Recording four tracks

[sae]

I have two sound cards and I want to record two tracks on each. My question is how to I hook up my mics to those four tracks. If I want to do two tracks it's no problem because I just use the main out's of my Mackie mixer but I don't have anymore outs...Do I have to get my hand's on another mixer? or is there another option. Would a mic preamp work and then plug that into my computer?

How do you guys do it?

[Slackmaster2K]

Does your mackie have channel inserts?

[sae]

I have the Mackie VLZ-1202 Pro, so no I don't have channel inserts. Only the inputs for the channels, monitor out and main outs. Hope this helps.

[Slackmaster2K]

The 1202VLZ has channel inserts!

To isolate each preamp on the mixer individually (similar to using 4 outboard preamps really), you can use the channel inserts which should be on the rear of the unit. These are TRS plugs, and if I'm thinking this through correctly, they'll want to send on the ring, which means that you'll either have to build a custom cable, or simply "half insert" the cable such that the tip makes contact with the "ring" portion of the jack. This is a semi-common procedure and not as nice as using a custom built cable, but it'll work.

At any rate, you can use the channel inserts on the 1202 to isolate the preamps or line channels and record four tracks at once quite easily.

I damn near bought a 1202VLZ just recently, seems to be the highest quality for the price.

Slackmaster 2000

[sae]

thank you very much! so now I have to find adaptors that go from two 1/4" mono plugs to one stereo 1/8" for the inputs on my computer. Thanks A LOT.

[Teej]

If your Mackie is like mine, you have another option. My 1402 VLZ routes any channel which is muted to an ALT 3-4 output which can be connected to your second sound card.

It's like have a 4 track mixer.

Pan Channel 1 left, mute off = Track 1
Pan Channel 2 right, mute off = Track 2
Pan Channel 3 left, mute on = Track 3
Pan Channel 4 right, mute on = Track 4

HTH




tj

[sae]

SOund good but I think I like 2k's idea better, but options are good.