How to enable multitrack recording

[mullin]

Now, our church has a mixer (should be 16 inputs) connecting guitar amp, bass amp, keyboard, drum and etc. Then, the sound will be output through the two sets of mon.

We would like to try multi-track recording (probably 8+ tracks), so any ideas on the setup based on existing hardware. To me, it seems there's no output for each channel on the mixer, so not very sure how's setup usually.

Thanks!

 

[NL5]

So the mixer has no direct outs? What about group outs?

 

[Bulls Hit]

If the mixer doesn't have direct outs, then it would most likely have inserts which you can also use.

If you want to record 16 tracks and you have a computer with a couple of spare PCI slots, the cheapest solution would be something like the M-Audio Delta 1010LT. $200 each http://www.jrrshop.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=97&products_id=533

 

[mullin]

oh yes, it has "Insert" slot on each channel, then what's the difference between "Insert" and "Out". To me, "Insert" seems "INPUT"??

 

[Adam P]

What's the particular make and model of mixer in question? That would help us quite a bit more.

 

[MadAudio]

Now, our church has a mixer (should be 16 inputs) connecting guitar amp, bass amp, keyboard, drum and etc. Then, the sound will be output through the two sets of mon.

We would like to try multi-track recording (probably 8+ tracks), so any ideas on the setup based on existing hardware. To me, it seems there's no output for each channel on the mixer, so not very sure how's setup usually.

Thanks!

Besides needing a mixer that can supply individual outs, you need an audio interface that supplies more than 2 inputs. Until you can afford that, you can only hope to do a decent submix with the mixer.

 

[MadAudio]

What's the particular make and model of mixer in question? That would help us quite a bit more.

It's all kinda moot if he's using a SoundBlaster, yes?

 

[Bulls Hit]

oh yes, it has "Insert" slot on each channel, then what's the difference between "Insert" and "Out". To me, "Insert" seems "INPUT"??

The insert allows you to route the signal to a piece of outboard gear, and back in again using an insert 'Y' cable. You can also do the 1-click trick on an insert and use a mono TS plug to route the signal out to your soundcard

 

[Adam P]

It's all kinda moot if he's using a SoundBlaster, yes?

If he's using a Soundblaster, yes.

 

[MadAudio]

The insert allows you to route the signal to a piece of outboard gear, and back in again using an insert 'Y' cable. You can also do the 1-click trick on an insert and use a mono TS plug to route the signal out to your soundcard

Exactly right. I use the inserts on my Mackie 1604 to feed signals to one of my Laylas.

Now the problem with doing that with a board meant primarily as a stage mixer is that the level of the signal coming out of the insert is controlled by the channel fader. You may find your live mix shot to hell (no pun intended) if you find the normal level you use is way too hot for the soundcard.

EDIT: If you're going to be using if for recording only then no problem there.