Hi all, I have finally narrowed down the tpe of mixer that I want to purchase. THe only problem I have now is deciding whether I need to 8 channel Soundcraft fx 8 or the Soundcraft 16 channel fx 16 for my 8 track Otari reel to reel. I am mainly concerned with the ability or inability to record and monitor on the 8 channel board. Can I record on monitor on the fx 8 or do I need the 16 channel mixer to record on the first 8 and monitor on the second 8? Thanks
Comments
You can get by with the 8 channel board for recording and monito
You can get by with the 8 channel board for recording and monitoring, but if you want to mix, you'll need 16 channels. I was constantly running into frustration with my 8track/8ch combo. The other thing is that the 16 channel board will come in handy for submixing things before they go to tape.
You flip the board to mic input while recording and then connect your 8 tracks inputs to the outputs of the board. For monitoring tape, you connect your 8 tracks line outputs to the line inputs of the board. Switching between mic and line allows you the flexibility to use the same board for tracking and mix.
If you are poised on those two, I'd suggest the simple route and
If you are poised on those two, I'd suggest the simple route and get the 16-channel. You will find that no matter how many channels you think you need, you'll need more down the line. Having the extra channels comes in handy at mix time for many other things such as effects, outboard gear, keys/MIDI sound modules, other 8-channel/track recorder be it digital, analog or via a DAW soundcard.