Re: Mixing from a tablet
Ok after re-reading your question here's my thoughts. (StudioLive 24.4.2/16.0.2 user)
I mix a lot of bands, often new bands, that get put "on the list" of bands that will be coming back. If its a typical band:
Drums
Bass
2 - guitars
3 vocals
Maybe keys
Then it's usually pretty smooth sailing. Once I get the gains set I can get a mix up and running. Then I can spend the rest of the night mixing remotely from around the venue, to hear what it sounds like at various locations. I wander freely, mixing to my hearts content.
But
Sometimes you get a more challenging band with various instruments:
Banjo
Acoustic guitars
Stand up bass
Washboard
Percussion
Etc.
I sometimes find these bands a bit of a challenge to stay on top of everything. One band had 6 members, and it was easier to keep a rein on things working from the desk and having everything in front of you. If I had to ride a fader for vocals while keeping an eye/tweaking the standup bass it was easier at the desk.
Plus
Using headphones to solo different instruments to check for something quirky (where is that ringing comin from) you need to be at the mixer.
But for me that would be one band per dozen maybe. It's not real often that I do work from the desk, but I do like having "Mission Control" set up at a mix position, even though I could technically leave the mixer on stage.