"In addition to optimizing noise and dynamic range, properly setting INPUT GAIN allows the MIX LEVEL control to operate predictably over its entire range. The taper of the MIX LEVEL control is non-linear and will have different attenuation verses rotation characteristics depending on its position. As can be seen in the figure below, if you are mixing between 30% and 60% of rotation, MIX LEVEL will behave much differently than if operated between 65% and 95% of rotation. "
No idea about the others but the 2016, which is one of the more popular Rotaries, isn't linear. But you can get an amazing smooth out of it.
Sep-17-2005 02:00
b i n k u n
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Jul 2002
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
I do agree that on the whole, rotary faders give you smoother mixes.
But you can still pull off smooth mixes with linear faders, just a matter of knowing where that jump in volume is and being careful around it.
Something that I do is say I have the fader in my right thumb and forefinger, i'll plant my left thumb above the fader on the mixer at around 60-70% mark (depends on the mixer and where the jump in volume is), then move the fader up to my left thumb quickly when I want to start mixing...then slowly go from there. That way I don't overshoot and get a sudden jump in volume.
I prefer linear faders cuz I love cutting, and never got used to crossfaders...it all gets mighty confusing when you have more then two inputs....so I just stick to the faders.
Besides, my Rane Empath has an adjustable fader curve....
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Sep-17-2005 03:32
Axolotyl
hired goon
Registered: Feb 2005
Location: atoms are not things they are possibilities
Yeah wierd... so its just basically for smoother transitions.
Personally I like doing cuts and drop ins too much that it sounds like there wouldnt be any point switching to one... hmm... Plus theres nothing like slamming a fader up full tilt when youve nailed a mix
kewl thanks =)
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Sep-17-2005 04:39
Zild
Ten City
Registered: Jun 2004
Location: San Antonio, US : TXTA #156
Standard faders may be tougher to control, but it is easy to get around that by making big cuts on the EQs then use them to bring the track in smoothly as they operate in a rotary fashion, and you can still cut and scratch with the line faders which is fun.
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Originally posted by Zild
Standard faders may be tougher to control, but it is easy to get around that by making big cuts on the EQs then use them to bring the track in smoothly as they operate in a rotary fashion, and you can still cut and scratch with the line faders which is fun.
Another trick I find myself doing when I mix on something like a DJM-600 is to use the gain knobs during mixing. Often I'll bring track A in with the fader while taking track B out with the gain.
