Mixer control surfaces usage

[carbonhobbit]

I have been looking to add a control surface to my 833 and have a few questions on best usage. Been around for a few years with an ENG start where you mix to the camera and have moved through the years to what I have now where I still favor mixing to a Boom/wireless LR that still goes to camera and village with ISO's for edit. My question is: When using the controller with faders, is it better to be post fader and work for the ISO's or pre fade and still mix using the pots on the mixer. Haven't found much on the subject doing a google search other than doing music post work. As of now I set the trims for the ISO's then use the faders to mix to the LR output.

 

Thanks,

 

Scott

[Johnny Karlsson]

3 hours ago, carbonhobbit said:

set the trims for the ISO's then use the faders to mix to the LR output

Yes, that would be the most common way to do it. Unless there is a specific reason or request for something else, would start there.

[Philip Perkins]

For location dialog recording for video I'd agree that the isos are expected to be pre-fader, and your control surface (or mixer) is mixing those isos down to stereo or mono live.  If you also do music recording you have more latitude in how you configure the isos pre or post fade.  It sounds like your clients expect you to ship a usable audio mix to camera while shooting--you may find that the fader surface helps you make a more finessed live mix than you can do on the front panel rotary knobs of your recorder.

[Blocktek]

I'm doing exactly this on larger gigs with my 833 and an ICON P-1M surface. Though, I use the trims on the surface to control my ISO's. The P-1M does a fairly decent job of showing me ISO levels via LEDs above the faders, but I can keep an eye on the mixer's display for finer control. I generally use the faders on the surface to activate channels when actors enter a scene, or when new talent is added, just raising them to unity as needed.