Mixer --> Recording

[What Have You]

I'm about to buy equipment to act as both a mixer and handle recording, but I'm at a loss...

I'm looking for about 12-16 inputs (the 8 outs on the MPC2000XL plus a handfull of modules) for mixing, and I'd also like to record these inputs to their own tracks simultaneously, preferrably going the PC route.

I guess I'm confused about how a mixer fits into the recording process, because I can't see how this is done with your typical mixer, or with a lower end Pro Tools sytem like Digi002 (only 8 inputs?).

Thanks for any suggestions ya'll might have.

[SPINSTERWUN]

Buy.....

a Tascam DM-24

AND

a Motu 2408 MKIII

That should cover your request.

[SPINSTERWUN]

TASCAM DM-24

[SPINSTERWUN]

MOTU MKIII

[What Have You]

thanks... i still got a few questions though...

with the Tascam, i'm guessing the inserts act as addtional outputs for each channel. what is the difference between an insert and a typical analog output?

with the Motu MKIII, it looks like there are only 8 analog inputs to connect from the Tascam, or is there something else i am missing? and then how would this connect to the PC while keeping the channels seperate - is that what the TDIF connectors are for? if so, what does the TDIF plug into?

[jrosenstein]

an insert puts both an unbalanced output and input on the same TRS plug. so, for example, you could put a compressor on a channel before it went through the EQ section of the mixer. but if you only push in a plug part way, it does not break the original signal path, and it acts as an unbalanced direct out.

[SPINSTERWUN]

Originally posted by What Have You

1) .....with the Motu MKIII, it looks like there are only 8 analog inputs to connect from the Tascam, or is there something else i am missing?

2) and then how would this connect to the PC while keeping the channels seperate - is that what the TDIF connectors are for? if so, what does the TDIF plug into?

1) You have 8 analogue IN's on the MOTU and 16 analogue IN's on the TASCAM.

2) By using the TDIF INS/OUTS, you will have 24 bi-directional digital tracks from the board to the MOTU into and back to/from the computer.

TASCAM (TDIF OUT) to MOTU (TDIF IN) then out of MOTU (FIREWIRE) into the COMP (and vice versa [remember they are bi-directional]).

Peace....

spin

[SPINSTERWUN]

Originally posted by jrosenstein
an insert puts both an unbalanced output and input on the same TRS plug. so, for example, you could put a compressor on a channel before it went through the EQ section of the mixer. but if you only push in a plug part way, it does not break the original signal path, and it acts as an unbalanced direct out.

That was a wonderful transference of information, jrosenstein.

[What Have You]

so i'm assuming that i would also need to install some hardware on my computer that accepts a FireWire connection. after a quick search, something like the Glyph ADVFW Dual Channel FireWire PCI Card.

or alternatively, could you also connect to the computer from the MOTU with one of the TDIF connections instead?

also, am i right in saying that a TDIF connection is a biderectional connection that keeps 8 channels seperate (these 8 channels are then stored seperately in one of the banks in the MOTU)? do S/PDIF or ADAT also keep multiple channels seperated or do they only send a mono or stereo signal?

sorry for the barrage of questions, but i finally feel like i'm getting somewhere... thanks for your help.