mr8 + mixing

[catepeluse]

i finally upgraded from my tascam 4-track and got an mr-8...about time, i know. i thought that would be the end of my expenses, but i am having some problems that i've never had to deal with before. i am working in "normal" mode and the vocals sound muffled. i'm using a sm58 mic... when i bounce tracks, the new one sounds much more bright (especially if i use the drum machine). there are no mixing controls, either, so i think maybe i should do some editing on the computer but i'm new at this and broke...and i didn't want to have to use the computer. any suggestions??

[ACIDBANDIT]

if you're new to this and lack funds, the best thing to do is probably get something like n-tracks studio for the pc. i know, you don't want to hear that but it's the cheapest alternative that I could think of. it has a bunch of features and built in fx ($40!). unless you wanna spend an extra $200, you can pick up a yamaha MG mixer that has decent pre's and EQ for each track. but before you do any of that, you might want to check the connections of your mics and stuff if the vocals are sounding "muffled," maybe even adjust the trim control of whatever channel you are using.

[catepeluse]

thanks, when i get some money i'll probably get n-tracks studio. i guess the whole computer thing is inevitable... i just didn't realize that i would need a mixer when i bought the mr8. i wonder if most people use one with it...

[tomleblanc]

Yes the MR-8 has "8 tracks," but one of its big weaknesses is the crappy built-in preamps and lack of mixing capability. I found I was really frustrated at the poor sound quality I got running an SM-58 directly into the MR-8. What made an enormous difference for me was adding a pre-amp (an M-audio DMP3), and then an equally enormous difference was adding a condenser mic, which I also use through the DMP-3. I haven't felt the need to buy a mixer yet, as I'm using a computer for mixing purposes, but I think you pretty much need one or the other if you're going to do anything serious with the MR-8. But if you get a mixer with decent pre-amps built in, then you potentially kill 2 birds with one stone!

The Yamaha MG series mixers are awesome for the money. You can get the MG 10/2 model for $90 on eBay plus shipping, or $99 at Guitar Center. The 12/4 is a great step up from that, and it'd be a LONG time before you'd outgrow that one, but then again it costs $199. You'll hear lots of different opinions about the Behringer mixers...personally I think the UB series is pretty well-constructed and has reasonably good pre-amps. I think it'd be hard to go wrong either way, with a Yamaha or Behringer UB mixer (just don't get one of the Behringer MX mixers)

[cellardweller]

Don't forget you can download the "crippled" trial version of Ntrack for free.
At least get an idea of what/if you are going to purchase. Ntrack is Well worth the 40 bucks IMO.

BTW, I've probably asked this here before, but I was wondering where in the quality spectrum the preamps on my Mackie 808M would rate? This is what I have been using...

[catepeluse]

thanks for the advice. i'm a little overwhelmed right now but i'll figure something out!

[catepeluse]

thanks for the advice. i'm a little overwhelmed right now but i'll figure something out! first i'll have to upgrade my computer (i have windows 98 believe it or not) but after i do that and get some money everything should work out.

[catepeluse]

aah as you can see i'm not the best with computers....i've posted this reply how many times on accident?

[PeteHalo]

There's a free 16 track multitrack software that supports vst effetcs. It's a good but a bit more limited alternative to n-Track.

http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

[kdgospel]

First of all from posts I've read before all you might have to upgrade with you pc to be able to run N-track is the RAM. I've read where people with 98 are able to run N-track alright with 128mb RAM minimum.

On the other hand, I'm wondering why you are getting muffled recordings through a SM58. What are you setting the mic modeler setting on? It has been my experience that you can enhance (especially vocals) when the mic modeler is on "condenser" or on nothing at all. It has been my experience also that the "tube" setting used with a dynamic mic such as the SM58 will result in a muffled sound.