Ronan Chris Murphy ditches the console and goes modular hybrid.

recordingbootca...
You can read and article about this make-over in Pro Sound News www.prosoundnet...

[@horowizard]

Translation: We needed money. End of story and you know it.

[@accordingtohonda4308]

Very cool but you talk a lot without saying much.

[@WillJukedTheBox]

Softube console 1 and console 1 fader. $1300 instantly recallable enhanced console style workflow

[@sideast]

Avid S6 way to Go ! 32 ch >>>> Total Recall !!! Print > Recall !

[@stereosorcery]

Its an amazing concept in my opinion because you can utilize the mobile rack whilst in the sweet spot of your speakers. That sort of convenience definitely impacts workflow in a positive way!

[@maisonmallninja]

KZbin suggested this video, and I became a subscriber based on how well and clearly you narrate, not to mention a great insight into a studio's journey through A/D conversion. Great job all around!

[@johnnybrit804]

Ohhhh no!!!! Where´s the mixer? No console! Excellent outboards but without a real console i can´t watch all the video. I hate "in the box" mixing.

[@greganikin7003]

Ronan, Hi. I'm curious - how do you route mix if you have drums going into one summing box, but if you want kick drum to have separate compressor and eq but going into one stereo compressor for drums, pretty much multi bus compression but without console?

[@pappyprimetime7510]

We got rid of our huge cumbersome console then purchased the largest near field monitors we could find.

[@lovematrixmore]

Bro, that's one of the best studios I've EVER seen.

[@JonGUK]

Nice setup and so good that you embrace technology and progress. Makes for a highly productive environment.

[@andrewhorton5101]

I'm starting to understand how people feel when I corner them at parties and talk incessantly without saying anything for 15 minutes straight.

[@aarona.dubzperson8245]

Those boards really aren't necessary any more for real. I'm glad you are leading the way in stepping into the future my friend. I keep telling my friends who are stuck in the dark ages that things are different in today's world...

[@els1f]

Presonus faderport seems like the perfect thing. It's a way to reach into the computer and touch a fader without overcomplicating things. Set up some vca's or grouping, or whatever your daw of choice calls it, and mix groups.

[@MultiKulti]

I really cant imagine how you manage to keep all the cables away !

[@studio151llc5]

Great video on you studio transformation! That was a big move! For a control surface, you might try the Behringer X-Touch control surface. It's like a small piece of the X-32 board from them (which is an underrated board). It won't break the bank and has some really nice features to help with automation, EQ, etc. It was a great investment for my home studio at only $450 street price.

[@kobitimmons565]

Congratulations firstly and second you really explained your reasons why the change perfectly. You gave me few ideas of why I should consider continuing to stay hybrid.

[@pjnewman5947]

Hi All, I, being on the receiving end of Ronan's console, am familiar with the power of recall, having had a digital console for a few years and loved being able to pull up mixes from a year ago and go from there. On the other hand, that console started not wanting to do what it was asked to do and the nature of my work made an analog console more practical and desirable. True, I can't instantly pull up where we left off, but I take pretty meticulous notes and have found that when resetting the console, effects, dynamics, etc, that something new is being created. I can usually come 95 to 99% of the session, but enjoy the unknown, too. I record to digital and mix to digital, but all pre's (onboard pre's are great, by the way and all outboard pre's are tube) as well as all dynamics. All effects are digital, but that's by choice and space limitations. Ronan was great to deal with during the transaction, had a friend who oversaw the loading and shipping to it's new home 1000 miles to the North. Overall great experience and love the console, as does the dog, who usually naps under it. Both winners in this situation. Thanks again, RMC.

[@michaelcandido2824]

where in Oregon?

[@kirstenmonahan7306]

We use the Avocet too - the remote cable is so long and tough that I wouldn't be surprised if you have it running all the way over to the rack, complete with your chair steam rolling it all day. Wouldn't matter - it's tough! :D I dig the pragmatic approach you've taken, Ronan! Too much GAS peer pressure goes around our industry! Cheers

[@kirstenmonahan7306]

Kirsten Monahan Forgot to mention - once you get used to one, a small controller with nothing more than a shuffle/jog wheel with function buttons can be a really handy augmentation to a mouse/kb combo. Especially for editing. Cheers

[@PRCRSTNTR]

Very interesting ! With this "modular" system you can find the best way to use your gear in any conditions. Thanks for sharing ;-)

[@charlesrocks]

What a beautiful studio!

[@Nicholas_PA]

Amazing setup and adaptability!!! 1 of the best ideas and studios I've ever seen.

[@stevecollom6927]

Great Ideas and great video!! Love the different mix / mastering positions in the room ….that's awesome ….thanks again Ronan

[@trickygwashington3589]

I guess you don't need the experienced PRO engineer image look, i feeling a Pro DJ look watching your videos that's Cool

[@jameslugo]

I did the same thing. Glad you're happy with it.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

James Lugo Yeah, I notice we are on similar paths (but I a not moving any time soon). Good luck with all the changes.

[@Studio2105]

Thanks for the video Ronan. Some light bulbs just went off my head thinking about how I can optimize my room setup. Been using the same setup for over a decade

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Right on!!

[@Dyallo1988]

The studio looks beautiful. Love the rug in the ceiling and the thick curtains on the side walls. How well is that working for the acoustics ?

[@surefmeurope5766]

Hey I'm not new to recording but new to your channel. Just wondering, how do you automation or mix the tracks you're working on through the DAW software? Is that possible or do you use remote control software on Tablet devices?

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

I just use the mouse.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

ok what about the instant recall on all that outboard gear? Plugins are instant recall the same with the digital mixer in the daw. I never could understand giving up the console and not giving up the outboard gear.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

I print the analog processing back into the session.

[@SankararamanKrishnamoorthi]

did I see it right? does your ceiling panel read," Hare Rama, Hare Krishna" ??

[@glennbucc7107]

I wonder if were considering your decision in 2024, if you would have liked the AMS Neve Gen Black console which is analog but it allows you to save your EQ and compressor settings on each track for recall.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Maybe, but another factor is that I travel so much, including splitting my time between the US and Italy. I print my outboard processing to tracks, and I can recall things any where in the world. I have had my biggest commercial successes since dumping the console, so I guess it works out OK.

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

before i get rid of my console i'll jump off a roof!!! LOL!!

[@garyshirinian]

What is the name of those large speakers you have, also what drivers they are . Thx .

[@garyshirinian]

@DJ SwatZs thx but any name .

[@carlosgueddes729]

hey Rowan nice to see you again I've learned a lot from you over the years from your website although I never had a chance to be in your boot camp. where are those big speakers coming from please share sincerely Carlito..

[@RiotHomeRecording]

It's just seems like something is missing, quickest way to a home studio set up is getting rid of the console. IMO the console inspires and is faster to work on. Recalling is not as important as the end results. Having faders makes a world of difference. I've been ITB, Hybrid, and OTB. I know the difference. Either way congrats!

[@G.C.D4Real]

What Monitors/speakers are those...?? The big ones lol ??

[@ChrisPhoenixBMR]

Love the cable management

[@redtapemusic]

Ditching the console does make perfect sense if your main activity is mixing and mastering, when the recall option is invaluable, but what about tracking multiple musicians and setting up multiple monitor mixes with reverb etc?.. Although you can do this in most DAWS, isn't it quicker and much more intuitive on a hardware desk? Surely the best option is both? S www.redtapemusic.biz

[@Kurtisaroy]

Finally! A pro realizing that big clunky analog consoles aren't cutting it anymore. I'm bored of people still hyping up consoles when digital makes more sense in this day and age. Welcome to the 21st century and I hope you enjoy your hybrid setup!

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Kurtis Roy As I said in the video, I have been doing mixes in the box since 1993, so none of this is new. I still love almost everything about analog consoles except the recall issue.

[@Kurtisaroy]

Either way, I'm glad you're confident in your decision.

[@utubehound69]

Ronan Chris Murphy Couldn't you snap pic's of the board & out board gear make some voice notes on a iPhone ?

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

An analog mix for me has about 1000 things that would need to be recalled. No realistic to get a mix right back to the original mix.

[@horowizard]

@Kurtis Roy What do you mean "aren't cutting it anymore?" Don't you know that all the professional facilities still have Neve, SSL, Focusrite or API desks in all of their rooms? It looks as if Ronan had an Amek desk, in which case he's not loosing too much by not using it on the front end. Analog consoles will always find a home among true musicians. Based on your comment I would venture a guess that you are not one of them.

[@The300ZXGuru]

havent you ever heard of the Duality boards??? from SSL? get you one of those and those can integrate with Pro Tools!! That way its still looks impressive when clients come in.

[@frankpaws]

I have the Avocet as well. Best purchase to date.

[@Unders]

I love the fact google is advertising a £7000 console at me below this video :D

[@BitterrootRambler]

I've always wondered how much radiation comes off those Slate Ravens. I mean, youre basically putting a huge radioactive device right in front of your face.

[@Helios711]

Recall rules...Where are your mic preamps in the room? Did you need to add channels after eliminating the board?

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Helios711 Even before getting rid of the boards I was using only outboard pres. I have a really nice collection in the racks on the right.

[@deadendkid1968]

There are tactile controllers...mine has recall and motorized faders...controls like a mouse your in the box software...but feels like analog working...

[@jgvtc559]

Like the flying faders?

[@thesebarehandsmusic]

Congrats, Ronan. A labor of love. Are you really mixing that close to the 10s or do you pull back a little into the room? That almost looks like a hard L/R mix position. I'm constantly juggling the sweet spot with ergonomics and practical design in my humble abode.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Marc Smith Yes, I am mixing that close. Monitor is just out of the audio path and my head forms a rough equilateral triangle with the speakers. On thing I am loving is that it has got me mixing at much lower volumes, which is really helping my mixes.

[@thesebarehandsmusic]

Ronan Chris Murphy The Cranesong remote is very cool and could easily solve some of my config problems. Are there competitors out there? Is it your primary D/A converter or are you incorporating something else? I' quite fixated recently on the Burl B2 Bombers for conversion. Ain't happening anytime soon. Thoughts on those?

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Marc Smith The Cranesong is awesome. It is my primary monitoring D/A. I sold my Lavrys when I got it. The Burl seems cool, but from what I have heard they are pretty colored devices and for monitoring I want things as neutral as possible. There are some other competitors to the Avocet, but the Cranesong really hit all the nails on the head (and I am a huge Dave Hill fan)

[@mrmemyselfandi9609]

LOL!!! I guess being broke back in the day forced me to get with the times because I'VE NEVER HAD A CONSOLE TO GET RID OF! I've always had to make my mixes sound great from just a decent front end and then mix in the box. And we didn't have the bitchin SSL and Neve emulation channel strips back then either. I must be getting older.

[@nicholassismil3823]

Have you noticed a difference in the sonic quality? It's hard believe that you haven't....you just can't replace the magic of transformers/inductors/amps within an analog console :/

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Sure they sound different, but I have been going back and forth between consoles and ITB since 1993, so I know how to do it well. More than all the transformers, etc, the thing I miss the most is truly phase coherent parallel processing.

[@ccmdav]

There is no “magic” in the technical side of music production... it’s all empirical - and digitally reproducible. The real magic is when great musicians play great music, and sometimes we get lucky enough to record it. If a recording is “made or broken” by the circuit topology of the mixer being used, I would submit that the recording is already irredeemably broken. The whole point of quality gear, to me, is to allow an engineer to get the sonic vision in his/her head committed to two tracks as efficiently as possible, thus allowing creativity to flow unhindered. The consideration on whether or not to use an analog console or in-the-box mixing should primarily be based on workflow preference, not as an audio effect.

[@jgvtc559]

@@ccmdav i liked reading this

[@pelvisesley5549]

Why did you get rid of the console? What did you replace it with? … Candles!

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Did you watch the video?

[@GaryBradleymusic]

Yup, designed my room as multipurpose. Workstation, listening position, amps, key etc. all on wheels for mixing, mastering, training and performance. RFZ becomes a performance space / vocal booth complete with curtains, green-screen and spotlights! Went touchscreen + analogue desk but came to the same conclusion - really don't need the desk, just mix ITB + an analogue outboard something for printing back individual tracks or stereo masters. I do use some faders for midi control of instrument expression while producing. BTW, mixing is NOT about faders, it's about *ergonomics* - the person - control - environment fit. Many smaller studios would benefit from thinking more ergonomically like this instead of believing that traditionalist layouts must be adhered to! Smaller, multipurpose, efficient, flexible workflow and lower outlay - it's the new way!

[@alaeleo]

Hi Ronan, I'm setting up a studio and I'm stuck in the decision buy or not to buy a console? So I wonder how do you track lots of inputs which require multiple pre's? I' can't see pre's in your current setup. To me that's the only concern I have on having or not having a console, thinking that desks like the Neve Genesys Black is total recall. Thanks

[@NickGeraldPeterson]

a recording school with no console, no summing outside of the box and no control surface. WTF

[@NickGeraldPeterson]

2015. a fad junkie perhaps?

[@Luke00722]

What are you using the digi 002 for??

[@1900stratoliner]

Check out the presonus faderport 16.

[@chimptor50]

Ronan you might want to check out the Mackie Control Universal Pro with the Mackie Control Extender Pro modules. By the way those big monitors seem a bit of over kill? Aren't they ridiculously loud? Just wondering.

[@inglewoodpresident2115]

Great Video... I would say to add the LIVID BASE II to your mix if your work intent is to be in the box WITH CURRENT DAWS... it will in some ways conflict with the Queneo you have, with the Queneo having the ability to use each corner of the pad as a separate channel breaking away from the traditional 16 pad drum rack,BUT with the BASE II you gain a totally sleek and purely digital mixing surface with the BASE II faderless faders... I early in my caree had a behringer bcf2000 as a control surface.. was very nicewitg motorized faders with total recall features and automation capabilities.. but it was so ugly... behringer has updated their line with xtouch BUT I think the combo of pads and faders are cool... yeah it's a little gimmicky with the other features Got One and I love it

[@YudisDwikoMusic]

Indeed it's a very dramatic shift for you. Many people dream about having a great console. Nevertheless, congrats, Ronan...

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Yudis Dwikorana I dreamed about having a great console for years, and I LOVED the years that I had one, but the needs of my clients changed.

[@mdshack6371]

Tascam built us up, then let us down with their boards when we were all converting form analog to digital.Had many of their boards. SX-1 being the best of both worlds except for the speed(s) affordable and professional sounding /MIDI. Great video sir.

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

There's a radical concept you might consider when making future videos. It's called getting to the point. So much easier to watch than rambling discourse.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

The great thing is that no one is forcing you to watch my videos!

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

@@RonanChrisMurphy Great for whom?

[@santibanks]

Hi Ronan, have you considered using something like a Digidesign Pro control? They are pretty cheap nowadays on the second hand market and work pretty nice. Very low profile, I think a bit more ergonomic and certainly more desk like then the newer controllers like the Euphonix ones. Not sure if PT11 still supports them (but 10 does).

[@frankpaws]

Ha, I use to have that Ikea desk.

[@mazzeumusic]

Loved your video! That looks like a great room. I’m on the hunt for a mixing space outside my home setup. What is the size of your room? Cheers from Brazil!

[@normapadro9704]

I like your video. Before I got into music production I made sure I researched every single thing about mixing and different DAWs. I don't have thousands of dollars to spare so I had to get any DAW that could help with what I wanted to create. I went from 9 different DAWs to 7. Most I use to make sounds and add the files when I'm done to others so that I can fix them. So I"m back and forth between all 7 of them. It's hard work, but the finished products are always great. I know what you mean.

[@Amish6Stringer]

Do you ever find yourself checking mixes in your "mastering position"? I feel like I would do that constantly as a brain refresher.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Neil Tuuri absolutely. Not a lot, but as I am getting to the last 15% of a mix I definitely switch over to the big speakers back in the room. I also switch to small computer speakers, as well as listen while walking around the room.

[@Amish6Stringer]

Ronan Chris Murphy That is a really cool way to work! I'm glad it is going well for you. I've been doing this for about 10 years and am just finishing building a ground up studio on some rural ohio land. I spent a ton of time deciding what console, outboard mixing, summing stuff to use and eventually decided to build a really comfy mastering style desk with 20 rack spaces in it. It houses the few analog pieces I mix with and a patch bay. I built the desk with what I call "Stealth Technology" ha. It has reflectors built into the back of it to reflect the high frequency stuff from my soffit mains to the cloud above. What I'm getting at is "I'm glad to see somone I can look up to CHOOSING to bail on the control surface/console and not feel like it is a handicap, but an advantage". Also, I have a big (30'x24'x13') live room that I have been planning to permanently install some PA/House speakers for band rehearsals as well as playback from the control room for exactly the same thing you're doing with your mastering setup. Not only different speakers, but it FORCES me to get up, walk around, regroup, and listen in an entirely new environment. Not trying to spam your page, but if you want to see the desk and some of the space, check out this website I'm (struggling) building. www.amishelectricchairstudios.com Thanks! Hoping to make it to a bootcamp sometime in the future. Just need to get the plane tix and a place to stay! If you're ever in Ohio, stop in! Later

[@DeathValleyWarthog]

OK, before you bash the guy for not being true to the "sound engineering art", understand that the guy is a business man first. When you have to deal with a bunch of idiots that think they are more talented than they actually are, just because some producer is willing to invest in them, and they will always be complaining about the sound engineer to hide their lack of talent, you have to do something to stay afloat. Quality of sound went down with the quality of music in the last 20 years. So you have to cater to that. That's why I got out of the music recording business and I do location recording for movies and sound design now.

[@geluix69]

Recall , why not a digital mixer ?

[@danmaltby3271]

I would of thought that you would of kept your board just for the sound of it and have it in your arsenal

[@tisbonus]

Dan Maltby he kept it for over 20 years before making this change. His first mix in the box was 1993.

[@ega0117]

Why don’t you get the Presonus FaderPort 8 or even better the PreSonus StudioLive 24 Series III Digital Mixer. If not Presonus then you can get the Softube Console One MKII Controller.

[@UdiKoomran]

In the box mix in 1993 ? Please share the details

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

I started working with Pro Tools and Opcode Studio vision in the early 90s. It was super limited compared to what we had now, but we got stuff done.

[@jazzylamel]

For everybody who talks about ns10s, they are not designed to be played at a high rate of power. They are designed to hear everything uncolored, flat and as a reference. They are not designed to be your main monitor system however they are designed to give you an unparalleled sound through them. Basically if you can get your Final Mix to sound great on them then you're mix will sound great anywhere else. Guaranteed. But the problem is not everyone has a ear to listen for that. Just my opinion.

[@Bcwilderness]

didnt make sense, the anologue summing boxes dont affect recall on the back of the convertor, it just splits the signal, and even when printing using outboard to tweak like eq or comps, you still need to write down settings, not too clear on those explanations, but nearly there, the information may put people off summing boxes and some dont have a ton of dials, they are merely a stream for each channel adding seperate saturation or clarity width depth etc, dangerous or sigma etc etc, neve or pheonix may have a few dials but no more than an outboard comp, just saying

[@BuftaChYmes]

Hello Ronan. Could you tell us of the equipments that are in your movable rack? Also the Programs that your using in your Computer. You've already mentioned the pads that you've on the computer desk. Thank you so much in advance. 🍻🍻

[@bodhimian]

I know this is an older post but have you considered the SSL sigma delta as a digitally controlled analog summing box? Might be the solution for recallable routings.

[@KrusionZockt]

which console did you used before?

[@tanuhudson3877]

I am so late to the party. But there is a way to have analogue recall, its done by using midi and having a computer that controls your faders, recall it the faders move (no its not digital motorised) and you can also write automation. Honestly best peice of tech i seen in a while.

[@dobrocat1]

I have tons of outboard and a Smart console. That workflow works for me here. I have the best of both worlds with recall and wicked powerful tracking front end and hybrid mixing options.

[@robertsimpson5801]

Very cool setup. I am looking into getting a small transport controller, because for tracking, it is so much easier to have a tactile button than to try and click... at least to me. Let us know when you come to a conclusion on the Slate Raven. I would like to hear your thoughts.

[@audiowarriorproductions5881]

Love the set up man! I have a similar set up. Console that I use for pres, eq, and monitors to 4 sets of monitors, then that goes to a to d, then all my out board I can assign a bus out of studio one patch it on the bay to my outboard gear and print to a track. Makes my life a lot easier with recall. Still have the analogs sound and fell with my console and outboard. While maintaining the new evolving work flow of digital with all the plugins and recall for clients.

[@americareal3]

In the end... it was all about TOTAL RECALL... Now dump Pro Tools and you are set.

[@timeltdme4355]

why would you not mount nearfield speakers to the wheeled table? and why would you ever move close to the big monitors and the wall? i dont get it except the space is small for tracking

[@andiirejino1210]

like your style man. this is just the way to go in the 21st century and how most people are working now, especially the home studio guy

[@Richard_P_James]

Consoles still have a big place, but probably these days mainly at the tracking stage. Very interesting times though.

[@proequipments7210]

when u r moving ur consoles and desk how come the wires dont get tangled?

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Because the audio is going through the "brain" of the Avocet controller, and only the volume controller is on the desk.

[@NorrieChristie]

If you are still looking for a control surface then definitely check out the Avid S3 !

[@TazzSmk]

does it work perfectly with some modern DAW, which ProTools definitely aren't? :P

[@aarona.dubzperson8245]

Sanctuary Studio Scotland Wayyyy toooo overpriced!!!! Avid is a bunch of crooks!!! They'll sell u that 5,000 dollar "mouse replacement", and then discontinue it a year later. SMH.

[@spicecrop]

It's cool to get modern but later you will regret selling the board. Those things will just go up and up in value like the analog vintage synths.

[@TazzSmk]

wow very interesting approach to the entire setup of mix'n'master movable location, may I ask what eventual adjustments have you done since then, now 2 years later?

[@ernestbuckley8671]

You sure this wasn`t a commercial for the studio???

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

***** I guess in a sense every video I do is an commercial for the studio.

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Nick, I have an HD system with a 96/IO but almost all of the I/O is on custom Apogee 16Xs and a Cranesong HEDD.

[@edmoss2020]

Great honest video...thanks for pointing out you can make great records without a analog console ...👍

[@TANKSINATRA289]

Compliments for you upgrade. You are now on pro tools HDX? You will tell us if you will have same “feel results “ without you analog desk .

[@michaelolgaalgar5729]

welcome to 2020!

[@Hanssone]

Cool hybrid concept and glad it works, i love sitting in sweetspot working in the box, i cant imagine world without recall haha

[@samsound8510]

I have the same chair, lol. Except mine has the mesh backrest. I love the flip-up armrests when I need to thrown down a bass or guitar track right quick.

[@gregorycurry1827]

Congrats Ronan, and glad that you are moving on without a load of separation anxiety. Very exciting! There is nothing quite so majestic as a huge analog desk in the studio. But then again, dinosaurs once roamed the planet...... Looking forward to the September RBC in your 'new' studio. ps: for a cheap and powerful itb studio upgrade, i ditched my mouse for a trackball

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

gregory curry There was plenty of separation anxiety!. I just spent a year processing it in private.

[@signobeats7238]

Amazing concept!

[@iamtonykurtis]

Sir what main monitors are those there huge and how do they sound

[@CarsonHoy]

What’s the significance of moving back for mastering?

[@alexmagor7538]

Do you have a link for purchasing that computer desk by any chance? Thanks!

[@zoisreal8334]

Ronan!!! I understand the console going away. I was in the same state of mind when I gave up my Tascam. Attended your class in 2011. Peace.

[@jgvtc559]

What fkn monitors are those. I wasn't taking the selling testicles seriously until now