Help with setup and routing

[lilspanisheddie]

I have recently acquired a bunch of gear and wanted some advice on how to set it up correctly, what I should and shouldn't use, etc. Here is a list of gear and the way I think I am supposed to set it up and then a few questions for those that have used the Layla.

Windows 7
Layla 24/96
Pod X3
ART Tube Amp MP
Behringer Xenyx 1204
Behringer Power Play
Multiple types of Mics
Passive Monitors with a good power amp
M-Audio Keystation
Reaper

The layla is setup and working great, but I have a few questions on how everything should be hooked together.

To record guitars I first tried going from the PODX3 to the Inputs of the Layla but I could not find a way to adjust the gain settings and I had to turn the POD up to the highest levels to get it to have a good enough signal strength to record. Something doesn't seem right about that. Then I tried using an Amp head that had a direct XLR out but same issue. Then I tried the ART Preamp and it worked and sounded pretty good but again levels had to be way up but this seemed to work the best. The mixer I have has preamps so I still need to see how that sounds when plugging directly into that and then into the back of the Layla. Should I be using a Direct Box? Or what type of Preamp do you suggest? Is there a way to control the gain settings on the layla?

I wanted the layla because of the multiple ins you can use. I really may only use 4 max at a time, but how do I get all the sounds back out? If I am recording track 1 or 2 I always can hear tracks one and two and anything else in playback, but If I plug something into line 3, then I lose the sound from track 3. I can see it moving the meters , but can't hear it. I do not know how to route the sound back out all together. Also, Since there are 8 ins, I should be able to record 8 different tracks but I do not understand how to route the sound. Is there some sort of cable snake I need to be using? Something that combines all 8 outs to a stereo pair or something? I got all this stuff used, I have found some manuals but I feel like I am missing something or not connecting the gear together the best way. Any advice would be great, especially on how to adjust the gain on the Layla if that is even possible.

 

[c7sus]

http://echoaudio.com/Downloads/Manuals/Echo24 Windows Manual 3.1.1.pdf

Look for the Layla console-- should be either a desktop icon or under "All programs" list.

Layla doesn't have built-in preamps, so it is looking for a line-level signal. But you can adjust the input sensitivity for +4dBv or -10dBv sources using the WDM or VxD driver. You might want to try using the -10dB setting with the POD and the ART so you can use less gain on those devices.

In order to output more than a pair of tracks from your DAW through the pair of outputs on the Layla you have your monitors hooked up to you must make that selection in Reaper. In most software your final stereo outs are the "master" track. Route your tracks to that master buss and you will hear the output in your monitors or headphones.

Example: For Track 3 select whichever input you are using on the Layla as the source. Select either the "master" or whatever pair of outputs you have assigned for outputs--- I am assuming you are using 1&2. Hit playback and all three tracks should be coming from outputs 1&2.

Dig?

As far as using the Xenyx with Layla I think the most you can get is 4 individual tracks out at the same time onto 4 discreet channels of the Layla. 2 through the main outputs and 2 through the alt outputs. You may also be able to use the aux sends as an output source into another pair of inputs to the Layla but you'll have to experiment with that one.

Read through the manual a bit more and it should start making more sense.

 

[lilspanisheddie]

Thanks

I really appreciate you answering this for me. I wasn't sure if I was asking correctly but this is all very good info. I was using the Layla Console, just thought I was missing something in regards to the gain, but now it makes sense. I will mess around on the outputs. Again, thank you very much for your help!