Mixing - On-board or on laptop?

[dimitra]

I'm a little new to mixing, so I thought I would ask this question here. As I understand it, mixing tracks involves both volume level mixing, as well as EQ'ing, especially in the low frequency range, to make sure that the mix does not become "muddy".

I have two options for mixing songs

• 1) Record in sequencer mode, transfer each track separately to laptop using audio interface, mix in Pro Tools.
  2) Record in sequencer mode, mix on-board, transfer final song using audio interface, and master in Pro Tools.

Which is likelier to give better, more professional results? I know that option-2 is faster, as I can transfer the entire mixed song to my laptop in one go, instead of one track at a time for option 1.
Does anyone have a preference of one over the other?

[mocando]

I'm not a mixing master either, but common sense tells me that having all tracks separated in your PC is more practical, since you can fine tweak the mixing as many times as you like. Making your mixing in advance and transferring the mixer out feed to you PC is going to be faster, but will give you less options.
Besides, if something foes wrong with one track, you can always record it back.

[csteen]

Since I began using Reaper for recording audio tracks and it's ability to keep things so tightly in sync, I have been using it more and more often when it comes to loop creation and recording multi tracks. I really like the way I can cut and paste and fit things so tightly back together with it also. I use both however and really like the M50 for drum sequencing in particular.
Yes having the ability to Master your audio files is also quite nice as well.

[kikedeolivos]

I much prefer to record whatever comes out of the M50 as Audio on my DAW, each instrument on separate tracks. Any cymbals or whatever goes also to a separate audio track. Once in the DAW I could quantize, add effects, volume curves, panning curves,etc. and, using the DAW as a mixer, I'm able to see the input level of any track and see which one is clipping.

And, as a final comment, I could record each one of the tracks with the Fxs within the M50 or not and then, add whatever I like on my DAW.