Noob interface/monitor questions

[redwog]

Hi guys, new to forum, new to digi recording, not so new to playing music.

Decided to start playing around with DAWs in recent months, looping beats and soon desired some midi control - purchased a second hand Axiom 25 pretty cheap.

Want to record some vocals and instruments and very near purchasing an m-audio fast track ultra. I obviously need the access to analogue to digital conversion, would like the many channels and I am keen on the good enough preamps for where I am at (plus phantom power is useful, no?) After a bit of research, bang for buck seems ok with this unit.

Playing with the midi has introduced me to the world of latency and the reality that my onboard sound card is not appropriate for genuine home recording. (have read about ASIO drivers and so forth)

Now in purchasing a fast track interface, would this rid me of my reliance of onboard sound card. I.e will I be able to output all the DAW signal through this interface or do I need another sound card to do the job? Also if fast track is the sound card for outputting to monitor, does anyone know how that's done? Looking at images of back panel seems to output each channel separately (for processing or whatever through other devices?).

Looking forward to some noob ridicule and some helpful info...

 

[TetraFish]

Yes, the M-Audio will replace your sound card.

As far as hooking up monitors those outs on the back can be configured to be outs for anything (individual instruments/mixes). so as an example if you want a stereo mix from your recording software you would be able to asign out 1 as left and out 2 as right.

 

[guitarplayr82]

Also if fast track is the sound card for outputting to monitor, does anyone know how that's done? Looking at images of back panel seems to output each channel separately (for processing or whatever through other devices?)

Yes, it outputs each channel separately, but that can be changed. What monitors do you have? If you need to use a single TRS cable for both channels, you may be able to configure that in the software, or you could simply get a left and right TS to stereo TRS y-cable.

 

[redwog]

Thanks for the helpful replies. I thought as much and spent some time last night (Australian time) viewing the manual from m-audio.

I don't really have monitors yet, but thought adapters from trs to rca's would work with what I've got or even just using headphones in the short term would be ok.

I feel like I am opening the digital recording can of worms...I have read a lot and trying to get to grips with it all.

Thanks again.

 

[buzzard bass]

I have the little M Audio 40 monitors, and the left has 2 TRS inputs, with a simple RCA output to the right speaker. Adapters may not be needed mate.