Me enormous question. . .to Delta1010 or NOT to Delta1010?

[storgerausch]

Hi!
My name is Art and I am completely new to home recording. Here is my question.

I make electronic music. I have several synthesizers which I sequence using the Alesis MMT8 (excuse me for telling my life story.) I want to be able to record several things at one time which is why I bought a 20 channel mixer (Behringer 2004a.) I am also using the Delta 44 soundcard. The way I currently record is to plug everything into the mixer and then use two outputs from the mixer to go into two outputs of the soundcard. That allows me to record two channels of music but the *problem* is that everything is already mixed so there is no room for error otherwise I have to record everything over again. So. . .I was thinking that I may be able to plug my synths into the four inputs of the Delta 44 and then route the four outputs into the mixer and then record everything into an external source because I want to use the mixer in there somewhere. . .if I plug directly into the computer and only use two outputs for monitoring, then I wont be able to mix too well (using the EQ) or is that the point of digital recording? To not need all of that hardware? The other problem is that there are only 4 inputs on the Delta 44 which is why I was eye-balling the Delta 1010 because it has more inputs. Then I would plug straight into the Delta 1010 and route that into my mixer and mix it down to something else. . .am I anywhere near where I want to be or am I so completely far off that I should just quit before I'm broke?

I completely appreciate any and all responses. . .

Thanks!
Art

 

[frist44]

What software are you using?

Why don't you just record one source at a time and then overdub via your software. That way, you can get every track exactly the way you want it and if you mess up, then you just have to rerecord that specific track. When done, then worry about mixing everything down to whatever format you need.

I have a delta 66, same thing but with digital ins which i don't use anyway, and 4 tracks works fine for me. I record one thing at a time and with 4 inputs, i can even mic a drum kit with 4 mics at once to give better isolation to the mics.

I don't see why you need more than 4 inputs if you just overdub.

also, you can record more than just one thing at a time with the 4 inputs on the card. As long as your outputs are at line level, you don't need the preamps of the mixer, you can go straight into the breakout box and record 4 sources idependently of each other. And then if you need more tracks, you just overdub. I think that card should be fine for what you're doing.

let us know if that makes sense.
Brandon

 

[Dolemite]

I was thinking that I may be able to plug my synths into the four inputs of the Delta 44 and then route the four outputs into the mixer and then record everything into an external source because I want to use the mixer in there somewhere. . .if I plug directly into the computer and only use two outputs for monitoring, then I wont be able to mix too well (using the EQ) or is that the point of digital recording? To not need all of that hardware?

Yep, pretty much. You should never "want to use" something (especially if it has the name Behringer on it). You should use the least amount of gear to get the job done, just to keep the signal path short. I suppose using the mixer just to monitor after its recorded wouldn't affect the recording, but why use it? You should be learning to mix on your computer, IMO. Trust me, it will sound better than the Behringer and better than most mixers, in fact. You can take a little dual 1/4 -> miniplug adapter and plug it into your Delta for monitoring with headphones.

I agree with Brandon...you should be able to record 4 sources at once (any stereo effects can be added later) and then multitrack the rest. Also, while its true that most synths aren't quite line level, I don't think the Behringer is the best DI. I would sell it and look into getting 2-4 channels of nice DI inputs, like a DMP2, Omni I/O, Audio Buddy, or even an ART Tube MP - its a better DI box than mic pre I'd say.

 

[frist44]

Dolemite-

I'm not too familiar with synths and those things so thanks for clearing that up. I guess a better DI box would be a big improvement over the behringer.

storgerausch-

Go with what dolemite said and get a couple more preamps like the omni studio. Personally i have the delta 66 with the omni studio box and i think it's wonderful. The preamps are pretty nice for the money and with you already having the delta 44, the configuration would be simple. Plus along with 2 preamps, the omni studio box allows you to do much more than just have 2 channels with preamps.

I would suggest going to http://www.m-audio.com and download the manual for the omni studio and see for yourself and then decide whether it's a worth while upgrade.

You could also just get independent preamps for those lines not at line level like the art mp, but it all depends if you want that "dirty" sound. The omni studio's preamps are very clear with relatively low noise and that would be idea for your synthesizing applications.

good luck

~brandon

 

[storgerausch]

More to the mix. . .

I like to have everything sequenced and then play that back while playing other synths that I have live. I have an average of 4 or 5 synths playing the sequenced music and then I jump back and forth between another 3 or 4 synths while everything is being recorded live. . .

The problem with recording everything one track at a time is that I cant sync everything unless it's all played at the same time because the USB ports on my computer are screwed up and I sequence using the Alesis MMT8.

I like using the mixing board because it gives me a hand-on approach to the actual mix where I can slide sliders and turn knobs. I am recording using Cubase.

Is this a lame set-up? Should I be doing something different?

Eek!

 

[Dolemite]

Well, why don't you just record the sequenced synths, using the mixer only when you run out of inputs, then record your live synths on top of that.

You should be able to get everything to sync by adjusting Cubase to compensate for the Delta's latency (which should be minimal to begin with) for everything you're playing live while the sequenced tracks are playing back off your computer.

That's how I would do it, but don't think that there's necessarily a right way to do things. Just do what works for you unless you're having problems.