Unfortunately I don't know anything about the sure mixer you have, other than doing a search for it via Google and it appears as though it is a mono mixer. If you have an understanding of the function of a mixer then I may not need to state it .... but, I will anyway.
A mixer quite basically does what it's name states. It mixes. It mixes a certain number of inputs to an output/outputs. This is the most basic of what would be a mixer. There are mixers that are of greater complexity in their ability to route the inputs to a number of different outputs.
A mono mixer knows no right or left as what is found with a stereo mixer. A basic mono mixer takes however many inputs there are on the unit and sums them all together to one output.
A basic stereo mixer on the other hand has the ability to take an input and split it to two outputs normally considered left and right. This holds true for a multiple input stereo mixer in that all of the inputs are summed to two outputs. The stereo mixer will allow control of how the individual inputs are split to the stereo (two) outputs via a pan knob. Allowing for an equal amount of the signal to be sent to both outputs or for the signal to be sent more to one than the other or even to just one output. Hence the terminology of panning left, right or center (both outputs). Both stereo and mono mixers allow an adjustment, via knobs or faders, of how much of the input will go to the output or outputs (gain control). Basically .... a volume control.
The most common method of recording would be with stereo equipment.
The confusion you are getting as far as track and inputs is common. In the type of recording most of us do (multitracking) .... each input is routed to it's own track, or "file" if you will. Giving us the ability to alter each individual track via some form of sound shaping (effects). Though since you are just wanting to record spoken word, I see no real need for multitracking.
What I would suggest for equipment that you should consider are a
Sony Minidisk Recorder along with your mixer and this
cable and
adapter plus this
cable to connect your mixer to the minidisk's recording input. Basically those two cables and the adapter will take the XLR output of your mixer and split it off to a stereo jack. Which will give you playback on both right and left side.
Then another
cable to connect the minidisk to the computers line in port on the soundcard for getting the recording into the computer via the software you plan to use to capture the recording and edit as you see fit. Then finally burn to CD.
What you are trying to achieve is rather simple, but explaining it via type is in a way hard. The ability to simply show you would be far easier.
I hope this all helps some.
-Ken
) and if I follow that to the tee I will have a stereo recording to the computer, right? Thanks for putting so much into your explanation, you're all right!
