Am I missing the point?

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busted_nads

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Howdy Recording heroes,

I've been doing only single track recording on my pc for a while now and I am about to venture into the world of multi-track recording but I'm not sure I understand how to do it right.

With a single track, I would plug all the instruments of the band into my analog mixing desk (which was connected to my pc's line in) and hit record and all the instruments would be recorded together. Now, for multitrack, there are soundcards that take multiple inputs, but I'm not sure how this fits into the scheme of things.

If I run all the instruments through the mixing desk, there is still only one audio track coming out the other side. Does this mean I need to bypass the mixing desk and plug all the instruments straight into the multi track recorder? If so, how do you get the levels right to ensure you don't send anything thats too loud or too soft? Do digital mixing desks have multiple digital outs that can connect straight up to the multi-track recorder?

Thanks for any help/advice you can offer. I know different systems will offer different functionality, but I'm just asking generally about recording here, nothing too technical, please.
 
If your mixer has "inserts", you could use those for outputs to the individual inputs of your soundcard, and route each of those to a separate channel/track in your recording software. That will give you much better flexibility for mixing later on.


Twist
 
Thanks for the reply,

Are inserts like effects loops? I've only got a cheap-ass mixer, so I don't think it has 'em, but when I get a new one, I'll be sure to get one that has. I didn't know it was an option, but if it means that each track going through the mixer can effectively have its own output, its just what I need.

Thanks for the help.
 
Yes, you need a mixer with inserts, or direct outs for what you want to do. An insert is not exactly like an effect loop as effect loops usually route to a common buss. Inserts are a combined input and output on one jack, and each one is dedicated to its corresponding mixer channel. Direct outs function similarly, but are outputs only.


Twist
 
Awesome, thats exactly the info I needed to know. I'm on the hunt for a better mixing desk now.

Thanks for both replies, Twist, they really helped out.
 
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