or by recording real time midi into DP. The more automation you use in DP, the more horsepower your computer will need, and may cost you some plugin availability.

ckerian and Screws,
This is something I have been curious about. I have been considering purchasing a controller for my system. I don't really mind mixing with the mouse but I find punching in and out while recording by myself cumbersome. I don't want to get into auto punches as it takes away from the flow of the moment when I just want to fix a bad vocal note. (I hate the way I sing) It would be so nice to have a big record button to punch in and out. What is it that you guys don't care for with mixing "in the box"? Is it latency in the moves from the controllers or is it the sound of the mix's i.e.; computer running out of guts? If it's the latter, computer power is getting pretty good these days. My Dual 1800 AMD / Asus machine is running 16 track automated mixes without breaking a sweat. Very stable and no noticeable loss of audio quality. I'm working up to 32 tracks. If I get the system to run that many tracks with all the goodies I'll be happy, happy, joy, joy! ...... Fats

I use a d8b along with DP. It works great for me. I do mostly jingle work for small market radio. This combination allows me to work very fast.

Linwood
http://www.bellmusicproductions.com

I do a lot of jingle work as well, and the need for speed caused me to invest in:

d8b and Samplitude...works VERY well...between the d8b's TC reverbs, Samps TC convolutions, and some external stuff, not many things I can't get...

Although possible to mix "inside the box" (I love that cliche!) things just go much faster with the d8b's automated capabilities...

If money no object, yes, an analog Neotek, DDL, or what-have-you...but there again, if money were no object, I'd have the time to invest in mixing to the nanosecond...

I use a PT MIx 5.1.1 with a G4 800, 512MB RAM, light piped to adat bridges going finnally to an 02R.
It is a very solid setup, but I have to tell you that after 5 years of plenty useI am tired of my o2R sound. I am very stupid and prefer to use autmation on the console. Not a big fan of mouse, although PT automation is much better than the 02R. LOL

Take a look at a new consol called DM1000. It will not cost a kidney and it comes bundlesd with 96k capabilty, lots of Mic pres and so..

I did not enjoy very much the sound of mixes entirely done inisde the box with just plugins. The stereo image sounded smaller than doing with a cosole like d8b or the 02R.

:)
:p

I was looking at possibly getting one of those controllers too. I had my eye on one of those Mackie Control units. Honestly, I primarily "draw" my automation using Sonar's envelope tools. The main thing I would use the controller for is to set general levels, solo, mute, arm, transport control, and it also adds to the wow factor for the clients.

P.S. Hey fats, you should have no problem with 32 tracks. I run a Dual Athlon MP2000 system and I can run 64+ tracks with EQ and compression on each on with a verb or two, or three and automation on most tracks.

-TheMIDIRoom

If u fancy building a controller, then have a look at: http://www.ucapps.de and the MIDIbox64 (part of the MBHP H/w platform)...

You can create a mega box (http://www.ucapps.de/mbhp/mbhp_midibox_multi1.gif) by linking several modules...

Watch out for the forthcoming additions too ;)

I'm in the process of doin one, and it's gonna be v nifty...

Best...

Dan

Fellaz,
The controller I would like to use is the Baby HUI but it isn't compatible with Cubase VST 5.1. It looks like I need to use the Tascam 424 USB controller. This works ok for me because I'm using the Frontier Dakota soundcard with 2 ADAT ai 3's for 16 in/out and the 424 is a joint venture between Tascam and Frontier. I just don't need the USB inputs but I suppose I'll just keep them disconnected. Who knows they may come in handy sometime. I also wish it had 8 faders.
I personally don't mind the automation on Cubase. It's very simple to use, just click on the write icon and go. It is very much like writing automation on the MCI 600 I used to have. I feel very comfortable with it. I can't say how much I like this software. I am pleasantly surprised at how well it has been going. I expected a much more difficult time learning it and it has been relatively easy. I must be bringing more computer skills to the table that I thought I had. Perhaps I have been selling myself a little short. Or it's almost idiot proof...maybe a bit of both. I tried Pro Tools free but it was just too weird. Couldn't get past step 1, instructions are too technical... just weird. I am definitely going for mixing in the box… don't want to spend all that cash on a console that cruds up the sound anyway. IMO the cheapest thing around that is useable in the small format digital console is the Sony DMX…and I ain't spending $20K on something that I can't sell in five or ten years (or less). Yep, in the box is the ticket for me.. ……. Fats