Mixer vs Souncard

[terrestrial]

Problem: I need at least 4 inputs and want to record to my computer.

Solution A: Get something like an M-Audio Delta 44 with 4 ins/outs

Solution B: Get a Behringer 4-track mixer and a whatever soundcard, and go from the mixer through the line in on the soundcard.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of either? I'm not too clear on what the difference between these two setups would be. Can anyone shed some light on this situation?

 

[Ethan Winer]

Terre,

> What are the advantages/disadvantages of either? <

A multi-input sound card lets you record each input source to a separate track, so you can decide the balance and add effects separately on each track later. If you use a mixer to combine the various inputs and record on one track, you can't change the balance later. And you can't EQ the piano without also adding the same EQ to the bass, for example.

For more on this, see "Using a mixer with a DAW" from EQ magazine, first in the list on my Articles page:

www.ethanwiner.com/articles.html

--Ethan

 

[terrestrial]

Isn't the ability to record from different sources to differet tracks limited by your recording program, too?

I currently use Adobe Audition, and I'm not sure if separate track recording is an option. . . Anyone know if this is possible or what programs support this?

Thanks for your help.

 

[thajeremy]

with Adobe Audition, you have an unlimited number of tracks you can record as far as the software is concerned. You are limited by your hardware. If you have a sound card with only 1 input, then you can only record 1 stereo track at one time. You can actually record 2 mono tracks with the one stereo input if you use your mixer and pan channel 1 to the right and channel 2 to the left. But anyway, if you have a 4 channel soundcard, you can record 4 different signals. I have a Terratec EWS88/MT soundcard which has 8 ins and 8 outs, so I can record 8 seperate tracks.

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

with Adobe Audition, you have an unlimited number of tracks you can record as far as the software is concerned. You are limited by your hardware. If you have a sound card with only 1 input, then you can only record 1 stereo track at one time. You can actually record 2 mono tracks with the one stereo input if you use your mixer and pan channel 1 to the right and channel 2 to the left. But anyway, if you have a 4 channel soundcard, you can record 4 different signals. I have a Terratec EWS88/MT soundcard which has 8 ins and 8 outs, so I can record 8 seperate tracks.

For a newbie like me recording solo in a bedroom one track at a time, would such multi input soundcards eliminate the need for a mixer? If so, would having a mixer add any value, and if so, what? TIA

 

[manning1]

you have two decision points.
1. if you want to record using microphones (eg,,,vocals, acoustic guitar, guitar amp) you will need a mixer to amplify the mic signals.
or you can use standalone mic preamps.
eg for cheap behringer ub mixer or a nice mic pre like a dmp3.
2. if you only ever anticipate needing to record one track at a time you dont need a multi input sound card.
if you have little money and want to record very cheaply - but you have to be a bit of a geek engr to do this properly - the absolute cheapest way is to plug a mic into the mic input of a cassette deck and record to the pc .
if you have a 3 pin xlr type mic you will need an adaptor to do this.
on the other end of the scale for those with trust funds people use exotic
mic preamps feeding something like a lynx sound card.

 

[thajeremy]

For a newbie like me recording solo in a bedroom one track at a time, would such multi input soundcards eliminate the need for a mixer? If so, would having a mixer add any value, and if so, what? TIA

Tell us what kind of budget you are working with and maybe it will be easier for us to help you by maybe suggesting some equipment...