New Ideas

[foolintherain]

I'm looking for new ideas in connecting my mixer to my iMac. Right now, I have my 1/4" main outs on my mixer connected to a Lexicon Alpha USB interface, which has served me excellently. But in trying to reduce desktop clutter, I'd like to see if I can use another method in lieu of the Lexicon without sacrificing sound quality.

A friend of mine used a mixer similar to mine and connected his CD/Tape outputs on his desk to the 1/8" line-in on his computer. He said the sound quality wasn't great, but also that it might be different for my computer (he had a Macbook with 512 MB RAM, and I have an iMac with 2 GB RAM--I'm not sure if the RAM makes a difference in that scenario). Would the sound quality really diminish? Are there any other methods you guys use? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Originally Posted by foolintherain

I'm looking for new ideas in connecting my mixer to my iMac. Right now, I have my 1/4" main outs on my mixer connected to a Lexicon Alpha USB interface, which has served me excellently. But in trying to reduce desktop clutter, I'd like to see if I can use another method in lieu of the Lexicon without sacrificing sound quality.

A friend of mine used a mixer similar to mine and connected his CD/Tape outputs on his desk to the 1/8" line-in on his computer. He said the sound quality wasn't great, but also that it might be different for my computer (he had a Macbook with 512 MB RAM, and I have an iMac with 2 GB RAM--I'm not sure if the RAM makes a difference in that scenario). Would the sound quality really diminish? Are there any other methods you guys use? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

RAM size, CPU speed, etc. are irrelevant when it comes to intrinsic sound quality.

The problem there is the use of the built-in computer sound card, which is not designed for pro audio applications. As to whether your sound card will be appreciably different than your buddies is doubtful, and it almost certainly is not going to be as good as what you have in that Lexicon.

G.

[gecko zzed]

Originally Posted by foolintherain

But in trying to reduce desktop clutter, I'd like to see if I can use another method in lieu of the Lexicon without sacrificing sound quality.

An interesting dilemma.

Two goals:

Goal 1: reduce desk clutter
Goal 2: high quality sound

You have the Alpha which is designed specifically to achieve goal 2 (and lives up to its expectations), but its presence violates goal 1.

The fact that you are even considering goal 1 suggests that a clean and ordered workspace has a high priority for you. But if you are pursuing recording interests, I kind of think that goal 2 should have a higher priority.

So . . . by all means remove clutter . . . but in the process don't toss out the thing that helps you achieve your primary goal.

But why ask? Try it and see for yourself the difference it makes.
Also . . . the Lexicon doesn't need to be on the desk. Put it somewhere else. Make a shelf for it, put it in a drawer . . . all you need is a longer firewire cable.