Analogue mixer to DAW

[CrowsofFritz]

We decided to spend a bit more and go for the MOTU 24AI. Seems to do the job just right for what we want.

About the CYMATIC AUDIO utrack24 I read very various things. Some very good/some very bad. And the website even seems offline atm (emailed them and they sent me a link to the downloads page which works. But if you just go to their website youll end up buying viagra instead... ) And might something go wrong with the device i dont feel like theyll help out much haha. As we would mostly just use it as an AD converter/interface the extras it has arent very convincing for us. From what ive read so far its a better disc recorder than interface.

We used to record on an old TASCAM which was fine! But this will be our first big step towards more prof recording . So ill probably be back with more questions Very excited to get started and to have it fully up and running

MOTU used to be infamous for having bad customer service, but they’ve really stepped up their game since the ancient times. Every experience I’ve had with them has been wonderful.

 

[vwsnufkin]

The 24Ai looks like a successor to the 24i that I use. The 24i needs a PCIe host card, but the 24Ai is straight USB, which should be more widely compatible (as in with a laptop). I like the MOTU stuff. It's not super flashy, but it has been very reliable for me.

The only thing is that it doesnt have a direct out. So we need to figure out how to get a signal to our monitors if we want to do some overdubs. Any idea?

So the setup now would be: Instruments into the mixer (Soundcraft 200sr) > through jack-dsub25 breakup cables into the motu 24Ai > to laptop via usb.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

The only thing is that it doesnt have a direct out. So we need to figure out how to get a signal to our monitors if we want to do some overdubs. Any idea?

So the setup now would be: Instruments into the mixer (Soundcraft 200sr) > through jack-dsub25 breakup cables into the motu 24Ai > to laptop via usb.

Perhaps as an interim solution while you save up for something better:

Parts Express DAC Digital to Analog Converter (5.1-Compatible)

 

[ecc83]

Perhaps as an interim solution while you save up for something better:

Parts Express DAC Digital to Analog Converter (5.1-Compatible)

Yes BSG I have a similar device called a "Techole" bought frm 'Zon at a third that price and it work very well turning the optical S/PDIF signal from my JVC smart TV to stere audio to feed a hi fi amp. However, AFAICT the OP needs a stereo mix of the tracks in his DAW and I don't see where he can get a S/PDIF version of that?

There are sheds of USB to audio dongles about, I have one that takes 3.5mm mic from a headset and outputs stereo on 3.5mm jack for the cans. Sounds fine to me for Skype but I am at a loss to find anything of better quality so far unless he goes for a full blowm USB interface? Then there is the question of whether the DAW can route a mix to a different device from the MOTU?

Dave.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

AFAICT the OP needs a stereo mix of the tracks in his DAW

I'm pretty sure he needs a stereo mix from the DAW to the analog mixer, for monitoring playback while overdubbing (and for mixdown). The 24Ai analog connections are input only, but it has optical I/O as well.

 

[ecc83]

I'm pretty sure he needs a stereo mix from the DAW to the analog mixer, for monitoring playback while overdubbing (and for mixdown). The 24Ai analog connections are input only, but it has optical I/O as well.

So, the DAW can send a stereo mix BACK to the MOTU and that will output it as optical S/PDIF?

Dave.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

So, the DAW can send a stereo mix BACK to the MOTU and that will output it as optical S/PDIF?

Dave.

Sure. I mean, I assume so since it has outputs. It just doesn't have analog outputs.

That's pretty much standard practice using an analog mixer with that kind of interface.

 

[vwsnufkin]

Sure. I mean, I assume so since it has outputs. It just doesn't have analog outputs.

That's pretty much standard practice using an analog mixer with that kind of interface.

I did find some optical>Jack converters! So could route those back to the mixer. Would that work??

We do have an audient interface which has an optical in so we can use that for monitoring as well? (8 channels then)

 

[ecc83]

"We do have an audient interface which has an optical in so we can use that for monitoring as well? (8 channels then) "

That'll ^ do nicely I would think! You then just have to crack the problem of running two USB interfaces at the same time, don't think you can do that with ASIO drivers? (but then there is the complimentary MOTU D to A converter so must be a way?)

Dave.

 

[vwsnufkin]

but then there is the complimentary MOTU D to A converter so must be a way?

These are connected through a network cable.

I think we'll start by buying the 24AI and then plug in into the Audient with optical. Maybe it'll even send out the signal through the monitor headphone output without connecting it to the computer If not we have another mixer where we can plug into with a DA optical to RCA converter.

Is it maybe possible to somehow bus the needed signals to a certain output? In that case we could use one of the left over channels as a stereomix for the monitoring?

 

[ecc83]

Ah! IF the Audient uses an external PSU it might be possible to set it up as a 'stand alone' converter. I had a hammer and chisel M-A Fast track Pro yonks ago that could do that. both ways!

Dave.

 

[vwsnufkin]

IF the Audient uses an external PSU

I think it does!!

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Actually, the digital connection between the MOTU and the Audient might solve the main problem with using two interfaces, clocking. The Audient will have to clock from the MOTU through the optical connection anyway (unless it has word clock input), and that will keep them from drifting.

This arrangement might obstruct the software's ability to automatically detect the record latency, so you might have to do that manually. It's easy, just record a snare hit, then loop the output of the interface(s) back to the input and record it on another track. If it doesn't line up with near perfection, find the manual record latency control in your software and tweak it until it does line up.

Now, whether the software can access the two at once won't really matter if the Audient can operate as a standalone DAC (even if it needs USB connection to do things like set the clock to external). Personally, I'd find it simpler to use the little DAC I linked to. In fact, I have one. I use it to turn the coaxial SPDIF output on a mixer I have into another analog output.

[Edit] IMPORTANT! Looking at the specs for the 24Ai, it says ADAT but it doesn't say anything about SPDIF. The little DAC I suggested probably won't work.