Interface that separates channels to tracks?

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connor413

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i'm looking for an interface (usb/firewire/whatever) that will separate each input to its own track in the software

ie: snare mic gets its own wav file, kick mic gets its own, hanging tom, floor tom, etc, so each one can get its own level, eq, panning and all that

i've been using a powered mixer (behringer xenyx 1204) with a separate stereo interface connection for a couple years, but i'm tired of dealing with the drums being mixed into one track

i'd preferably want at least 4 mic preamps, anything else on top of that is not as necessary. just wanna separate the snare, kick and whatever else specifically

basically, what is the cheapest way for me to do this?

thanks for any help, much appreciated
 
For drums, 8 simultaneous tracks is as low as I'd recommend. That gives you a pair of overheads, kick, snare, 3 toms and an extra channel to record a scratch guitar or bass or something (or another drum mic). Check out Motu 8pre, Presonus FireStudio, etc.... There's about a dozen+ to choose from under $1k.
 
Jeff_D said:
For drums, 8 simultaneous tracks is as low as I'd recommend. That gives you a pair of overheads, kick, snare, 3 toms and an extra channel to record a scratch guitar or bass or something (or another drum mic). Check out Motu 8pre, Presonus FireStudio, etc.... There's about a dozen+ to choose from under $1k.
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yeah, i know that's recommended, but it's not totally crucial to me. i mainly work on stuff by myself, kinda like the first foo fighters lp thing, so the guitar scratch track in unnecessary.

8 tracks would be perfect for what i'm working on, but even the firestudio is out of my price range right now. is that about as cheap as i'm gonna get for this kinda thing?
 
Also, that Behringer mixer isn't powered, its just a regular mixer (power would imply that it has a built in amplifier to power loudspeakers). You *could* conceivably get 4 separate audio signals out of that I think- there was a thread around here a week or two ago with a guy with the same mixer. Anyway, if you are using a desktop computer, you could pair that mixer up with something like a Delta44 or even a Delta1010lt ($150-$200). If it has to be usb or firewire, I know there are a few interfaces that will accommodate. I beleive the FireBox is capable of accepting 4 simultaneous inputs.... IMO, with drums though, an 8 channel unit would be best...
 
jesus christ that is confusing. thanks for the info man, i will be trying to wrap my head around this.

is this about right?

i would use the xenyx as a preamp and then just pan the different inputs separately and route them to as many different outputs as i can in order to send them to the inputs on the delta interface?
 
connor413 said:
jesus christ that is confusing. thanks for the info man, i will be trying to wrap my head around this.

is this about right?

i would use the xenyx as a preamp and then just pan the different inputs separately and route them to as many different outputs as i can in order to send them to the inputs on the delta interface?
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yup. lol pretty much, you got it. The trick with these small format mixers is figuring out how to pan and route everything to get there. Its like a eff'n puzzle.

It kinda bugs me, these small format mixers are marketed as "entry level" mixers, and everyone starting out (including me when I got started) thinks you *have* to have a mixer to record, so people buy these mixers and figure out that the very thing they bought it for in the first place is so much a pain in the ass, that they could have spent that $ on an interface (granted less sexy looking) and had all they needed. And the shit of it is, all they'd need to incorporate to make these things simple and very useful is direct outs on each channel, but hardly anyone has those, especially in the "entry level" price range.
</rant>
 
see if this helps...
4183382621_14f339054f_b.jpg


I can email a higher res image if you want. Some of that is tough to read.
 
You're still making it tough on yourself though by not getting an 8 channel interface so here's what I'd suggest.
Get a 4 channel interface (M Audio Fast track Ultra e.g.) and run your two main outs from the Behringer to lines 1 & 2 in the Fast Track. That still leaves you with 2 channels to play with on your interface.
Or... if you're only recording your kit, plug them directly into your interface.
Or.......... You have at least three pairs of lines out of your 1204. (I used mine for live sound today, by the way. I love it) There's your main XLR Outs,
Control room Outs and Alternate 3 & 4 Lines Out. There may be more, I'm going strictly from memory but what Jeff is basically suggesting is that you send a different mix to say the control room and Main Outs thus giving you two pairs of stereo lines out.
It'll work but in all honesty... It's the wrong tool for the job.
You need a good audio interface and to forget about the Xenyx.
All interfaces will allow you to designate all of the individual tracks within your DAW, by the way.
(And if you're really going to take the Lord's name in vain, at least use capital letters.)
 
wow jeff, thanks so much, that totally cleared up everything. now i just have to decide if i want to go for the delta to try this out. i don't think i'd be able to spring for an 8 channel for a long time, so this might be my best option

jim - sorry about the Jesus thing. and believe me - if i could, i would pick up the firestudio right away, but that's not really feasible for me right now
 
For $150, its probably your best option. (you DO have a desktop and not a laptop right?- Delta44 is a pci card) (sorry if thats a dumb question, but originally you asked about usb or firewire)
 
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You should be able to get a great drum mix with 4 mics on the drums.

2 overheads, snare and kik. Look up the "Recorderman" and "Glyn Johns" method of mic placement. You can add spot mics after that, but 4 mics on the drums should be all you need.
 
RAMI said:
You should be able to get a great drum mix with 4 mics on the drums.

2 overheads, snare and kik. Look up the "Recorderman" and "Glyn Johns" method of mic placement. You can add spot mics after that, but 4 mics on the drums should be all you need.
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I agree with that. IMO, 4 mics will get you 85%-90% there, but it is nice to have the extra control of tom mics.
I recorded for several years with an 8 channel interface- we did (2) overhead, kick, snare, (2) guitars, bass and a vocal all at the same time.
 
Well, I'll make the obligatory Zoom R16 recommendation.:o

8 channel mixer. 8 in 8 out functionality to your DAW. Also works as a standalone recorder that records to flash drive making it easy to drag and drop files to your pc.

It's a USB 2.0 interface, but I've had mine for over a month now, and I'm extremely impressed with it.:cool:

$399 @ Sweetwater.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/R16
 

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Jeff_D said:
yup. lol pretty much, you got it. The trick with these small format mixers is figuring out how to pan and route everything to get there. Its like a eff'n puzzle.
Click to expand...

i use a tascam tm d-1000 into an rme hammerfall card. the setup has never even oncve glitched on me and you can get those mixers for cheap as hell right now. the rme card is still pricey i think.
 
Alesis Multimix 16 USB - 16 individual tracks via USB to computer. You can get a smaller version too...
 

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ido1957 said:
Alesis Multimix 16 USB - 16 individual tracks via USB to computer. You can get a smaller version too...
Click to expand...

i think i may end up going for the multimix 8 instead of the firestudio eventually. what're the drawbacks of usb vs firewire? any?

Jeff_D said:
For $150, its probably your best option. (you DO have a desktop and not a laptop right?- Delta44 is a pci card) (sorry if thats a dumb question, but originally you asked about usb or firewire)
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haha yeah, i've got a desktop. and jeff - if i use that setup that you diagrammed out, would everything going into the delta be pre or post-fader?

thanks again to everyone, i seriously appreciate all help and recommendations
 
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