• Registered: 2010-05-18
  • Posts: 8

Topic: Render same mix internally or record FF ouputs. Any difference?

Using the FF 400 and trying to understand something here.  Will there be any difference between the following 2 scenarios?

Option 1:  I render out my project  in Cubase internally to a wav which bypasses my FF completely.

Option 2:  I record the outputs of my FF to a wav playing the same project.

Will there be any audible difference between the 2?  Will option 2 produce a better result since I'm capturing the sound as it is being processed by the FF as opposed to option 1 where the FF is bypassed?

What I'm trying to understand is if I'm missing out on any benefit or quality by always rendering internally and bypassing my FF. 

Thank you for your help.

  • vinark
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 2,658

Re: Render same mix internally or record FF ouputs. Any difference?

If you use a digital loopback it will be identical. If analogue loopback you will have the sound of the ad and da converters, but they are made to be as exact/neutral as possible, so it is not something special, like a tube amp or transformers or a summing mixer.
I always mix internal.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2010-05-18
  • Posts: 8

Re: Render same mix internally or record FF ouputs. Any difference?

Perfect vinark that really helps!  I've been reading up recently about summing machines and was looking at this one http://www.dangerousmusic.com/2buslt.html  I think I'd really like to try using one of these to see things for myself.

  • Registered: 2007-05-09
  • Posts: 174

Re: Render same mix internally or record FF ouputs. Any difference?

From the Dangerous Music site.

"We all know what incredible tools Digital Audio Workstations are. But have you ever noticed that some of the finer points of your music get lost in the final step? So have we. When you mix digitally in your PC, you can lose information and sound quality."

I searched the site in vain for any clue of what on earth they thought this meant!