Best options for tracking with my equipment?

[Speedy VonTrapp]

Here is my situation. I have a Behringer UB1204FX-PRO mixer, a Yamaha MD4S mini-disk recorder, and a computer running Cakewalk Pro Audio 9.0, with a Lexicon Core interface that has 4 input and 8 outputs.

What is the best set up for my recording sessions?

I just recently got the Mixer, so I've been recording into the Yamaha, then dumping that into Cakewalk through the direct track outs. Now, I can record right to Cakewalk through the mixer. Is that the best way with my set up?

If it is the best set up, what should I do about my computer fan noise? I'm just a homereccer, doing the best I can with the rooms that I'm given, so I can't get very far away from the computer when I'm recording. I'm sure that some fans can be upgraded to minimize the noise, but if I'm trying to record something like vocals, or an acoustic guitar, I'll need as much quiet as I can get.

I'm just wondering what people suggest that I configure my set up to be. Is it a combination of the mixer and the recorder then running to the computer? Forget the recorder for serious tracks and only use the comp?

I'm at a loss, as I'm a bit new. I'm just trying to upgrade my sound quality using techniques that I've been learning on this site, and I'm ready to start laying down some tracks, and begin to try a real, decent recording to see just how good I can get it. I know it's not going to kick major ass with my gear and experience, but I want to try my best, and if I have things chained well from the beginning, I feel that I'm already on my way to at least an improvement from what I've done before.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, and if it matters, rock music is the style that I'm recording.

Thanks a ton!

-Speedy

[therage!]

Is there any way you can record a live mic in another room? I’ve got the same problem so when I’m tracking a final cut on a vocal I record it in my hallway or bathroom. I’m not even entertaining trying to make my PC quieter as eventually I’ll build a studio in my basement but getting quieter fans could be an option for you.

Not sure I understand why you even need the mini –disk recorder. You can run straight into your mixer then into your Core card. What does the Yamaha do for you?

Do you have a preamp? What kind of Mics do you have? If it was me I’d dump the Yamaha and get into a decent pre and a better Mic if you don’t already own a condenser. You can do all your mixing in PA9.

[Speedy VonTrapp]

I do have a decent LD condensor, and there are pre's in my mixer. (I know it's not the best, but it's what I've got for now.)

I also don't have the XLR - 1/4" cables that I need yet to interface with the Core. No big deal there, I can get those soon enough. That's probably the biggest reason for still having the Minidisc in the chain.

I like the minidisc for portability, also. I'm a band member first, and recorder second, so I like to be able to set up a quick and simple recording session during practices without hauling my computer around. I'll probably never sell it, actually.