Proper chain for signal?

[trtab]

Where should a mixer go in the chain when I have a reel to reel tape machine doing the recording? Before of after mixdown to the harddisk recorder?

Like this:

1) acoustic guitar > mic > preamp > mixer > 2-track analog tape > harddisk/CD/etc

or:

2) guitar > mic > preamp > 2-track analog tape > mixer > harddisk/CD/etc

Also, would it be possible to record directly to a harddisk/CD recorder/MD recorder without going to tape?

Is this possible:

guitar > mic > preamp > mixer > harddisk recorder/etc..

Finally what would be a good recomendation for a 4-8 track mixer ?

thanks

 

[manning1]

either recording to tape or daw.....for me ideally.....ac guitar....
mic>>>good preamp>>recording device (whatever you want to use)

 

[Bulls Hit]

Yes it's preferable to go to the pc instead of 2 track tape.

You don't need a seperate preamp if you've got a mixer.

The chain is accoustic guitar --> mic --> mixer --> soundcard --> recording s/w.

A good starting mixer if you're recording no more than 2 tracks at a time is the Yamaha MG10/2 for $96

 

[trtab]

Yes, but I also want the ability to record to analog tape every now and then for that sound.

What other good 2-channel mixers are out there besides the Yamaha? I'd prefer analog mixer. I would like the signal to be as clean an pure as can be. If the Yamaha is one of the best I may go for that.

 

[Bulls Hit]

Well the 10/2 is an analog mixer.
The pres are quiet.
You can still record to the tape deck thru the mixer if you want.