Connecting my mixing board to my PC

[Cold Fusion]

Hi guys, I would like some advice on how to best connect my yamaha 16 channel mixing board to my PC. I have seen some units that promise to marry the two together but I need to know what is going to serve me the best.
My goal is to do some live recordings also to record the drums with more than stereo inputs (that is all my sound card will allow).

I have heard firewire and USB are now options for interfacing to the PC but will this work well with my mixing board?

Can I take a direct out of any channel on my board and send it to an interface? if so then I would like to find a unit that will allow for 8 inputs.

I am little lost and because I am home schooled on how to record in the first place I have little back ground to work with.


Please help

Cold Fusion

 

[pandamonk]

What is the model of the mixing desk? Does it even have direct outs, or inserts?

 

[Cold Fusion]

I have a Yamaha MX-400, it is a little bit old but it works great. You present an interesting question, I asumed it would have direct outputs.
It has A-B inputs for all channels and I believe one of the B inputs can be used as I/O, not sure though.
Thanks for the help

Cold Fusion

 

[pandamonk]

MX400-8, 12, 16, or 24? I'm guessing it's the 16 'cause you said it has 16 inputs, at the start. Ok, You could get 2 of these. I'm not sure if you'll be able to use 2 at the same time, but it should be possible. I'd check it out before buying though. Then just take a TRS(stereo jack) to 2 TS(mono jack) Y lead and connect into the inserts(b-inputs)on the desk, and the 2 TS to the inputs and outputs of the MAYA, ie channel 1 Y lead from input-b to input channel 1 on Maya and other TS from output on Maya back to the desk. Do this with every channel. Also, before you buy, make sure the input-b offers I/O

 

[Cold Fusion]

Thanks, that does look like an afforadable solution. I am heading down to the studio to see if I have all the right I/O before I order.

I will follow up with you later,

PS. there is nothing like the feeling of heading down to the studio, bliss.

 

[pandamonk]

Don't order before finding out if they can both recording simultaniously. Emm, does your computer have 2 free pci slots? That's what you'll need

 

[pandamonk]

Read this

 

[Cold Fusion]

I examined the board and it does have all the right ins and outs to connect it as you had earlier explained. Insert-I/O-Out 0db.

I may be able to get away with one maya 1010, it has 8 inputs. If I were to use the Maya as the main interface could i still use the old sound card for stereo in from the MX-400. This will allow even more flexibility and I could cover whatever tracks may be left behind with the 8 ins of the maya.

I have two slots in my pc, so I could go with two....I will read your recommended article and get back to you.


This forum is priceless, thanks.

 

[blazingstrings]

You could also consider one of these:
http://www.m-audio.com/www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Delta1010LT-main.html

It has all the right ins and outs and folks round here like em! Plus there only like $200 now.

-Blaze

 

[Cold Fusion]

So, from what I can see the biggest difference between the M audio and the Maya 1010 is the breakout box and instead of 1/4 TRS we have RCA. Panda I would like your further opinion on this one.
I am budgeting with my partners tonight so either way I will manage the cost but the real question is which one is going to be easier to use and the most compatible.

Cheers

 

[pandamonk]

I'm guessing, just go with whatever's cheapest, lol.

 

[studiomaster]

So, from what I can see the biggest difference between the M audio and the Maya 1010 is the breakout box and instead of 1/4 TRS we have RCA. Panda I would like your further opinion on this one.
I am budgeting with my partners tonight so either way I will manage the cost but the real question is which one is going to be easier to use and the most compatible.

Cheers

It depends really. TRS or RCA don't matter much. It's just that they are two different cables though they both transmit audio signals. If you want lots of simultaneous inputs/outputs to get your job done, then consider the Maya 1010. but personally, i don't see much use of having so many I/O especially because i mix my audio using my software mixer. I think its much easier, even though I'm planning to get the Tascam US-2400. But m-audio cards are much better because of their stability.

 

[andycerrone]

Question, how does the Maya 1010 compare to the Delta 1010?

 

[pandamonk]

It's probably almost exactly the same I'm guessing. As long as the A/D converters are good, which i'm sure they will be, either of them will be great. The thing to be most concerned with(inputs wise) is the preamps on the desk. They are what will effect the sound.