New iMac, but how to connect analog mixer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RecordingMaster
  • Start date Start date
RecordingMaster

RecordingMaster

A Sarcastic Statement
Hi there,

I just bought a brand new 27" top of the line off-the-shelf imac, which I plan to use for mostly video editing, music recording and graphic design, all at home. Anyways, my crappy setup which has always worked good enough for what I need is the following:

Behringer Eurorack MX2004A Mixer>Music-In Jack on PC>Adobe Audition.

Now, I want to do the same thing, but with a Mac, and I am finding there is no "Music-in Jack" on the iMacs, just a Mic jack, which I have found to always be worse sounding than the music-in jack on PC's.

I EVENTUALLY plan on buying a low cost Audio Interface to link my mixer to my Mac through a FireWire port so I can do multi-track recording into Adobe Audition and have separate drum tracks.

However, right now I just want to be able to get my mixer's signal into my Mac in a way other than the mic jack (like USB or Firewire). I want the signal to remain stereo so when I mix my drums in stereo on the mixer, it transfers to the Mac, like I've been doing since the 90's on my PC!

My mixer has a 1/4" R and an L stereo out (it also has all the channel outs for going into my future Audio Interface which IS NOT what I want to purchase right now). So what can I do? Buy two 1/4" patch cables to run from the mixer into some sort of jack that converts into a stereo USB signal? I don't even know if that exists.

Please help as I am pretty lost when it comes to connections and stuff like this.

Thanks!
 
Not trying to be sarcastic but if you can spash 1700 of your American Dollars on an imac surely you could go 80 smackers on an Maudio fast track? any scenario involving a direct link to an on board soundcard is gonna be less than satisfactory.
 
Amen to that. You buy a new iMac and then refuse to buy the one piece of gear that will allow you to actually connect your mixer to it and work as you want to, i.e. an audio interface. Buy the interface, it's that simple.

An Maudio Fast Track is a good inexpensive way to go. I personally would recommend buying a more fully featured interface, one that has more I/O and that you would use for years to come. But if money is an issue, just get the Maudio or other inexpensive interface. Guaranteed it will sound better than the line in jack you've been using on your PC's.
 
The guys above are right in the long term.

"Refuse" is a little harsh; He says he's gonna get one, but yeah, still true.

If you were looking at interfaces, how many channels would you want to work with simultaneously?
 
Steenamaroo said:
The guys above are right in the long term.

"Refuse" is a little harsh; He says he's gonna get one, but yeah, still true.

If you were looking at interfaces, how many channels would you want to work with simultaneously?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. Thanks Steenamaroo for reading my full question stating that I plan on getting one eventually. But for now, I need a quick solution that can connect my 2 1/4" patch cables coming from the R/L outputs of my mixer, into my Mac without plugging into the 3.5" line in jack. Is there a special adapter I can buy that converges the 2 cables coming from my mixer (R/L) into 1 firewire jack or 1-2 usb jack(s) that will keep the stereo intact?

To answer your question, Steenamaroo, I want to eventually be able to multi-track record 7 channels at once...kick, snare, x2 OH's, 3 toms. Looks like an audio interface to handle that will be in the $350 range unless you guys can suggest something cheaper that will get the job done for that many channels. If I wanted to try to get down to 6 channels, could I plug my Right OH and Left OH into one of the stereo channels on my mixer (a channel that lets you plug in 2 separate mics into the same channel and splits them hard right and hard left)? Or would that mean I still need to run 2 cables outta the back of that channel into the interface, still taking up a 7th channel? Confusing myself.
 
RecordingMaster said:
I need a quick solution that can connect my 2 1/4" patch cables coming from the R/L outputs of my mixer, into my Mac without plugging into the 3.5" line in jack.
Click to expand...

Without plugging into the line in jack there are no options I'm afraid.

Why don't you want to go into the line in? I'd understand if it was a mic input, but it does seem that it's line level.

Without buying stuff, this is your only option.


RecordingMaster said:
Is there a special adapter I can buy that converges the 2 cables coming from my mixer (R/L) into 1 firewire jack or 1-2 usb jack(s) that will keep the stereo intact?
Click to expand...

That special adapter is an audio interface. Simple as that I'm afraid.

You're describing a conversion from analog audio into a digital signal.

In 8 channel interfaces, I've used the firepod/fp10 and can recommend it. It may be a little pricey though.

Others on here have recommended a tascam interface recently. (US1800 maybe? Can't remember, sorry.)

It was very well priced. Have a look and see what you think. :)
 
Steenamaroo said:
Without plugging into the line in jack there are no options I'm afraid.

Why don't you want to go into the line in? I'd understand if it was a mic input, but it does seem that it's line level.

Without buying stuff, this is your only option.
Click to expand...

Ok, so if I go this route for now, do I just plug the 2 1/4" patch cables into a splitter with x2 1/4" inputs that converges it into a single stereo 3.5" male plug? Then plug that into the Mac's 3.5mm jack?


Steenamaroo said:
That special adapter is an audio interface. Simple as that I'm afraid.

You're describing a conversion from analog audio into a digital signal.

In 8 channel interfaces, I've used the firepod/fp10 and can recommend it. It may be a little pricey though.

Others on here have recommended a tascam interface recently. (US1800 maybe? Can't remember, sorry.)

It was very well priced. Have a look and see what you think. :)
Click to expand...

Ok, so looks like an 8 channel version for now is going to be too much for me to justify spending on myself (I'm married). Maybe for Christmas :D

Unitl then, if I get the standard M-audio fast track M-AUDIO - Fast Track - Record Guitar and Vocals on Your Computer can I plug my left mixer output into say the SLR vocal mic input, and then my right mixer output into the only input remaining on the interface, which is a 1/4" jack? That way, I'd at least be converting my analog signal into digital stereo signal and transfering it to my Mac, without using the line-in or onboard soundcard, right?

Alternatively, how much would it be if I ditch my current mixer, and buy an 8 channel mixer that plugs right into my firewire port that will mutli-track record right onto my Adobe Audition on my Mac? Not sure what to look for here, so if anybody has suggestions please put them here. Not looking for anything with effects, just basic 3-band eq and phantom power (I have all condensor drum mics) and 8 channels.
 
The cable you describe is correct. 2 x 1/4 mono/unbalanced to 1 x 3.5mm stereo/balanced.

Personally, I'd skip the maudio. It doesn't lend itself to your setup. I'd go with what you have then do a 'proper' upgrade later.
Also, the jack input you talk about is designed to take a low level instrument like a guitar (IIRC), which isn't a great idea for you.

Your idea to flog the mixer and replace it is a good one.

You wouldn't necessarily need to replace it with a mixer/interface combo.
Something like a firepod would completely bypass the need for a mixer. Any eq or volume changes that you need to do can be done in the computer.

That way you aren't committed to the settings.

If you really want the mixer capabilities (which pretty much boils down to cheap hardware eq), then there are some firewire mixer interfaces about, but honestly, I would completely bypass that and just go for something with a gain knob and an xlr input per channel.
 
Yes, that Fast Track is not the way to go for your purposes. A square peg in a round hole, it would be nothing but frustration.

What you really need is an 8 channel audio interface. I personally like the sound of the Echo Audio interfaces, and I think the AudioFire8 would suit your needs very well. Really good sounding stuff there, I use the AudioFire2. Another option are the Presonus FireStudio Project or Audio Box 1818.

Perhaps your short term answer is something like the ART USB Dual Pre (ART USB Dual Pre | Sweetwater.com), or the Alesis iO2 Express (Alesis iO2 Express | Sweetwater.com). These give you two line level or mic inputs. And are under $100.

Not advertising Sweetwater, just fast links for you to look at. I'm sure plenty of places sell those items.
 
SonicAlbert said:
Perhaps your short term answer is something like the ART USB Dual Pre (ART USB Dual Pre | Sweetwater.com), or the Alesis iO2 Express (Alesis iO2 Express | Sweetwater.com). These give you two line level or mic inputs. And are under $100.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys, you've been of much help. You guys have a point I might as well wait and get the good stuff when I can. In the meantime, I might look into getting that ART Dual Pre Unit if I'm completely horrified with how the recordings are sounding through my mac's 3.5mm jack (again this is temporary).

Alternative to buying a nice 8-channel firepod dealie, what if I went this route...much cheaper and I think it'll do the trick. It's the Alesis Multimix 8 Firewire http://www.alesis.com/multimix8firewire. It's only $300! It has 4 slr in's and 2 stereo ins. The slr in's have phantom power and the stereos don't.

Here's what I'm thinking I can get away with, so let me know if I'm on the right track here...
Toms x3 = CAD TSM411 (Supercardioid Electrodynamic)
Snare x1 = SM57
Kick x1 = KBM412 (Large Diaphragm Cardioid Dynamic Microphone)
Oh's x2 = ICM417 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

I was going to use the first 4 SLR phantom powered inputs for my snare, kick, tom1 and tom2.
Then plug tom 3 into the Left input on the 1st stereo TLR channel (which keeps it mono), and plug my 2 OH's into the 2nd stereo channel.

The only problem is that the OH's are the ONLY mics that require phantom power and that stereo channel doesn't have phantom power. If I plug them into the phantom powered channels, then there will be one input less than I need. The only reason why there's enough jacks for my 7 mics is because I was going to use the stereo channel for my OH's (because they are usually at the same EQ and dB level anyway and I want them stereo). It's not like I'm going to use the stereo channel for 2 of the toms, as I want those all on separate tracks.

What to do? Is there something I can get that can power those two condensers? An adapter or something? Right on the website itsays they require P12 (12V), P24 (24V), or P48 (48V) phantom power.
 
That unit really only has 4 ins suitable for mics.... not to be sniffed at though, possibly you could look at micing 2 x overheads the snare and the bass - this is a pretty common set up that will yield good results.
I have no experience with the mic's you've suggested (apart from the 57 which you either love or hate) I'm sure others will have an opinion.
 
Bruiser1964, why only 4 suitable for mics? What if I just got some cables with slr female on one end (to plug into the mic) and 1/4" on the other end (to plug into the board) for the remaining TLR jacks?
 
Hey RM.

It's XLR and TRS ;)

Bruiser's right, that little interface looks like it has four mics preamps.
Why not look at a tascam us1800 or something?

If you buy something that'll just about cover your needs (maybe), then there's a good chance you'll outgrow it quickly.

Buy shoes with room in 'em. :)
 
The stereo line inputs don't have a gain control so balancing / boosting the level to make it suitable for most mics will be unsatisfactory.
XLR to TRS cables are not the best solution for mics, although they may work they do not allow for phantom power and may be noisy.
Alesis do a deck with 8 mic pre's...
I would scale the drum requirements back, good results can be had with a 4 mic setup.
 
Steenamaroo said:
Hey RM.

Why not look at a tascam us1800 or something?)
Click to expand...

Holy sh*t! Had I known I could get THIS for $300, I would've had my heart set on this as opposed to the alesis one. This is actually what I would prefer, just inputs with gains, but everything I shopped around for with enough inputs was above $400 it seemed. The thing that makes we wonder though, is that it says "16 simultaneous inputs, 4 simultaneous outputs" in the specs. Does the "4 simultaneous outputs" mean I only have the choice to multitrack record 4 separate tracks and not the others? What I want is to be able to have control of all 7 mics on my kit individually after recording (in my DAW). Is that possible with this? Tascam has neglected to respond to my question to date.
 
bruiser1964 said:
The stereo line inputs don't have a gain control so balancing / boosting the level to make it suitable for most mics will be unsatisfactory.
XLR to TRS cables are not the best solution for mics, although they may work they do not allow for phantom power and may be noisy.
Alesis do a deck with 8 mic pre's...
I would scale the drum requirements back, good results can be had with a 4 mic setup.
Click to expand...

Only thing is, I like control over my toms. I have big cymbals and they tend to overpower my low-pitched/warm toms. I like to be able to add some verb and a little compression to my toms. As for the Alesis deck with 8 pre's, all's I can find is the multimix 16 which is way more than I want to spend. The dilemma here is money. I need to simultaneously record 7 drum mics (sn, kick, x3 toms, x3 oh) and try to keep the Audio Interface under $301.
 
no, you're sweet, you can record 8 mics simultaneously out of the box.
The rest of the ins are 2x spdif and 6 x line inputs which are good for synths, keyboards, or extra outboards preamps.

A lot of interfaces have shedloads of outputs so you can send tracks from pc for external mixing or summing.

Your 4 outputs will do nicely for a pair of monitors and a headphone amp.
 
Steenamaroo said:
no, you're sweet, you can record 8 mics simultaneously out of the box.
The rest of the ins are 2x spdif and 6 x line inputs which are good for synths, keyboards, or extra outboards preamps.

A lot of interfaces have shedloads of outputs so you can send tracks from pc for external mixing or summing.

Your 4 outputs will do nicely for a pair of monitors and a headphone amp.
Click to expand...

Ok awesome! So If I want to use my monitors as my main mac computer speakers as well (rather than cluttering with more un-needed speakers) where would I plug my mac into on the US-1800 or it's earlier US-1641? Somebody told me that Firewire will shoot the audible signal which is not being recorded (just being played as a follow along track for whoever is recording) back into the Firewire interface and out to my control room speakers, as well as somehow send the signal of what is going INTO the Firewire interface back to the computer to get recorded. If that's the case, I guess I'm good? I just wanna make sure I'll be good before I sell this mixer to get the US-1800.

Here's my current setup, which I can hear audio coming from the mac (eg: a backing track not being recording), what's currently being recorded.
1) Headphone jack on Mac connected to RCA "2-track in" jack on Behringer mixer ("2 tk to mix" is un-selected, but "2 tk to control room" IS selected)
2) "Control room out" 1/4" Right jack on mixer connected to right monitor and "Control room out" Left jack on mixer connected to Left monitor
3) Main outs on mixer converged into a stereo 3.5mm jack which is connected to the Music-in jack on mac.

The above setup works and I am hoping I can achieve the same functionality (maybe just setup differently) if I ditch the analog mixer and go with just the straight US-1800 audio interface.

I hope the above makes sense! :S
 
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