Just got new device (newbie sorta)

[metdrummer00]

So I configured my guitar player's computer with the new M-Audio MobilePre USB and we're running Audition 1.5, and everything is running great with zero latency as well as great sound. So we figured out how to track and all that and we're going to record some promo tracks, and we disagree on the best way to do it, however we're willing to try both ways. (I'm the drummer).

His way: Throw two room mics in our space while we record aimed in between of our 2 15" Mains that have vocals coming out of them, and just run the two mics into the two channels of the MobilePre so there's a stereo sound.

My way: Mix and pan all instruments on our Mackie 1604VLZ and record all at once and run Main Out L and Main Out R into the Mobile Pre for stereo sound.

I think my way is more effictive because you can set instrument levels before recording. But I'd appreciate all your opinions! Thanks!

 

[NYMorningstar]

Your way is obviously going to give you more control at the mixer level but may not necessarily sound better. You don't need to set the instrument levels at the board. Your buddies idea may be based on the idea of getting the sound levels balanced for the room you are playing in first, before you record it. This can be done with the settings on each individual instrument, easily overlooked when recording through a mixer.

I'd try the close miking and throw up a couple room mics to add to your mix. The thing is experiment until it sounds the best to both of you. Work together cause there's no right or wrong about it. You might also want to give some thought to getting a better interface like a Delta 1010 so you can isolate and track each instrument separately to mix and master down the road.