Preamp help needed!

[Linkzilla316]

My band mates and I are going to start recording in a couple of weeks and was just wondering on how to properly record the drum tracks. We were think of using a preamp for the bass and snare, but I was think it might be best to use a preamp on all drums (8 mics). We only have 3 preamps and wanted to know if there is a easy way to do this via mixer or other?

 

[WhiteStrat]

My band mates and I are going to start recording in a couple of weeks and was just wondering on how to properly record the drum tracks. We were think of using a preamp for the bass and snare, but I was think it might be best to use a preamp on all drums (8 mics). We only have 3 preamps and wanted to know if there is a easy way to do this via mixer or other?

My question is this: are you recording to? A computer? If so, what's your interface (how's the signal getting into the computer)? For example, I have an 8 channel interface--it sends 8 separate signals to the computer with firewire. On the interface, each channel has its own preamp--so I have 8 right there. I can also use a separate preamp and use the insert on the interface.

As far as the mixer goes, yes you can use that. (Each mic/XLR channel on a mixer has a preamp.) But if you've only got 2 channels going into your computer (left and right of a stereo mix) you've got to get the mix just right at the mixer, because you won't have separate channels for each drum to tweak.

And if your 3 outboard preamps sound better than the ones in the mixer, you may want to use those (like on OHs and snare, or snare & kick--your call) and go into the inserts on your mixer, bypassing the mixer's pres on those channels.

Anyway, tell us more about how your getting into the computer (if you are in fact recording on a computer) and we can offer more advice.

 

[Linkzilla316]

Yes I will be recording to my computer using a TASCAM US 1641 USB 2.0 interface and recording all track seperatly. I have a Yamaha mixer (can't remember what its called) and it has 4 I/O's that were used on a previous recording.

 

[WhiteStrat]

Okay, with that setup I'd use my outboard preamps (if they're good) for the most critical tracks (like you mentioned--maybe snare and kick); the outputs from those external preamps would go into the 1/4" line ins on the back of your Tascam.

Then, I'd mic up the rest of the kit using the preamps on channels 1-8 of the TASCAM. I can't say for sure, but I doubt the pres on your mixer are any better than the ones built into the Tascam.