how to get a track for each mic

[powerkor]

I have a fostex vm88 mixer and through digital-input to my computer, i record using cool edit.

My question is, it it possible to have cool edit record a seperate track for each mic connected to the mixer? I'd like the ability to change the characteristics of certain mics without having to record the whole thing over. (when recording multiple instruments playing at the same time, or even just drums)

[Adam P]

I don't know how the Fostex separates its channels via digital input, but on the Cool Edit end of things, you first have to enable any soundcard interfaces you'll be using with the program. Go to Options > Device Order and make sure that, if you have the option of multiple channels from your interface, they're all selected. It might be listed something like "Input 1/2", "Input 3/4", etc. Once you've made sure to do that, in Multitrack mode in CEP, you can click the button that says "Rec 1" on any of the channels, and then you are able to select the input you want to assign to that channel, and if you want the left signal or the right signal, or a stereo signal. Its generally accepted that odd numbered inputs are Left, and even numbered are Right, so if you wanted input 1 only on track one, you would select the corresponding input in CEP, and select "Left Channel". To put input 2 on channel two, you'd select the same input as before, only you'd select "Right Channel". However, this is all subject to how the Fostex is set up, which I know nothing about.

I hope this all makes sense.

In going back and looking at the documentation for the Fostex, I'm going to guess that the digital output is only a stereo output, and not multi-channel. In this case, you'll still set up CEP the same way. On the mixer, pan the channel you want to go to one channel hard Left, and the other channel hard Right. You'll only be able to track two discrete channels simultaneously this way.

[laptoppop]

Actually, looking at zzounds, it looks like the VM88 has pre-fader direct out available through an ADAT lightpipe connection. What you need is a lightpipe interface for your computer - that will let you do multiple channels at once.

-lee-

[Adam P]

I couldn't even find the thing on Zzounds. If thats the case though, then just do that (to the thread starter).

[laptoppop]

Did I say zzounds? ::::blush:::: I meant http://www.gearpreview.com/music/mix/vm88.html

(they mention zzounds on the page...that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it <grin>)

-lee-

[powerkor]

im pretty much a newb with the mixer... the guitist usually mixes our tracks... so tell me what is an adat connection? i have a digital in connection is that what you mean?

[lpdeluxe]

ADAT is an Alesis-developed standard that has become pretty common in studio gear. It consists of Toslink fiberoptic cables that carry 8 channels in one direction (that is, you need one cable in and another cable out). I like them because you don't get noisy connections, RF interference, or anything else that I've been able to discover, and you can run long lengths.

[laptoppop]

OK, first off, get and read the owners manual. You can download a copy at http://www.fostex.com/support/pdf/fo...ers_manual.pdf

In the back of the mixer are the digital in and out ports. They use a lightpipe connection, and can carry either one signal or 8 at a time. You want to use the ADAT mode and carry 8 signals out of the vm88 at once.

You'll need to get a lightpipe "cable" (its actually fiber optic cable, not metal), and an interface for ADAT lightpipe for your computer. There are a bunch of different ones available. Some very solid ones are from RME, but they are pretty pricey. A couple of forums down is the computer interface forum - search there and ask the good folks what to get.

Then, once you have that interface installed, and the lightpipe cable run from the VM88 to the computer, and the VM88 put into the right mode, you'll be able to record multiple channels at once into cool edit.

-or-

I see the VM88 has insert jacks on the first 4 channels. If that's all you'd want to record at once, you can use those jacks to connect to a 4 input card, such as the M-Audio Audiophile 2496. You'll need 4 cables to do it, and you'd plug a mono cable into the insert jack only to the first "click" so that the board still gets the signal. This is probably the cheaper way to do it - the 2496 is only about $150. Again, the good folks a couple forums down can help you with this - its not really a cep issue.

Good luck!
-lee-