Having Problems With New Setup

[samich17]

I should start this problem out by explaining my old set-up..and that I am posting this here, because it seems like the right place.

I plug my instruments and microphones into my Fostex XR-5 4 track.. i go (stereo out) via A/V-1/8" cables into the Soundblaster Live and out of the Soundblaster via A/V cables into my tape deck and listen to everything with my stereo speakers..I use Cool Edit 2000 to record and mix. Everything works fine.

Now I just got and installed my Echo Mia card, keeping the Sounblaster in with it. Everything setup fine. Now I'm not sure how I alter my set-up. I'm bringing this problem here, because you guys are more helpful than the manual.

This is what I've tried so far and still can't get a signal with Cool Edit 2000, though I am getting a weak signal in the Mia console.

I unplugged the cable from the Soundblaster that was coming from the 4 track, put on a 1/4" adapter, and plugged that into one of the inputs on Mia. I also changed the Recording Device in Cool Edit 2000 from Soundblaster to Mia. That's all I've done so far and am not getting a signal.

Please help me fix this.
Also, am I suppose to unplug the cable connecting the tape deck and Soundblaster and connect the tape deck to Mia? The Mia has 2 outputs, though I'm not sure if I have to use these or if I should just keep the Soundblaster plugged into the tape deck. Will the quality of sound differ depending on what card it is coming out of?

I know these questions might sound dumb to some of you, but I'm asking you guys because the manual is confusing. I did check all the passed Mia posts and found nothing to help me with these problems. thanks a lot

 

[Gidge]

youll have to use a different cable...you need a cable that goes from 2 RCA's to 2 1/4' balanced plugs to go from the 4 track to the MIA.....you need to do the same from the Mia to the Stereo....if your stereo has RCA inputs, that would mean you need the same kind of cable you used form the 4 track to the Mia, only the 1/4 " plugs go in the Mia and the RCA's in the stereo.....

you only need 1 - 1/8" plug with the SB because thatw was a stereo plug....the Mia has 2 - 1/4" mono plugs.....thats the main difference......the only other things are there may be adjustments you have to make in the Mia software mixer.....Tim O'Brian here has a Mia so if you have any problems im pretty sure hed be happy to help ya......

 

[samich17]

"youll have to use a different cable...you need a cable that goes from 2 RCA's to 2 1/4' balanced plugs to go from the 4 track to the MIA.....you need to do the same from the Mia to the Stereo....if your stereo has RCA inputs, that would mean you need the same kind of cable you used form the 4 track to the Mia, only the 1/4 " plugs go in the Mia and the RCA's in the stereo....."


2 RCA's to 2 1/4' balanced plugs? so there'd be a red and white on one end and 2 seperate 1/4" plugs on the other? or did you really mean to say 1/4', in which case i am really confused? the Mia does have 2 inputs, but i don't see why an RCA (red and white) to a single 1/4" wouldn't work. That is what i have it set up as right now and the signal is there, but it is barely reading. Does the 2 seperate 1/4" inputs make the signal stereo or does it do something else? then you are saying i would use the same type of cable you suggested to go "out" of the mia into my tape deck or receiver. is that right? If this works and i could play everything back with the Mia, i wouldn't need to enable the SB Live card for anything in multi-tracking programs. is this right?


"you only need 1 - 1/8" plug with the SB because thatw was a stereo plug....the Mia has 2 - 1/4" mono plugs.....thats the main difference......the only other things are there may be adjustments you have to make in the Mia software mixer.....Tim O'Brian here has a Mia so if you have any problems im pretty sure hed be happy to help ya......"


ok, i think you answered that first question...the 2 seperate 1/4" plugs would in fact make the signal stereo, but i could still choose to work in mono in Cool Edit. Am i going to have to select Mia in the Windows Mixer as my recording and playback device?
i've seen Tim around...if your suggestions don't work, i'll look around for him..please respond again, your help is greatly appreciated..thanks a lot

 

[Gidge]

you are correct that if you use a 2 RCA to a single 1/4", then you are taking a stereo signal and reducing it down to mono....

for now, you can leave it set up the way you have with just the 1 - 1/4" plug...plug it into the left input of the Mia...now, on the 4 track, turn all the pan pots on the 4 track hard left.......

 

[samich17]

well, i might as well get the RCA to two 1/4" inputs so i can get a stereo signal..i'm still not sure whey i'm not getting a signal in Cool Edit...do i have to set Mia as the recording and playback device in Windows Mixer? thanks for all your help