Home Setup

[mcleodbj]

Hi Everyone
I have spent time reading various forums and opinions, and was hoping that somebody could advise if my setup is ok. I am trying to avoid having to purchase an audio interface.

Setup is as follows:

Inputs (Mic, computer mp3, etc)-----> Mixer > --------> Computer ------> Amplifier -------> Speakers

With the mixer outputs, I have one going directly to the amp & the other to computer. The line out from the computer is going back into the mixer as another channel that can then be routed to the amplifier. This way I can leave the computer out all together if not recording.

Do people think I need to purchase an Audio Interface? If so where in the chain.


Many Thanks

 

[mjbphotos]

ASsume you are using the line in or mic in on the computer, which means you are using the computer's OEM soundcard, which usually has about $0.49 worth of components and is fine for audio from videos or games, not so good for music recording. Typically the audio interface would replace the mixer in your chain. Read this sticky thread about mixers and home recording.

 

[mcleodbj]

Thanks for that. Yes I am plugging mixer into line in on computer. I have read that information. My problem is that I will require more channels then an Audio Interface can give me (on my budget anyway). If I was to purchase an AI would the outputs of the mixer plug into it and then from the AI to computer

 

[ecc83]

Thanks for that. Yes I am plugging mixer into line in on computer. I have read that information. My problem is that I will require more channels then an Audio Interface can give me (on my budget anyway). If I was to purchase an AI would the outputs of the mixer plug into it and then from the AI to computer

Yes, the outputs of the mixer would go to line inputs of the AI and the AI connect to the PC via usb. The AI now becomes the sound source for all computer functions in fact it is good practice to disable the internal computer sound card.

Re number of tracks: The PC can only give you two anyway and you will get that from the cheapest interface. How many outputs does the mixer have? These are known as buses and virtually all cheap project mixers are just two bus jobbies.

But I am pitting now, talk more tomm'

Dave.

 

[mcleodbj]

Yes, the outputs of the mixer would go to line inputs of the AI and the AI connect to the PC via usb. The AI now becomes the sound source for all computer functions in fact it is good practice to disable the internal computer sound card.

Re number of tracks: The PC can only give you two anyway and you will get that from the cheapest interface. How many outputs does the mixer have? These are known as buses and virtually all cheap project mixers are just two bus jobbies.

But I am pitting now, talk more tomm'

Dave.

Thanks Dave, The mixer has 2 outputs , master and recording, 9 channels in total coming into the desk. I have 4 mics, bass, rhythm , drums & vocals. The mixer does not have individual channel outputs simply master out and recording out. It is a powered mixer.

 

[ecc83]

Thanks Dave, The mixer has 2 outputs , master and recording, 9 channels in total coming into the desk. I have 4 mics, bass, rhythm , drums & vocals. The mixer does not have individual channel outputs simply master out and recording out. It is a powered mixer.

Ok, so a simple 2 mic/line input AI would suit? The Steinberg UR22 is a nice unit at about £100 and comes with Cubase light.
You might find an extra 2 line inputs useful and so have a look at the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. Cubase again but it is nearer £200.

Dave.

 

[mcleodbj]

Thanks for your advice Dave. Much appreciated!

 

[tailored suit]

One effective way to get multiple i/o into a desktop computer is to install a PCIe card with ADAT i/o connections and attach a something like Behringer Ultragain Digital (Behringer: ULTRAGAIN DIGITAL ADA8200) between it and your mixer.

Although this may be more expensive than some options its still cheap and very flexible when you come to upgrade or add more gear.

 

[ecc83]

One effective way to get multiple i/o into a desktop computer is to install a PCIe card with ADAT i/o connections and attach a something like Behringer Ultragain Digital (Behringer: ULTRAGAIN DIGITAL ADA8200) between it and your mixer.

Although this may be more expensive than some options its still cheap and very flexible when you come to upgrade or add more gear.

Can you suggest such a soundcard? PCIe soundcards at reasonable prices (i.e. NOT RME!) of any description are like rocking horse droppings.

Dave.

 

[DD83]

NOT RME!) of any description are like rocking horse droppings.

? I have an RME Multiface 2 and couldn't be more happy. Is this about the price or your assessment of quality? There's always the MOTU stuff, like the 2408 MK3 which I also had and liked very much but switched to RME for quality and portability as the multiface can use a cardbus w/a laptop...

 

[ecc83]

? I have an RME Multiface 2 and couldn't be more happy. Is this about the price or your assessment of quality? There's always the MOTU stuff, like the 2408 MK3 which I also had and liked very much but switched to RME for quality and portability as the multiface can use a cardbus w/a laptop...

Perhaps I was less than clear? The RME cards are of course excellent! But they are expensive in the context of "Home Recording".

Your multiface is not just a card but a PCIe daughter board plus breakout box and runs out at some £5-600.

The RME HDSP9632 card is great value at ~£270 but the noob still has to spring for a Behringer ADAT unit at another £260. You can get 8 mic input usb interfaces for less than £530 and they are more flexible in that you can go mobile with them.

No, my point (badly made perhaps!) was that there is no cheap PCIe ADAT card extant to MY knowledge and in fact PCIe sound cards have been all but passed over anyway
Found this:..http://www.studiospares.com/e-mu-1010-pcie-expansion-card/invt/352200

But a swift search revealed no W7/64 or W8 drivers and Creative (wash ma' mouth out!) say it is out of stock.

Dave.