Multi-tracking with an M12?

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JonathanRay

JonathanRay

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I received my M12 on Monday, and I love it! But now I'm trying to undestand how I'm going to use it to multitrack...

Would I track each channel by running out the Direct Out of each channel to my USB Multi-track Recording Interface? What if my USB Multi-track Recording Interface can only handle 4 tracks at once - and I'm using 4 mics for my drumset, 1 for my guitar, 1 for my bass, and 1 for the vocals? There doesn't appear to be Direct Outs for the four stereo channels.

I'd like to be able to group mics and send the groups out seperatly to any of the 4 inputs on my USB Multi-track Recording Interface. There are 4 Aux Outputs. Any channel can be sent out to any of the Aux Outputs. Could I send the 4 drum mics out Aux 1, the guitar out Aux 2, bass out Aux 3, and Vocal out Aux 4, and then send each of the 4 Aux Output to each 4 input on my USB Mult-track recording interface? The M12 manual says that the Aux Outputs "are on 3-pole 'A' gauge jacks and are balanced outputs." Are these stereo outputs? I plugged my headphones into Aux 1 while my keyboard was playing out Aux 1 and I only got sound in my left ear. :confused:

Sorry for the length, but I'm just trying to explain my situation as extensively as possible. I'd really appreciate anyone who can help me out. Thanks!
 
There are big, big gaps in your understanding of the routing and so you don't quite understand what's taking place. The M12 does not have sub groups, the stereo channels do not act as extra busses and balanced cables are 'stereo jack' or microphone cables which carry a mono signal (two copies of it, in fact, with the phase reversed and then flipped back at the other end to cancel noise picked up inbetween, but I digress).

If you are requiring group bussing, you bought the wrong desk. But don't fear, improvisation is at hand.

Firstly - Auxes 3 and 4 will not help you. They run post-fader, so will mess with your other mix. Putting them aside, here's how to solve your dilemma of getting your band into four inputs -

1) Use the direct output of the vocal mic channel. SET THE DIRECT PRE SWITCH DOWN AND HAVE THE FADER ALL THE WAY DOWN. That way you get your preamp straight to the PC without interfering with step two....
2) Decision time. Do you want a mono recording of your drums or a stereo spread? If you can cope with mono, pan all your drum mics HARD LEFT and connect the Mix L output to your 2nd interface input. Set up a mix of your drums using the faders. Your Mix R output will not be connected to anything.
3) Use the direct outputs of the guitar mic and bass mic channels, straight to the interface, as in step one.

Now, if you want stereo drums, you have a problem. Here's the best you can do (and it's not good):

1) As before
2) Set up your panning of the drum mics (bass and snare centre, OHs hard left and right) and then set up a mix of the drums using the faders. Connect the main Mix L and R outputs to your PC, and make sure once again that there are no non-drum faders up.
3) You are going to have to group your bass and guitar!!! Set your PFL levels as usual and leave the fader fully down. Use Aux 1 (pre-fade send) to make a mix of the two instruments, monitoring the Aux 1 AFL to hear it. The connect Aux 1's output to the last on your interface.

Basically, you can't really do what you're trying to do. However, as an M12 owner with a 4 i/o interface myself, you can learn to improvise enough to get by. No substitute for the correct number of inputs though!!!!!
 
Can SPDIF assist me with anything? I plan on using a Lexicon Omega which has SPDIF in and out. What are the purposes of the Aux Outs? Thanks.
 
The SPDIF only carries the main bus signal, so no, this won't really help.

You need to do some reading to learn about mixers! Basically there's two types of aux send - pre- and post-fade. Pre-fade sends are for things like monitor mixes, when you want a seperate mix that is not affected by the faders. Post-fades are for FX where if you turn the fader up, you want the amount of signal going to your FX unit to be increased too.
 
Well I feel a little stupid right now. It looks like I should of done a little more researching before blowing $750 on the M12. This board seems more of a PA mixer then Recording Mixer. My only problem with it is the lack group bussing. I may have to return it if I'm sure it's not going do what I thought it would do. Do you have any reccomendations for a mixer with group bussing? That
s $750 or less? Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it.
 
Why not invest instead in a new interface with more inputs for recording?
 
The M12 is very well suited to recording because it has dedicated and flexible direct outputs on each channel. It's your interface that's the problem - a Presonus Firepod (or maybe even Firebox) would sort you out, as would an M-Audio Delta 1010 or 1010lt. Don't change the M12 because it's mint. The pres and EQ are far better than on any of those Mackies you're looking at (cos I've used them too).

You made the right buy - you just didn't think it all through.

There aren't a right lot of alternatives to those Mackies if you really are set on groups ... well, none in this price range, anyway. :) Stick with it, work out what you're trying to do and how to get there, and keep asking questions.


-- Nik
 
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