multitracking with a mixer

[willy177]

I own a behringer 16 track mixer, it sais you can multitrack in the intruction manual and I cant figure out how to do this. I have tried various recorders and I cant figure this out. I have considered buying a digital multitrack recorder, would this be an easier way to record an album.

 

[Seanmorse79]

I use a mixer with a multi-channel recording card.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Welcome aboard, Willy!

I use an analog mixer, or sometimes an outboard pre, into a multi-channel sound card on the computer. That gives me the most flexibility, I think. I have some outboard gear that I can use while recording, but once its in the computer I keep it all digital.

I can go direct into the pres on the sound "card" (a tascam us-428) but I usually need the phantom power from the mixer or outboard pre.

Computer multitracking is great with a decent computer. )I'm currently using an 800mhz. PIII laptop w. 512M ram) And all your hardware/software becomes more effective with each computer upgrade you do. I'm pretty sold on it.

Take care,
Chris

 

[sbruce]

Can one of you that is currently using a mixer with a multi-channle sound card tell me what you're using, and the pros/cons of going that way?

I have a card w ADAT I/O as well as S/PDIF coax IN/OUT, and am looking for a way to mix with my Mackie using outboard gear, etc.

Any advice is appreciated. thanks.

s

 

[KorgNut]

Multi-tracking

1. The percussion is created & pre-mixed on board my T3...or...
I may opt to use the Roland R8
2. Bass is either done on board the T3 or hot using my Epiphone
3. Bass & Percussion from T3 is dumped to my D8 (Tracks 7&8)
4. Guitar(s) and/or additional keys are recorded direct to D8
5. Vocals (back-up)
6. Vocals (lead)

I'm looking at the aspect of getting into a computer set-up in the near future, but it's not a priority right now.

Works for me!!

 

[Seanmorse79]

I use a C-Port with a Yamaha 12 channel board, but I don't use much outboard gear.

- Yamaha channels 1-8 to C-Port channels 1-8 (input)
- C-Port headphones out back into the Yamaha channels 9&10 (and line out from computer back into channels 11+12) for zero latency monitoring.

Like I said, I don't use the mixer for outboard gear, but it could easily be done that way with a larger mixer.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Mics plugged into channels 1-4 of Alesis Studio24

Mixer channels 1-4 go into channels 1-4 of Tascam us-428

Line sources go in channels 5-10 on the mixer and routed through channels 1&2 or 3&4 via group submix.

Any outboard gear (usually a compressor, occasionally an EQ) goes into the channel inserts 1-4.

Its all analog until it goes into the us-428. I'm not sure how to set up digital mixers. I also monitor through the mixer (us-428 main outs go to stereo line-in channels 11&12 on the mixer) for zero latency monitoring. Monitor (Event PS-6's, powered) right of the mixer's control room outs.

Take care,
Chris

 

[Sennheiser]

Willy, I think you mean you have a 16 channel mixer.

Depending on the configuration of the console and if you are using any sort of eight track recorder be it HD, ADAT, or (gasp) reel-to-reel, You use the first eight channel strips to go direct to the recorder and bring the signals back into the board on the other eight channels so you can monitor and mix down.

If you have a switch at the top of the strip right after the trim labled "line in", 'mic", "tape", you use the tape position to listen to the eight signa;s returning from the tape deck. If you do not have this switch or one similar, you need to dig into the manual you have or ask about the specific console you are using.

I'm not at all familiar with Behringer products, but this procedure works with the majority of small studio/stage boards.

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

Can one of you that is currently using a mixer with a multi-channle sound card tell me what you're using...

Tascam DM-24 (24 TDIF channels)

Motu 2408 (24 TDIF to Firewire to computer)

 

[TexRoadkill]

Can one of you that is currently using a mixer with a multi-channle sound card tell me what you're using, and the pros/cons of going that way?

I have a card w ADAT I/O as well as S/PDIF coax IN/OUT, and am looking for a way to mix with my Mackie using outboard gear, etc.

Any advice is appreciated. thanks.

s

sbruce, do you have any analog in/outs on that card? If not you will need an analog to digital convertor with ADAT i/O. You would use the convertor to go between the mixer and the sound card. MOTU, RME and some others make DACs like that.

 

[sbruce]

thanks.

no their are no analog I/O on the card. I realize I will need a D/A convertor. That's sort of what I'm asking...is anyone have luck with a such covertor; using it to interface with a mixer? That would seem to give me the best of "both worlds" PC editing, track count, etc. but still be able to mix on a "real" mixer and use my outboard gear.

 

[MISTERQCUE]

Topaz analog board out, to HD24 in. Prev'ly, I started with A-Studio 32 direct outs to ADAT XT20 master to XT-LX-LX slave.
I am slowly incorporating pc with HD24 for editing purposes via E-magic software, yet my "recording & mixing" methods are truly un-orthodox practically bordering on WIERD!