Mixers and Home Recording

This post talks about direct outs for multitracking. What does this mean exactly? Would this allow you to record each mic individually into a DAW, or is it for something else? I'm currently looking for equipment that will allow me to record multiple tracks individually into a DAW rather than two main outputs (I have a four-mic setup for my drums).
 
You need an interface with multiple analog inputs. The mixer having direct outs just means that you can take what is being input to the mixer and can route it to somewhere else. It could be a tape machine, effects or go to a daw. But you'd still need an interface with enough inputs.
 
Mi
If you're really on a budget keep your eye out for an Alesis 1622. They're weird in a lot of ways and the eq is limited, but it has the basic routing features for recording on an 8-track and they go for stupid cheap. You could add outboard eq later to upgrade the board's channel eq.

I had one for a few years. It was a pretty clean sounding mixer. Easy to use. It felt a bit wierd as ALL the pots, faders, and switches were on a conductive board. I think they called it monolithic construction. It felt grainy for a lack of a better term.

I used it with a 238 and got some recordings I was real happy with.
 
Okay, thanks. Any suggestions for any brands or specific models for mixers and interfaces that would allow use for at least four mic inputs?
 
Okay, thanks. Any suggestions for any brands or specific models for mixers and interfaces that would allow use for at least four mic inputs?

Tascam makes some reasonably inexpensive interfaces with ample inputs for your purposes. Lots of peoole use and like them.

On mixers, as much as I am an analog guy and love mixers, they are not needed. Any daw you use has a mixer inside.
So just get an interface with 4 or more analog inputs, and you're good.
Personally, I'd recommend 8 input channels.
Better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
 
This post talks about direct outs for multitracking. What does this mean exactly? Would this allow you to record each mic individually into a DAW, or is it for something else? I'm currently looking for equipment that will allow me to record multiple tracks individually into a DAW rather than two main outputs (I have a four-mic setup for my drums).


To deal with your specific question, yes, some specialist mixers have direct outputs on each channel so you can feed them to a recorder--but these tend to be fairly expensive, specialist ones. A lot more have what are known as "Insert outs" which are designed as a combined output/input to feed a channel to some kind of effects unit. At a pinch (and with a special adaptor cable) these can be used as direct outs but are not as satisfactory because generally the output comes before the fader, EQ, etc.

However, even with direct outs, you still need a suitable interface to feed to total number of sources you want into your computer--and with most such interfaces you don't actually need the mixer. So long as the interface has the right number of mic pre amp inputs (and there are numerous four channel interfaces out there) you can go straight in without the mixer. Indeed, it's more difficult to find multi input interfaces WITHOUT mic preamps.
 
Have a really straightforward question (hopefully): I have a Yamaha mg82cx mixer. I know this mixer does not have usb out and cannot directly multitrack. My question is whether there is an interface I can connect the mixer to before my computer that would allow multi tracking or if there is no way to multitrack record using this mixer and I need to go back to the drawing board. I am used to the mixer and ideally I would like to continue to use if possible. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.
 
I am used to the mixer and ideally I would like to continue to use if possible.
If you want to record to your computer, you really have no need for a mixer. You don't want to tweak or adjust eq when recording, because you want to do that in the context of mixing, not recording. There is nothing on that mixer that isn't done better with an audio interface and software. The most channels you can record with the mixer is two, so that tells me you only need two channels at most. (Which is very common). Most USB interfaces will work for you. I personally like the focusrite stuff for price, but mst any others in that price range will work.
 
Have a really straightforward question (hopefully): I have a Yamaha mg82cx mixer. I know this mixer does not have usb out and cannot directly multitrack. My question is whether there is an interface I can connect the mixer to before my computer that would allow multi tracking or if there is no way to multitrack record using this mixer and I need to go back to the drawing board. I am used to the mixer and ideally I would like to continue to use if possible. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

You could use it with an interface, but that would offer little to no advantage over using an interface alone. An interface with a DAW does everything that mixer does and much, much more. It would be like hitching a horse to your new car because you're used to your horse drawn carriage.
 
Ok, so two new questions: Chili, you mentioned it only has two channel capabilities, does that mean that even with an interface I could only record 2 tracks at a time?

Second: If I'm better of forgetting the mixer, than where do I start to get a adequate home recording setup that can multi track? I'm looking to get decent quality demos of my band, so it doesn't need to be great, but other than the mixer I just have mics really (I use audacity).
 
Ok, so two new questions: Chili, you mentioned it only has two channel capabilities, does that mean that even with an interface I could only record 2 tracks at a time?

You might be able to squeeze four channels out of it. But recording is complicated enough. Using the wrong tool is just going to make it more frustrating.

Second: If I'm better of forgetting the mixer, than where do I start to get a adequate home recording setup that can multi track? I'm looking to get decent quality demos of my band, so it doesn't need to be great, but other than the mixer I just have mics really (I use audacity).

How many inputs do you want to record at once? I think the bare minimum would be four. Then you could track the drums with a four mic technique in the first pass then layer the other instruments over that. With eight tracks at a time you could record the drums plus bass and guitars and maybe a scratch vocal, or record a more comprehensive drum mic setup. With sixteen inputs you could track a whole band live.
 
You might be able to squeeze four channels out of it. But recording is complicated enough. Using the wrong tool is just going to make it more frustrating.



How many inputs do you want to record at once? I think the bare minimum would be four. Then you could track the drums with a four mic technique in the first pass then layer the other instruments over that. With eight tracks at a time you could record the drums plus bass and guitars and maybe a scratch vocal, or record a more comprehensive drum mic setup. With sixteen inputs you could track a whole band live.

I guess 8 inputs. I would probably want to record the drums and bass together, which would be minimum 5 inputs. What is the going rate for an 8 input interface? Also, what's a good DAW that might not cost $300?
 
If your end result is decent quality demos and not being a home recording engineer, then maybe you should consider hiring a studio. You might find it is quicker and possibly cheaper with much better results to go to someone who is already set up and knows what he is doing. Not saying that as a slight against you, it's just that it is an option you should consider.

If you really want to record the demos yourself, because it is whole lot of fun, you'll need to invest in more than just an interface. You'll need a good sounding live room and a good mixing room, monitors, and some software.

Then there is a steep learning curve when you first start. Not just in using the software, but in capturing good sounds and mixing them together into a decent demo.
 
I guess 8 inputs. I would probably want to record the drums and bass together, which would be minimum 5 inputs. What is the going rate for an 8 input interface? Also, what's a good DAW that might not cost $300?

Most interfaces will come with some form of software. But you can purchase other software with more capability for much less than $300. Reaper is $60 and very capable. Lot of love for it at this site. I personally like Cubase and the Artist and Element version are more than you need for a good price.

Here is a list of interfaces with 8 channels.

USB Audio Interfaces | Sweetwater.com
 
I guess 8 inputs. I would probably want to record the drums and bass together, which would be minimum 5 inputs.

You can do a lot with 8 channels. I can track 24 tracks live. Although I track the whole band, with the scratch lead vocals in the control room, it's the drums and rhythm guitar I typically end up keeping.
 
You can do a lot with 8 channels. I can track 24 tracks live. Although I track the whole band, with the scratch lead vocals in the control room, it's the drums and rhythm guitar I typically end up keeping.

What about 8 track cassette recorders? I used to use a 4 track cassette when I was younger and found that although it was a little bit of a pain, I found it was intuitive and easier than other types of recording I've done, but still very enjoyable. I suppose I would still need an interface to run it to a computer, though.
 
Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 VS. Audiobox 1818VSL (plus DigiMax D8):

Looking to get initial studio rig/interface, either option of course will run with Studio One 3 Artist DAW; PC has plenty of memory, input options, etc. Primary function will be in-home studio recording ("analog signals" such as mic'd acoustic drums, guitars, vocals, etc--- done "live" and/or multi-track; although will also have a Yamaha YPG-235 Keyboard and Alesis Sample Pad Pro). However, the option to use the StudioLive as a live console is a nice feature, one that I would definitely use, eventually.

I need more than 8 mic inputs, which is the reason I would add the DigiMax D8 to the Audiobox. I believe 12 would be sufficient, which is what the StudioLive 16.0.2 offers. Pricing for either option is about the same.

My question really is this: When using the StudioLive for (home) recording, what affects may be less than desirable as far as the sound/signal that is sent to the DAW? Meaning, can any changes made on the "console" still be manipulated within StudioOne? (I know using the AudioBox, other than gain, the signal is pretty much raw signal sent to the DAW, and ALL changes to that signal are then made within the software. With the StudioLive, LOTS of changes to the signal can be made on the "console", but are those changes "locked-in" once it reaches the computer?) I hope this question makes sense, and clearly portrays what I'm asking.

Thanks a bunch y'all!
Robb
 
My question really is this: When using the StudioLive for (home) recording, what affects may be less than desirable as far as the sound/signal that is sent to the DAW? Meaning, can any changes made on the "console" still be manipulated within StudioOne? (I know using the AudioBox, other than gain, the signal is pretty much raw signal sent to the DAW, and ALL changes to that signal are then made within the software. With the StudioLive, LOTS of changes to the signal can be made on the "console", but are those changes "locked-in" once it reaches the computer?)

Well, "undesirable" depends on what you want or don't want. Some amount of moderate eq can be reversed, but that's not undoing any processing, that's adding the reverse processing. Whenever you add processing there's some loss, even if it's slight. If you add reverb, delay, chorus type effects you're not going to be able to reverse them. When I am familiar with what I'm recording I feel free to eq on the way in. When recording someone I don't know well I may hedge and leave the eq bypassed.

Effects that are heard but not recorded can be useful. I like to have a little bit of a short reverb going when people are on headphones so it doesn't feel so closed in. Too much can mess with singers' pitch.
 
Thanks for your quick reply bouldersoundguy!!

Well, "undesirable" depends on what you want or don't want. Some amount of moderate eq can be reversed, but that's not undoing any processing, that's adding the reverse processing. Whenever you add processing there's some loss, even if it's slight. If you add reverb, delay, chorus type effects you're not going to be able to reverse them. When I am familiar with what I'm recording I feel free to eq on the way in. When recording someone I don't know well I may hedge and leave the eq bypassed.

Now please note, than I mean affects (results) versus effects (reverb, etc...)--- and the answer may be the same. So I guess I wouldn't need to utilize any of the onboard signal processing of the StudioLive, as it could all be done in the DAW? AND, whatever I DO on the StudioLive will be "part of" the signal sent to the DAW, therefore not necessarily reversible? IF this is the case, can the StudioLive signal just be sent in (to the DAW) in a more raw fashion, as it would via the AudioBox?? I hope I'm not talking myself in circles (been known to do that!).
 
Thanks for your quick reply bouldersoundguy!!



Now please note, than I mean affects (results) versus effects (reverb, etc...)--- and the answer may be the same. So I guess I wouldn't need to utilize any of the onboard signal processing of the StudioLive, as it could all be done in the DAW? AND, whatever I DO on the StudioLive will be "part of" the signal sent to the DAW, therefore not necessarily reversible? IF this is the case, can the StudioLive signal just be sent in (to the DAW) in a more raw fashion, as it would via the AudioBox?? I hope I'm not talking myself in circles (been known to do that!).

I'm sure you can send raw signal to the DAW. I don't know if you can do something like apply eq for the benefit of the monitoring without it affecting the recording. That should be covered in the manual.
 
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