Who is using the D8B and what do you think of it so far? What are you recording to? Any tips on setting it up? How many MFX and UFX cards do you really need? Is the automation smooth enough to use? Any software limitations or bugs that cause headaches?
I've talked to dealers and reps and Mackie guys directly, but I want to know what the people who have them think. Thanks.
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I've been getting great results with the d8b. It is very easy to
I've been getting great results with the d8b. It is very easy to use, and extremely flexible. I love the 'Fat Channel' which fills the screen with all the settings for any selected channel. Now, having gushed about it, here are the caveats from my point of view. The "optional" Apogee clock card, monitor and mouse aren't really optional, you NEED these. The mic pre-amps are usable, but not great - same with the converters. At the minimum, get a dedicated wordclock (Lucid's GENx6 is only $350). If you have the budget, get as many high quality mic pre-amps (of different flavors) as you can & get at least 2 channels of good quality A/D converters (Apogee, Lucid, Mytek, etc.) Get as many UFX cards as you can, the Massenburg EQ is phenomenal & you'll want as many channels as you can get. Otherplug-insworth having include the Drawmer dynamics & Acuma RTA31 - for the rest, you can audition them in demo mode & decide for yourself.
I record to an MDR24/96 (used to be a rack of ADAT XT20s - still got 'em, just don't use 'em any more...) My advice on set up would be to set the board up in your studio/recording space and after it's all plugged in and connected DON'T TURN IT ON!!! - Instead, open the manual and read it from beginning to end, go back over the parts needed to get started, then write down the Mackie tech support in big numbers and flip the switch. This isn't analog, there are lots of settings to make or check - unless you have a lot of digital experience, or are smarter than the average bear, you're gonna need some help at first. Be patient! Go to the d8b forum at Mackie.com and read EVERYTHING posted there.
O.K. lecture mode off - I just wanted to stress that this is a really complicated piece of gear that can do some amazing things, but you need to learn it. DO take a look at the forum I mentioned, and download the manual from Mackie's website - that way you can RTFM before you even get the board, and be a step ahead :D .
Scott
Who is using the D8B and what do you think of it so far? What ar
I use the D8B and find it to be a versatile nice sounding digital desk. Plenty of warmth and clarity . I track to ProTools via ADAT pipe.
Depends what your setup is.
Put as many UFX cards in as you can. Automation is OK , a few bugs such as faders fighting you when you change banks and a delay in the pick up of the automation and even DCA are annoying but there are ways to reroute controls so you have all used faders on one bank. The addition of a mix editor to fine tune your mixes visually is great , although the accuracy of the mouse pointer is questionable.
All round great desk , easy to use.