Multi-tracking/mixdown question in Sonar

  • Thread starter Thread starter WagTheDog
  • Start date Start date
W

WagTheDog

New member
Can anybody give me some details about how they use Sonar with their soundcard, particularly how they
monitor MIDI and digital audio while laying down a new track, and also about final mixdown?

I posted this question in another thread but thought I'd try here also since it sorta pertains to Cakewalk.

Setup:
Delta 66
Soundblaster Audigy2
Kawaii K1
Event PS-5 monitors
Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro

Wanting to record MIDI from the Kawaii into Sonar, drums from Sonar. I use Soundfonts alot also. Go from Kawaii into the Audigy2 I assume?

For digital audio (vocals, guitar) plug into the Delta 66.

Say I want to record the keyboard part first. The MIDI events go from the Kawaii thru the Audigy2 into Sonar. I assume I come out of the Audigy2 into the Mackie for monitoring purposes? Let's say the next track is vocals....I monitor the keyboard part by coming out the Audigy2 into the Mackie while going direct out the Mackie into the Delta66? Or would it be the same thing to go out from the Audigy2 into the Delta66 into the Mackie?

I have been looking at the FireWire 410 to replace the Delta66....would this make anything easier?

Do I need the Mackie at all? Seems like the sound that you would be hearing out the Mackie versus the actual sound recorded would be different, especially pertaining to final mixdown.

If you could give me the details of how you multi-track or can steer me in the right direction with the scenerio I mentioned, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Can you just break the problem step by step? :)

I have similiar setup...

SB Live! (Soundfonts only)
Delta 1010LT (Audio)
Mackie 1202
Korg N364 keyboard
etc...
etc...

I plug EVERY out put (SBLive!, Delta 1/2, and N364) into their own channel on the Mackie. Route the monitor out to my monitor sound system. mackie aux out to Delta input (stereo or L/R).

Do my MIDI work using SB Live! Soundfonts, and N364. I can monitor them fine with the Mackie.

Do my audio work using the Delta.. I can monior them as well...

When time comes to record the MIDI part into audio, I open N364 channels's Aux from mackie to Delta's input. Record as audio. Make sure I close remaining channels' aux send on the Mackie (specialy the Delta's channel aux send) to avoid feedback. I don't have any problem recording soundfonts... just record it internaly. Once I have all tracks in audio format, mix as necesary.

Do not sack the Mackie... trust me... it's there to help you. You know everything will be much easier when you have mixer.

;)
Jaymz
 
Thanks for the reply....

When you say "mackie aux out to Delta input" are you talking about the Aux sends pair? "Monitor Out" being "Control Room" outs?

On final mixdown, isn't the Mackie EQ and gain settings giving a different sound that what is actually on disk? Guess I'm just confused on that part. If the goal is to get the most "honest" sound out of your monitors, doesn't the Mackie defeat this goal?

I definitely need to get reacquainted with my Mackie....have been out of the recording habit for too long!!!!


Thanks again
 
WagTheDog said:
When you say "mackie aux out to Delta input" are you talking about the Aux sends pair? "Monitor Out" being "Control Room" outs?
Click to expand...
Yup, aux sends. Be carefull, there's two kind of aux, pre and post. Unfortunately, 1202 has only one mono pre and one mono post.

WagTheDog said:
On final mixdown, isn't the Mackie EQ and gain settings giving a different sound that what is actually on disk? Guess I'm just confused on that part. If the goal is to get the most "honest" sound out of your monitors, doesn't the Mackie defeat this goal?
Click to expand...
Then how about zillion engineer out there trusting their line to mixer's line strip? ;)

No offense, but we cannot talk about "honest sound" with any SB Audigy pluged into any 1202... :D You must also consider SB Audigy DAC, monitors system, PA, room factor, acoustic treatment, etc etc...

I mean, don't be over expectation with our home setup that much. I'll give you an very simple example. Turn off your whole sound systems except the computer alone. Turn your monitor off, close the door... how do you hear the sound of your PC? the fan? noticeable buzz...? Well... then THAT will also be what you hear when you mix your stuff... you cannot hear anything "honestly" in such condition...

Anyway, you can set the EQ and gain trim in "flat" position...

;)
Jaymz
 
Thanks James


Yeah, I know "nothing's perfect".....can't help trying to get as close as I can though :)

My interest is mainly songwriting, so a "perfect" sound is not the top priority.... but on the other hand, you'd be amazed at the inability of some producers to get past the quality of a demos sound enough to listen to the actual song. I just don't want a bad quality recording to shoot down a good songwriting effort :D

Thanks for your reply
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top