Hello,


I have an Allan Heath ZED 14 mixing console into a Lavry Blue 4496 converter.
Because I was, and still am, on a budget, I have to make choices. Back then I was convinced (and still am) I should buy a good as possible A/D D/A converter first. With a budget mixer I should be able to get good sound in and out of my DAW with a good converter. (I use a budget Samson patchbay for my outboard gear.)

I am now in the position to buy some serious outboard gear (Elysia, maybe Api) but was wandering how much my budget ZED14 is interfering with my audio path.
I have the opportunity to buy an used SSL SIX for half the price (don't need much channels) but was wandering if it makes a difference worthwhile to spend $$$ to change the ZED14 for the SSL SIX. And or maybe upgrade my patchbay. I wander if it will make a big enough difference in audio quality to replace them or that it is better to invest in some serious outboard gear first. (I already have a good pre amp btw, to record into the ZED14).

I also wander why people buy $2000,- monitoring systems. If money is not much of an issue and you need it for the studio, I get it. But for someone who can afford it if needed but is still on a budget, is a Drawmer cmc2 good enough? Or does it make a big difference to listen through a high end monitoring system?
I wander if the quality in audio signal differs that much that I should seriously consider, changing my budget console, monitor controller and or patchbay, first, before diving into high end outboard gear.

Kind regards,
Tom

Hi Tom,

I know it's always a struggle, no matter how much or little money you have to spend!

The common wisdom is: if your monitoring system and room don't allow you to hear subtle differences, then spending your budget on the fun stuff like high end mics and outboard gear can be a waste since you won't be able to tell if you are making things better or not?

Allen & Heath mixers are pretty good quality, but if you already have a good outboard mic pre (what one do you have?) I wouldn't run it into the Zed14 first, I'd plug it right into the Lavry AD! (unless you are using an effects loop on the mixer or similar?)

I'm not familiar with the Drawmer cmc2 monitor controller so you should research it. Some monitor controllers can color the sound so be choosy on what you get. What monitor speakers do you have?

I wouldn't worry too much about your patch bay unless the contacts are unreliable or something? Are you using reasonably good cabling for everything? If you have cabling like Mogami, Canare, Belden, Gepco, ProCo, Horizon, or similar you should be fine IMHO. Don't spend crazy money on super expensive cables, and even inexpensive cables like Hosa or similar can serve you well and get you recording if it means putting money towards better monitoring and room treatment.

Best of luck!