Hi once again Volounteer and yes I know it can get confusing so lets break this question down into specific individual logical steps
INPUT - We start with a audio interface to record from the mixer to the computer. This can be dry no effects or wet with the onboard mixer effects internal HARDWARE or pedals etc external HARDWARE - ton of options
Once we start to layer the individual tracks we create whatever we are doing - song etc
MIXING - Once we get the tracks down we start/continue to add what if any effects we need to individual tracks and we layer our tracks if/as required
OUTPUT - Once we have the tracks down with effects we start the process of mastering mixing down to our target output, stereo, surround etc.
INPUT is straight forward and not an issue at this stage we are only capturing/recording our tracks.
MIXING, now things start to get interesting. AS a DAW control surface we should have access to the individual tracks on the DAW from the mixer, after all it is a mixer as much as a audio interface. Clearly any external hardware effects cannot be changed ie guitar pedals etc. But any software vst’s plug-ins should be available to control from the mixer via the Mackie control or similar protocol
Question mark over whether you can modify effects used during recording ON the mixer AFTER the tracks have been recorded down on the DAW, I would suggest YES.
WAVES specific expansion card only available on the SQ range of AH mixers
OUTPUT Here we are just mixing down, pan volume etc
AS Soren suggests yes the AH QU range of mixers can be used as a DAW control surface but its capabilities are limited. Without the ability to communicate with the DAW software and control plug in effects its use in a studio environment as a “digital” mixer would basically be impractical. But I guess as it only offers a max 48kHz sample rate and AH have the better SQ range of mixers, they would “correctly” assume a studio/producer would buy one of them and not the QU range. to be honest, that is what I should be looking at to. 48kHz sample rate is just not studio quality, like it or not argue all you want, it is not. That is what put me off the Behringer x32 and why I bought the Sapphire Liquid 56. Those chrome knobs on the SQ range look damn right awful
yes well xyz, it would appear AH technical support don’t monitor their own forums and provide positive assistance. I need to replace my Yamaha 01x, I have put it off for years and choosing the right mixer is important in functionality, compatibility and what it will actually cost me. I had hoped to find something a little more flexible than the Mackie Uni Pro, which is after all almost as old in design AND LOOKS as my Yamaha. I guess if its not broken why change it
The digital community here is for public discussion between users, though it is monitored and we’ll jump in if necessary.
If you wish to ask us anything directly however, you can always contact us using support.allen-heath.com
I have already responded here however, explaining the DAW Control functionality of the Qu (which is also very similar to our other digital consoles).
Our digital mixers are mixers first and foremost with audio/MIDI interfacing and DAW Control capabilities as added extras. They are not control surfaces with an audio interface, nor an audio interface with some controls. However, even without full integration between mixer and DAW, there are many reasons that our digital ranges are very popular in studios.
A few examples include: Space/cost - Many users only require hands-on for DAW level control, so the idea of a single unit that offers all of one thing (mixing) and the necessary parts of some others (interface/control) is attractive. Monitoring - Our digital mixers work with the ME personal monitoring system, or can be controlled remotely with free apps. This means any artist or performer can control their own low latency monitor mix. Full recall - As entire setups can be stored and recalled, it means that subsequent (but non sequential) sessions with the same performer/artist or on the same mix can begin at the point they left off. Backup - The Qu can record multitrack direct to a USB device at the same time as streaming audio over USB-B to a DAW.
What had confused me and I was trying to establish was the AH documentation and videos frequently state MAC only not compatible with Windows. Yet, there appears to be a DAW Windows driver. What does it do what can it not do?
Also yes I get it, you record and mix on the mixer adding what ever (mixer built in) plugins you choose and then stream (download) to the computer and record your tracks into what ever DAW you choose. Thereafter you cannot change the tracks with built in mixer plugins UNLESS you go back to the Mixer and redo the tracks using the mixer. You cannot use the computer to change the mixer plugins they are locked - hard coded as we would say.
Its not like say waves audio plugins, where the mixer uses waves plugins and if you have them installed on the computer you can then change/alter/manipulate them thereafter from inside the DAW on the computer not having to go through the mixer itself. Also from the mixer you cannot communicate with the mixer plugins inside the DAW. I am not taking about any plugins you then add inside the DAW only the plugins the mixer has built in that you downloaded as part of the track.
I hope that is clear?
AS was stated before, the mixer cannot communicate with the DAW and the DAW cannot communicate with the mixer, they are two separate entities, except for maybe some simple control surface features? what features? I am not confused just a simple windows use trying to understand the limitations of the QU mixers for US windows users. I have 30 yrs IT server admin/development experience I know what is potentially possible if implemented correctly SUBJECT to protocols. If there is no common language there is no communication if there is then subject to scripts, anything is possible