No-Input mixer and controlling the beast(s)

[Faldoe]

I've gotten into this lately and have been having lots of fun. I currently have my mixer setup like below:

Inputs 1 and 3 go to the Control Room L&R, Input 2 to the Phones Output and Input 4 to the FX Send.

I have my Novation K Station and Korg Volca keys going into Inputs 5 and 7.

I want to know how I can push the inputs of each channel, resulting in the clipping and harshness without overtaking what the synths are going.

The Control/Phones knob and the Master fader work together with the other controls to adjust pitch and clipping.

Is there a way I can put a limiter somewhere so I can blow up the inputed channels and keep the synths from being totally drown out. I like how I can have the noise overtake or blend with the synths and mangle them - some really sweet stuff happening, but I'd also like to make the harsh noise sit low at points.

Lowering the level of each input causes the pitch of the oscillation to rise - like having the resonance on a synth all the way up and backing off the filter. I want the pitch of the inputs or 'faux oscillators' to stay low in pitch without overbearing in volume.

Any ideas? An other mixer?


Note, I do use the FX Send knob, it just happens to be off in the picture.

[Chankgeez]

Awesome (… and you've got purple cable.)

I'm interested in this, I've been meaning to play more no-input mixer. It is fun.

[lordgalvar]

viewtopic.php?f=149&t=49005

I brought up what you are talking about the other day in a very similar format, and RMA gave some great advice in the the thread linked above. Actually, there is a lot of good information there. I haven't really had a chance to try out any of the methods except with a boss CS-3 and the results were pretty lame (I was testing the concept with no input mixing and the LAL MNP-2 just to see what happened...haven't tried that board yet). There are also three or four (at least) threads discussing the use of feedback loops around ehre if you can find them. They might have some good information (I will look later, search is broken...).

I would say to use a second mixer (like a simple, small active one or something). That would probably get you the best results. Good luck

[crochambeau]

I want to know how I can push the inputs of each channel, resulting in the clipping and harshness without overtaking what the synths are going.

Goose your input trim on the "noise" channels so you're hammering the channel/EQ/etc electronics and then TURN THAT SHIT* WAY THE FUCK DOWN at "LEVEL" so you're *not* pounding out the following stage which sums all your channels (which would be my first guess as to the point you're losing clarity on the things you love).

*ie: any channel carrying abuse, go all the way down with it, then mix it back in to taste.

Behringer are not known for a lot of headroom in the summing stage, so this may or may not work. I sold my Behringer a while back, so I'm no longer in the position to confirm my hypothesis.

My favorite option is to run parallel mixers, dirt submix on one and a cleaner final mix on another, plus that gives you more in/out in regards to monitor sends acting as alternate feedback routes, etc. This opens up using those hideously clunky MONO PA rack mixers which can overdrive quite nicely.

[Faldoe]

I want to know how I can push the inputs of each channel, resulting in the clipping and harshness without overtaking what the synths are going.

Goose your input trim on the "noise" channels so you're hammering the channel/EQ/etc electronics and then TURN THAT SHIT* WAY THE FUCK DOWN at "LEVEL" so you're *not* pounding out the following stage which sums all your channels (which would be my first guess as to the point you're losing clarity on the things you love).

*ie: any channel carrying abuse, go all the way down with it, then mix it back in to taste.

Behringer are not known for a lot of headroom in the summing stage, so this may or may not work. I sold my Behringer a while back, so I'm no longer in the position to confirm my hypothesis.

My favorite option is to run parallel mixers, dirt submix on one and a cleaner final mix on another, plus that gives you more in/out in regards to monitor sends acting as alternate feedback routes, etc. This opens up using those hideously clunky MONO PA rack mixers which can overdrive quite nicely.

By 'goose' you mean 'crank?' the trimmers? And lower the individual channel's level? perhaps its cause I'm doing this in my bedroom with my 8'' SS amp but I need to get the level somewhat high for feedback. I also like the decimating sound it makes.

I was thinking of just getting another mixer, like someone suggested and using this for the noise and the other for the instruments.

However, I like how when I have one of the channels going into the FX send and I turn up the FX control on the synth channels, I get the noise from blended in with the signal.

[crochambeau]

By 'goose' you mean 'crank?' the trimmers? And lower the individual channel's level? perhaps its cause I'm doing this in my bedroom with my 8'' SS amp but I need to get the level somewhat high for feedback. I also like the decimating sound it makes.

I was thinking of just getting another mixer, like someone suggested and using this for the noise and the other for the instruments.

However, I like how when I have one of the channels going into the FX send and I turn up the FX control on the synth channels, I get the noise from blended in with the signal.

Yeah, I meant crank when I said goose. No feedback friendly reason to actually stick a thumb up your ass... just a figure of speech.

Sounds like you've got a solid plan on it.