Mixing Console vs. Control Surface

Over the last few weeks, it has occurred to me a frightening number of times that quite a few engineers don’t really know the difference between an analog mixing console and a control surface. People are so concerned with not using a mouse to mix, that I’m not sure they understand what the faders under their fingers are doing. First, what is a control surface? It looks the same as a mixing console. It might even feel the same as a console. But what is it really? What does it actually do? Most control surfaces connect to a computer via USB, firewire, or Ethernet. The purpose of these units is to ‘control’ a DAW on your computer. So, when you push the fader up or turn a knob, is the control surface changing the parameter? No, the DAW is changing it, just like it would if you were using a mouse! In fact, it may be even more difficult to get around many plug-ins with a control surface because you need to cycle through all of the editable parameters. With a mouse you can just point, click, and drag. You can even double click and type in an amount on certain plug-ins. But the control surface doesn’t do anything your mouse can’t do! Boil it down to this: having a control surface is equivalent to having a separate mouse available to most every task you need your DAW to perform. Sounds cool, yes. But now, what is a mixing console? They have lots of faders and knobs just like a control surface. But the biggest difference is that it does not control your DAW and most of the time it is not even connected to your computer. Every channel of audio you may be mixing in your DAW will come out of your computer separately and into discrete tracks of a mixing console. The audio actually enters the console as an electrical signal. From there, that electrical signal is altered as needed on each channel. It can also be routed through your console to other gear and returned for later summing. The important distinction is that the audio actually goes through the mixing console, while no audio ever hits a control surface. Both units are worth having in some respects. For example, it is much easier to write automation to your DAW with a control surface than with a mouse and keyboard. Both units provide workspaces that all touch to handle the decisions, much like how audio was handled before the DAW. A good mixing console can also provide a great analog warmth and tone. I really don’t have any complaints about engineers taking their pick of console or surface, as long as they aren’t spending more than $10,000 on them. Yes, there are some great mixing consoles out there for under 10k, but the cost to interface them into a digital computer based system can be very expensive. A nice control surface can be had for under $10k and is very easy to interface. My real question is why do some people spend $100,000 and up on just a control surface? And not just a control surface, but only a 32 or 48 channel surface! That amount of money can buy a highly sought after console, all of the I/O you need, and give you an amazing sound that no plug-in can come close to. I just don’t get it. Why waste $100k on what essentially boils down to a bunch of mice? If I had that much money, I’d get an 8-track control surface to write automation, etc. but buy a great mixing console and make some great records! Don’t let the faders and knobs fool you! Mixing consoles and control surfaces are not equal!

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