I'm still mixing to DAT or right into the computer using a Mytek A/D. I pick the mixdown format unless someone puts their foot down. I'd love to get a 1/4" or 1/2" machine though.

I mix 1/4" and transfer to DAT. I'm looking into a Masterlink. I've used one a few times and I think it sounds nice and I like the higher bit and sampling rates.

My setup is all digital, so I stay digital and mix to a Masterlink 24bit 48KHz with a simultaneous feed to DA98HR on 2 tracks, locked to the R-1 multitrack via SMPTE. The other tracks get used for a no-lead vocal mix (TV mix) and a no-vocal-at-all mix for remake into different languages plus an alternate mix if needed. I also mix to a 16bit DAT (SV3700) through the AD8000 UV22 and to an old AKAI DD1000 which I had for 14 years (habit). I instantly make a CD24 for each mix on the Masterlink as a backup in case of hard disc failure. Eric Conn, my mastering guru, has a Masterlink as well, or he can dump the audio files straight into Sonic on his Mac from the CD24.

Surround goes to 6 tracks of the Tascam DA98HR in 24 bit 48 KHz with a separate stereo mix on track 7/8. That machine can also do 4 tracks of 24/96 or two tracks of 24/192 (for DVD-A) but I didn't have the need for that yet. The DA98HR tape gets backed up on a DA78HR in 24bit 48KHz. I use Fuji tape exclusively on all high res multitracks.

As a ProTools user, I make sure the mastering house can handle 24 bit AIFF or Sound Designer files - then I just burn data CDs of the stereo mixes.

So then, no one here is mixing to 1/2" ATR102 or A820 machines? Why not?

The answer to that in my work has been cost and practicality. After years of PT files, occasional 1/2", and DAT backup (ugh), my primary format this year has become the Masterlink with a PSX100SE for external clock and converters, running either 44.1/24 or 96/24. As I move into surround work, I also plan to use the DA98HR, like Michael does.

When the budget and approval are there (and when the music is suitable and merits it), I do like to put the stereo mix down to 1/2" as well as the Masterlink...and plan to do the same with surround to 1" 8-track as well as the DA98HR.

Bring on progress...but so far tape is pretty hard to beat when the conditions are right...and of course, the resolution is unbeatable.

Jon

Masterlink all the way! (for a final mix down)

I still use 2 track 1/4 inch , because you just cant get that sound else wise (and besides theres the edit factor with analog, which I like!)

I still as well use DAT , but I have never been a huge fan of this medium.

Cheers,

Mad John
Zythum Studios

"The present day Composer refuses to die!"
Edgar Varese - 1921

Originally posted by Jon Atack:
So then, no one here is mixing to 1/2" ATR102 or A820 machines? Why not?

I'm working on buying an A80 1/2" deck, but that's anywhere from a few weeks to a few months in the future. I'd be mixing to analog now but I don't have a machine and at the moment I don't have the money for one.

Mostly Hedd 192-Masterlink(96K). Once in a while 1/2" Ampex Atr 102(my favorite), sometimes(not my choice) Dat. I mixed one project this year in surround(hooray), and that was on a Tascam 98HR. As you stated earlier the budget determines everything. I'm still not selling my half inch though, eventually I will buy a 1 inch head stack for it.