Patchbay setup for mic'd inputs

[vicevursa]

Here's my setup...

The outputs of my keyboard (QS6.1) and drum module (DM5) go into a patchbay then from the patchbay everything is routed to the mixer (Behringer MX802a). There is also a Virtualizer Pro in my setup with appearances on the patchbay for all its ins/outs. Up until now everything seemed easy. I now want to add some mic'd instruments (vocals/acoustic guitar/etc...) to my mixes. I'm finding it quite challenging. I'm also posting a pic of my patchbay setup. I believe it's possible to record mic'd inputs while listening to my already recorded tracks with my setup. I just can't seem to get my finger on it, though. I tried using the AUX's but maybe I'm not doing something right? Here's all my stuff...


SoundBlaster Live! with Live drive...
- Line in 1 on the card
- Line out on the card
- Mic in [currently not used]
- Headphone out on the Live drive
- Mic in/Line in 2 on the Live Drive

MX802a
- 8 inputs + 1 tape Input/output (stereo)
- Main outs
- Control Room Outs
- Headphone out
- Aux 1 (pre) Stereo Aux return and send
- Aux 2 (post) Stereo Aux return and send

I am using Sonar2...

I hope I made this clear for you to understand. Please help...

Patchbay Setup pic

Vice

[jrosenstein]

well without direct outs on your mixer it will probably be difficult to route everything the way you want to. but check out mackie's website for their VLZ website, they have some very useful diagrams for how to hook everything up.

the easiest way i can think of for you to do what you want is just to monitor through your soundcard. this could introduce some latency, but it may be good enough. i assume you're using some sort of multitracking software. just run your instruments through your mixer into the Line In. in windows Play Control, set the playback volume of the Line In to some level where you can actually hear it, and select Line In as your recording source. hook up your monitors to the Line Out of the card. (or just use the soundcard's headphone jack.) you should be able to hear what's coming into the input as you play back tracks you've already recorded in sonar.

to be honest i don't quite see what you're using the patch bay for, except to physically put all your inputs in one place.

[vicevursa]

Thanks for the advice. I went straight to the Mackie site. Thanks. When I get done moving I will hopefully be able to work something out.

Originally posted by jrosenstein
...to be honest i don't quite see what you're using the patch bay for, except to physically put all your inputs in one place.

That's a really good question. After swimming in a sea of cables I can't figure out why I have a patchbay in use right now... I might be removing it though...


Thanks,
Vice