connecting cpu/preamp/mixer

[BRIEFCASEMANX]

so i have my computer, a m-audio dmp3 preamp, and soon to have a mixer.

how do I/what kind of cables do I need to connect:

dmp3 straight to computer(for when i'm only using one channel for vocals, or guitar cab miking or whatever)

dmp3 into mixer then into my computer(for drums, or if i want to dual mike a guitar cab)


can i use regular instrument cables for this? what's the difference between TS and TRS cables?

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

What soundcard do you have?

What mixer will you be using?

What are you using the mixer for ie. are you mixing 'in the box' or sending your tracks back to the console for mixdown?

Answers to your questions will depend on these.

When using an outboard pre don't bother going through mixer (shorter the signal chain the better).

I'm rubbish with cable stuff but I think TRS (tip ring and sleeve) is balanced and TS (Tip and Sleeve) is unbalanced.

 

[BRIEFCASEMANX]

An Sb Audigy 2. It Only Has One 1/8" Line Input.
It's My Friends Mackie Mixer.

For Drums Or Anything Using More Than 1 Mic, I'm Going To Have To Mix Everything With The Mixer, Since My Sound Card Only Has 1 Input.

I'm Going To Have To Go Through The Mixer While Using The Pre Unless I 'm Only Using 1 Source, Again Because My Soundcard Is Limited To 1 Input. If I'm Just Recording 1 Thing, Or Using 1 Mic Then I Will Go Straight From The Pre To The Soundcard. I Want To Use The Pre With The Mixer When I Can Because The Outboard Pre Is Better Than The Pre's On The Mixing Console. I'm Mostly Concerned About Recording Drums And How I Would Do That. I Just Want To Know What Cables I Will Have To Buy.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Ok I'd recommend buying a better soundcard but if you're restricted to what you have then you'll have to route everything through the mixer.

As far as cables you'll need:

Mic to preamp (be it DMP-3 or the mixers pres)- xlr to xlr

If using the DMP-3 you'll use 1/4" jack out to 1/4" jack in to the mixers line ins (hence bypassing the mixers pres). The jacks should preferrably be balanced (TRS).

Mixer to card will be tape out to line in so you'll need a left and right phono to mini jack lead.

If you just want to record one track through the DMP-3 you'll need a 14" jack to 1/8" jack to get from pre amp to soundcard.

Again I'd recommend a better sound card not only for more ins/outs but also because this will improve the quality of the audio.

Have fun