Recording live gig using interface and mixer???

  • Thread starter Thread starter keefmoon
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keefmoon

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I have a Tascam 1641 and a big Mackie (I think) mixer. We normally gig with the Mackie, running our mics to it, then run the mixer out to speakers. Bass drum, snare, 2 overheads, a keyboard, and 2 vocal mics all go to the mixer. The guitar just uses a Marshall stack.

What I want to do is to be able to record a live event using the 1641 while still being able to have the mixer pumping the speakers. I want each mic on a separate track. We tried setting up our mixer as usual... then we tried getting the sound to the 1641 using a 1/4" in the "Insert I/O" of every channel on the mixer. As soon as the 1/4" cable was plugged into the "Insert I/O", it would mute that channel from coming out the speakers.

Is this even possible?? :confused:
 
You have to push the insert leads in to the first click not all the way in. When they are all the way in the break the contact to the channel which is then looking for a return signal from the insert lead (ring on the insert jack).

Alan.
 
Thanks! I'll have to try that in a bit. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope it's not super wobbly to where it's very delicate and can go off at any time. This is my only option left, and I pray that it works. Thanks, again.
 
Those TRS connectors vary in their ability to hold something plugged to the first click. The Mackie ones should be fairly good. They tell you how to do that in their manuals and I've done it successfully. But you can build cables that plug all the way in without cutting off the signal in the board. That's the safest method.

In the meantime if you want to make the first click thing safer get some 1/4" inside-diameter fuel hose and cut 1/4" lengths to make spacers that will keep the plugs from getting pushed in too far.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
But you can build cables that plug all the way in without cutting off the signal in the board. That's the safest method.
Click to expand...

To do this you connect the cable going to the recorder positive to the tip and negative (shield) to the sleeve of the TRS jack, you then link the tip of the TRS jack to the ring of the TRS jack. Once you do the link, when the plug is pushed all the way in the return connection is made.

Alan.
 
Okay, so I did a verrry quick trial run earlier. I did what you said using only cables, no mics (we were in a rush to go out). We got a good buzzer noise when we touched the mic cable lead... even after plugging the other cable up to the first click on the 'Insert I/O'. I didn't have my interface to fully test it, but so far, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. This could work!!

Your last comment might as well be in Chinese. I have no clue what you're talking about, but I'm sure I can do my research and get on that. Thanks. You've helped sooo much. :)
 
keefmoon said:
Your last comment might as well be in Chinese. I have no clue what you're talking about, but I'm sure I can do my research and get on that. Thanks. You've helped sooo much. :)
Click to expand...

Does this help
Alan.
jack plug.webp
 

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witzendoz said:
Does this help
Alan.
View attachment 67381
Click to expand...

This would be a good way of doing it, although an easier one with the results, if you don't want to get your hands covered in solder, would be to get a patch bay (at least 16 way obviously) and then use the usual Y-leads to connect to the half-normalled patch bay via the insert point on the desk. Then the top socket of the patch bay will act as a send without breaking the return to the desk. This means you're record signal level will be determined only by the mic amp. Bonza.
 
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