What is it?
Every digital audio console is capable of being controlled remotely from an application. Most manufacture's have their own app that allows you to control the console via an iPad. Most of these apps can be slow to load, and clunky, and convoluted to use.
Mixing station is a third party app developer that connects with most digital audio consoles. Not only does it run on iPad, but it supports Windows, Mac, IOS, and Android as well.
Pro's to using Mixing Station over the manufactures app
Unlike most manufacturers apps, Mixing Station allows you to fully change how you use the app.
Most digital consoles will allow you to change some parameters like channel color, name, DCA, or mute groups. However, Mixing Station take it one step further. Not only do you get the same channel parameters, but you get the same functionality as if you were sitting behind the console. You can make changes to pre-amps, I/O patching, channel naming, audio routing, FX, and even the app itself.
This is not an exhaustive list but some of the highlights.
Con's of using Mixing Station over the manufactures app
Firstly, while yes there is a free trial mode you can use; you will end up needing purchasing the "License" for your console(s). However, the license is purchased on a console by console model. This means you only purchase the license for the console you need.
For example, If I wanted to use the app with a Behringer X32, I would download the free app, then in the app purchase the Behringer X32 license to unlock the full feature list of the X32 license. Additionally, If I needed to have the license on multiple devices, once you purchase the license once they will carry to all devices. This only works if they share the same Apple ID. If the devices do not share the same Apple ID or are made by different manufacturers (ie Apple and Android) you will need to purchase the license for each device.
Who is this made for?
Mixing Station offers so many great benefits but it's not for everyone.
Different scenarios that it would help in:
If you need to monitor anything on your console with a(n) added screen(s)
If you need to be mobile while you mix
Allowing band/vocalist control their monitor mix
Having a monitor/broadcast station
Freelance audio engineer who tends to use different consoles
Areas it would not be beneficial in or would not work:
If the engineer is not comfortable making changes to settings
If the console does not have a access point or internet access tied to it
If the console has a spotty access point or internet connection
For further information please visit the official Mixing Station Website:
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