Making each Channel a Track with Audio Interface?

[Racherik]

For less than $200 you can get an Alesis Multimix 8 USB 2.0 unit which has 8 individual outputs which are multiplexed into 8 serial 'packets' which are sent to the computer along the single USB twisted pair.

You probably meant 8 individual inputs, that get digitized and then sent to the computer as 8 distinct data feeds. Other that that your correct my Phonic Helix Universal works that way.

The number one feature I wish my mixer could do is patch back the computer signal to any channel I choose. It would be nice if I could use just the mixer to say, first record channel 1. Then processes it with software and then route it out to the prefader of channel 1 or 2.

This isn't a show stopper of course, but It aside from always wanting more AUXs and Channels it would be my most desired request.

 

[spaarks]

Thanks Racherik, yes I mean 8 inputs (and outputs).

Got this info from Alesis:
"Just our USB 2.0 and Firewire Multimix mixers can output individual channels into the computer (and receive back a stereo mix into the mixer for monitoring). The firewire mixers support sample rates up to 48k though the USB 2.0 mixers support up to 96k sample rates"
They did not answer my question about the multiplex protocol, perhaps it's a secret.

Confusingly Alesis name the whole range as "Multimix", even the ones that don't output multitrack/channel.

There is good explanation of multitrack recording with many links at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multitrack_recording and an associated Multitranc Recording History Wiki. Seems that multitracking is nothing new - even pre-dating tape machines!

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Thanks Racherik, yes I mean 8 inputs (and outputs).

You don't need 8 outputs unless you want to do analog summing or need lots of different monitor mixes. Analog summing is really only worthwhile if you have a very high quality summer, which the Alesis is not.

Got this info from Alesis:
"Just our USB 2.0 and Firewire Multimix mixers can output individual channels into the computer (and receive back a stereo mix into the mixer for monitoring). The firewire mixers support sample rates up to 48k though the USB 2.0 mixers support up to 96k sample rates"
They did not answer my question about the multiplex protocol, perhaps it's a secret.

So what? Do you care what algorithm your car's computer uses to determine the air/fuel mixture?

Confusingly Alesis name the whole range as "Multimix", even the ones that don't output multitrack/channel.

Multi-purpose mixer. Use it for live mixing and recording.

There is good explanation of multitrack recording with many links at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multitrack_recording and an associated Multitranc Recording History Wiki. Seems that multitracking is nothing new - even pre-dating tape machines!

Overdubbing may predate tape machines but true multi-tracking doesn't.

 

[spaarks]

The reason I want 8 discrete outputs is to record them on separate tracks and mix them on Audacity or whatever. I don't really want to use the mixer for summing at all, just as a multiplexer, and to control the levels sent to the computer (eg to prevent overload or noise from too low a signal). Maybe that's not an issue, in which case I may be better off using an 8x8 soundcard (such as M-Audio make).

I do think it can be useful to know what's going under the bonnet! What I meant by protocol was the actual data layer, ie the way the packets are put together (not the algorithm which is effectively the program stored on an emprom in the ecu <lol> ) But you are right it is barely relevant!

Basically I want to record 1x or 2x vocal, 2x piano, 2x drums and maybe later one or two electronic instruments. So I'll need lots of mic inputs - I guess a multi input preamp feeding into a multichannel soundcard would be a better option.

 

[FunkDaddy]

Basically I want to record 1x or 2x vocal, 2x piano, 2x drums and maybe later one or two electronic instruments.

All at once? By 2x drums do you mean 2 drumkits or 2 mics on a drumkit? Only putting two mics on a drumkit but double mic'ing a piano seems an odd choice.

You seem to be putting your cart before the horse. Using a mixer to control input levels adds an unneccessary step as every interface has level/input/gain controls.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Using a mixer to control input levels adds an unneccessary step as every interface has level/input/gain controls.

Not necessarily. When you get into eight or more channel interfaces there are many that are fixed-gain line-level devices.