New at everything and recording drums

[Drumr345]

Hey guys so I've been drumming for about 10 years now and I've just recently decided to start recording my set. The setup I've purchased has all the drums independently mic'd with 2 overheads (7 mics) all running into the Behringer Xenyx X2222USB mixer. Now I know that when recording through the USB into a computer it comes out in stereo. This is OK for now...but it's not optimal for EQ'ing and mixing the drums for that "professional" sound.

So my question is: What is the best way for me to record into a DAW all 7 channels separately? This isn't anything weird or unconventional to ask right? I'm pretty sure this is a normal process for drum recording.

Please post links of products I need or anything that will help.

Thanks in advance!

 

[leaningpine]

You have to buy an 8 or 10 channel USB audio interface. Here's one I'm thinking about buying:

http://www.tascam.com/product/us-1641/

It's around $300. You can record all channels simultaneously which would be great for drum or live recordings

There's another one I was looking at also. The line6 toneport
It's an 8 channel but I'm not sure if it's in production anymore it's around $400

http://line6.com/toneportux8/

There are others but they are more expensive as you go up.

 

[WhiteStrat]

Yep, what you're asking is very commonly done. You need an interface that supports multiple channels. I use firewire and can go up to 32 channels. I think that some of the newer USB 2.0 interfaces support more than just the stereo mix--but I'm not sure; let's hope someone chimes in.

The bottom line is an interface with 8 inputs (with mic pres for all 8) and a USB or Firewire connection that dumps all 8 channels individually. I'm sure some folks will be along to recommend some--they're common around here.

 

[Drumr345]

Thanks guys...so when I run an audio interface like this do I completely bypass the mixer? Or do I record just through the interface?

Sucks if that's the deal I just got my mixer

 

[WhiteStrat]

Yeah, you don't really need a mixer--unless it also serving as the interface. For you it is right now. But if you got a multi-channel interface, the mixer wouldn't be needed. Like I said--I run 32 channels in (and 16 back out) and I don't even use a mixer in the studio.

 

[leaningpine]

Take back your Behringer mixer, tell them it's cutting out and they should give you a refund or credit no questions asked Get one of the interfaces with the credit.

I like some Behringer stuff, but you really have to be careful with some things.

 

[CFox]

Got firewire ?

http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=5


http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=43

Here is one of them at Sweetwater.


Are you recording for enjoyment or to work towards getting a specific sound ? If for sound, then I recommend a set of V-drums and either Addictive Drums 1.5 or Superior Drummer 2.0. You can play any time of day and the mixer presets ( eq, mic bleed, compression, sound stage emulation ) are amazing. They instantly get the creative juices flowing.

 

[grimtraveller]

Are you recording for enjoyment or to work towards getting a specific sound ?

Does it really matter ? The OP is looking to record their drums having

been drumming for about 10 years now and I've just recently decided to start recording my set. The setup I've purchased has all the drums independently mic'd with 2 overheads (7 mics) all running into the Behringer Xenyx X2222USB mixer.

and doesn't state that they are looking for that kind of sea change.

 

[CFox]

Does it really matter ? The OP is looking to record their drums having and doesn't state that they are looking for that kind of sea change.

That's why I asked I notice people sometimes make a combined statement and request for advice then return and add to or amend some aspect of their statement or request.

That's why I qualified with the words "work towards..." to help coax the OP towards their long term goal and quite possibly save some money and frustration.

 

[FunkDaddy]

Take back your Behringer mixer, tell them it's cutting out and they should give you a refund or credit no questions asked Get one of the interfaces with the credit.

I like some Behringer stuff, but you really have to be careful with some things.

I would suggest this too. The Tascam linked above looks like a perfect solution.

You can find uses for a mixer if/when you get more involved in recording other instruments but for now all you'd really need is a good multi-input interface. But if I remember correctly, the Behringer mixer doesn't have direct channel outs...so it's uses are pretty much limited to a stereo drum busser as you've discovered.

Good luck!