Mastering setup flowchart
: man 17. dec 2012 09:44
The trick is to have a flexible routing matrix with multiple outputs: one should be tapped before processing (this can also be achieved directly from the DAW using a separate output and a separate D/A output), one should be a copy of the processed analog signal, and then of course a processed signal that returns to the A/D.
On the monitor controller you switch between the inputs to listen to the signal at various points in the chain. Sometimes the routing matrix and monitor controller functionality is combined in a console, but the concept is the same.
The above illustration is a simplified version of my own setup, where the AD/DA is the Lynx HiLo (the HiLo has both main AD/DA and a separate monitoring DAC), the routing matrix is the Dangerous Music Liaison, and the monitor controller is the Danfield Monitor2. I'll probably make a more complete version of this flowchart when I have time.
This allows me to:
1) Listen to the original signal from the DAW prior to any processing. This signal can also be a gain compensated copy for comparison purposes.
2) Monitor the full chain with both digital and analog processing
3) Monitor the post D/A but pre-analog processing chain
4) Monitor the post analog but pre-A/D chain
I have more options, but I don't use those. Apart from option 1 which requires a mouse or keyboard action, all are achieved directly on the monitor controller without the need to set up anything else.
On the monitor controller you switch between the inputs to listen to the signal at various points in the chain. Sometimes the routing matrix and monitor controller functionality is combined in a console, but the concept is the same.
The above illustration is a simplified version of my own setup, where the AD/DA is the Lynx HiLo (the HiLo has both main AD/DA and a separate monitoring DAC), the routing matrix is the Dangerous Music Liaison, and the monitor controller is the Danfield Monitor2. I'll probably make a more complete version of this flowchart when I have time.
This allows me to:
1) Listen to the original signal from the DAW prior to any processing. This signal can also be a gain compensated copy for comparison purposes.
2) Monitor the full chain with both digital and analog processing
3) Monitor the post D/A but pre-analog processing chain
4) Monitor the post analog but pre-A/D chain
I have more options, but I don't use those. Apart from option 1 which requires a mouse or keyboard action, all are achieved directly on the monitor controller without the need to set up anything else.