Setting up the hybrid mixer

DAWG HAUS STUDIOS — HOME OF MENACING ANGEL RECORDS Why would an audio engineer use a second computer, a Yamaha MR816 CSX, and two PreSonus FirePods with a 24-channel Alesis X2? Because I’m turning the X2 into something much more than a traditional analog mixer. The goal is to give all 24 channels individual access to high-quality Waves and other channel-strip VST plugins—essentially creating a 24-channel, software-configurable console. WHAT IS AN INSERT? An insert is a point in a mixer channel where the audio can leave the mixer, pass through an external processor, and return to that same channel. Traditionally, that processor could be a compressor, EQ, gate, or other hardware. My setup takes that concept into the computer: Alesis X2 → interface → second computer → VST channel strip → interface → X2 The plugin becomes part of the channel’s signal path. WHAT DOES THAT DO TO THE X2? It doesn’t physically change the Alesis circuitry. Instead, it changes the audio passing through each channel’s insert. That means Channel 1 could use a Neve-style channel strip, Channel 2 an API-style processor, Channel 3 an SSL-style strip, Channel 4 an EMI/TG-style processor—and every channel can have its own processing. The X2 becomes the physical console, while the second computer becomes a 24-channel virtual processing rack. HOW CLOSE ARE THESE PLUGINS TO REAL CONSOLES? Modern modeling has become extremely sophisticated. The better channel-strip plugins don’t simply copy the EQ curves or put a vintage faceplate on a plugin. They model the behavior of the original signal path—including preamp gain, saturation, EQ response, compression, filtering and nonlinear characteristics. Waves’ SSL EV2, for example, models an SSL 4000 E console and includes a modeled microphone preamp and saturation. A plugin isn’t literally the same as the original hardware. Real consoles have physical components, transformers, tolerances, crosstalk, noise and individual channel variation. But the best models can reproduce a remarkably convincing amount of the sonic character and behavior engineers associate with those classic consoles. And that’s what makes this system interesting. SOME OF THE BIG CHANNEL-STRIP NAMES Among the most popular and premium channel-strip families are: • Neve 1073 / 1084 • API Vision • SSL 4000 E • SSL 4000 G • Waves SSL EV2 • Waves SSL E-Channel • Waves SSL G-Channel • Waves Scheps Omni Channel • Waves Abbey Road EMI TG12345 • Universal Audio Avalon VT-737 • Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX • Universal Audio Neve 1073 • Universal Audio API Vision • Brainworx bx_console SSL • Lindell Audio 80 Series • AMEK / Rupert Neve Designs channel strips • Focusrite/Red-style channel processing These aren’t identical consoles. They each have their own design philosophy, sound and workflow. WHY THE SECOND COMPUTER? Because I want the second computer dedicated to processing these channels. The Yamaha MR816 CSX and two PreSonus FirePods provide the I/O needed to move multiple channels between the analog X2 and the computer. That lets me approach the system like a real console: 24 physical channels. 24 independent processing paths. 24 different virtual channel strips. The same Alesis X2 can therefore be configured for completely different console combinations without physically owning multiple vintage consoles. One session might lean heavily toward Neve. Another toward API. Another toward SSL. Another could mix all three. That’s the experiment. I’m not trying to replace analog gear. I’m combining analog routing and hands-on control with modern digital modeling. The Alesis X2 stays at the center. The second computer becomes the processing engine. And the inserts become the bridge between the two worlds. One 24-channel analog mixer. Endless combinations of classic console character. Welcome to Dawg Haus Studios — home of Menacing Angel Records. #DawgHausStudios #MenacingAngelRecords #AlesisX2 #WavesAudio #WavesPlugins #YamahaMR816CSX #PreSonusFirePod #ChannelStrip #ConsoleEmulation #AnalogMixer #HybridMixing #AudioEngineering #RecordingStudio #Neve1073 #API #SSL4000 #EMITG #AbletonLive #Cubase15 #vst