Need more Inputs, a mixer to MBox2 the way to go?

  • Thread starter Thread starter speedfrk222
  • Start date Start date
S

speedfrk222

New member
I’m ready or feel like I need to expand my recording capabilities and have a few questions I’m hoping some of you can answer. Please keep in mind I’m about 6months into to my recording hobby.

Right now I have an MBox2 running into my IBM laptop and using Protools, I use headphones to monitor and mix and have a Symetrix headphone amp so I can listen and the artist can listen while we record.

The issue I have now is I want more inputs. I’m thinking about getting a mixer. I’ve been researching regarding decent sounding mixers and I want an analog sound as much as possible, so I’m thinking a SoundCraft 200b 8x4.

One question I have is can I run a Soundcraft 200b direct into my MBox2?

I understand I can’t run all 8 channels into the MBox and will need to run whatever channels I’m recording to, into the bus and then send them mixed together into my MBox2 (in theory right?)

Basically I want to be able to have about 5+ mics setup and not have to move them around. Am I on the wrong track for expanding my inputs? Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

Andrew
 
That sounds like it will give you more preamps, sure. But i think you should take another look, it sounds like you know some stuff, but haven't had a chance to try it out and I think the compromises are going to be more than you bargian for.

First, a mixer into a MBox to protools isn't analog the way you seem to be describing. It is, but not in a way that will give you a better recording (most people thinking about analog vs digital think warm, tape compression that sort of think, all the mixer will be doing for you is beinga preamp for the mics. For the analog feel you seem to be going for you would want to record to tape i would think.

Second, mixing live and recording two tracks that way effectively locks your recording. Fine if you are practicing nd jsut want the rough idea of the song, but if you ever want to add effects, EQ, and "mix" your recording you will want to record onto seperate tracks.

If on the other hand, you want to have multiple preamps and being to record a couple tracks at a time, sure that will work just fine, and you can use a mixer for monitoring as well if you want.

Daav
 
Daav,

Thanks for the response. You are right I am looking for more preamps, and would really like to be able to record more tracks simultatiously. However, unless I'm recording, drums do I REALLY need more than two tracks?

I've been reading more and I think going with the MBox2/Protools route has really limited my expandibility without buko bucks.

I wanted to keep the hobby cheap, but not have to buy really cheap stuff, I'm realizing that's hard to do. As with almsot any product if you buy bottom of the barrel you'll be replacing or regretting it soon.

For right now I'm hunting for just monitors and will deal with my Mbox2 until I can get a new computer and all.
 
speedfrk222 said:
Daav,

Thanks for the response. You are right I am looking for more preamps, and would really like to be able to record more tracks simultatiously. However, unless I'm recording, drums do I REALLY need more than two tracks?

I've been reading more and I think going with the MBox2/Protools route has really limited my expandibility without buko bucks.

I wanted to keep the hobby cheap, but not have to buy really cheap stuff, I'm realizing that's hard to do. As with almsot any product if you buy bottom of the barrel you'll be replacing or regretting it soon.

For right now I'm hunting for just monitors and will deal with my Mbox2 until I can get a new computer and all.
Click to expand...

you have it right on all counts here, especially the "p[lan on replacing the cheap stuff".

I can record 10 tracks at a time, but have never gone above 4, and then only for drumset. I have a soundcraft mixer (M4) that gives me 4 extra preamps and i use it for monitoring and for playback of a few things (i have a midi controller that goes to the computer, runs through a sequencer then play notes out the monitors, and I usually play electric guitar through an iso box, mic and it "plays" through the speakers, since the sounds can be controlled better that way then via the amp itself). But probably 90% of my recording is done via the 2 channels of my DMP3.

Don't feel limited unless you want to do something and can't. I ahve bought so much stuff IN CASE i needed it, i can't tell you.

If you focus on tracking- getting decent recordings of your stuff with decent gain structure, that process will give you the info you need to start spending money with.

a DMP3 is a solid investment that would be worth it. Two decent clean preamp channels that you can always use, retains much of its value for resale down the road and chances are you will still find uses for it and not want to resell even when you have more money.

as for the Mbox, you might be ready to outgrow it, maybe buy a used delta 44 or 66. I have an echo 24/96 which is alittle old school, but does a great job, and echo has pretty nice converters. any of those could be had from anywhere form $100-300.
I like buying used from this forum, i have gotten a ton of great stuff and some fantastic deals.
Daav
 
If I go the Delta 44 or 66 route and get external pres like a DMP3 (I actually had to look this stuff up as I wasn't sure what it is) then I can no longer use protools right?

Also, I would have to have a desktop computer and not a laptop so I'm no longer portable.
 
speedfrk222 said:
If I go the Delta 44 or 66 route and get external pres like a DMP3 (I actually had to look this stuff up as I wasn't sure what it is) then I can no longer use protools right?

Also, I would have to have a desktop computer and not a laptop so I'm no longer portable.
Click to expand...

Ah, yeah well, you are right about both pro tools and the laptop angle, I forgot about the first and didn't know the second. The principle remains the same though, just in the pro tools proprietary line, and firewire or USB for the portabilty. Might be a bit more spendy that way is all.

Either way, try to avoid sinking too much $$ in too soon, if you can get a chance to get your feet wet a bit first.

Daav
 
Quite good advice I must say.... Thanks a bunch for your tips this week!
 
hold on there, don't get depressed over your gear yet!

the mbox2 is a good interface. its definitely not hindering you at all. right now you can record 2 tracks with its built in preamps (which are fine, don't bother getting a dmp3), but it also has spdif which means you can digitally connect another 2 channels. there are a pretty good amount of preamps that have spdif output, just search around sweetwater under the dual channel preamp section to get an idea of what i'm talking about. adding one of those gives you 4 inputs, which is great for doing kick/snare/overheads drum tracks. almost every interface has spdif, so even if/when you get a new interface you'll still be able to plug that in for 2 more channels.
you can also get decent drum tracks with just 2 tracks if you place the mics carefully. give it a shot. 99% of the time when i hit the record button its to record 1 or 2 tracks.
 
treymon.....

You just made an excellent point that I did not realize.

So I can simultaniously record with the 2 mic pre inputs and in addition add 2 SPDIF inputs and record these all to seperate tracks in Protools??? This I did not know..
 
speedfrk222 said:
treymon.....

You just made an excellent point that I did not realize.

So I can simultaniously record with the 2 mic pre inputs and in addition add 2 SPDIF inputs and record these all to seperate tracks in Protools??? This I did not know..
Click to expand...


yes, i have done this before. i have actually used my lexicon mpx550 as an AD converter. if you have an fx processor laying around that has spdif out, that works just fine. or, look for a digital mixer with spdif out.
 
speedfrk222 said:
treymon.....

You just made an excellent point that I did not realize.

So I can simultaniously record with the 2 mic pre inputs and in addition add 2 SPDIF inputs and record these all to seperate tracks in Protools??? This I did not know..
Click to expand...


yes, i have done this before. i have actually used my lexicon mpx550 as an AD converter. if you have an fx processor laying around that has spdif out, that works just fine. or, look for a digital mixer with spdif out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top