Recording via Mixing Deck and an iMac Desktop Computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ronnie West
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Ronnie West

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Let me explain what I am trying to achieve.

I have the 2015 iMac Desktop computer - It does not have an Audio In socket like its predecessors.

My current mixer is an Alto L12 that simply has analog out that I used to connect to my old iMac via the Audio In socket.
The L12 outputs all 12 channels individually to that input on the Mac.
I have connected to the various inputs 8 input channels on the L12 the following:
1. Mike 1
2. Mike 2
3. Record Player Deck
4. Spare
5. Mini Disc Player
6. CD Player 1
7. CD Player 2
8. Tape Player

I do not use the L12 as a mixer, I just use it to record from each channel to the iMac via the Adobe Audition software.
This arrangement has worked well for the past 15 years or so.

Now, the audio input has been discontinued so my mixer cannot be connected to the iMac. I have tried various interfaces that purport to allow USB connection but I have not been successful. I simply want to replicate the procedure I have outlined above and thought that the updated Alto Live 1202 would do the trick but, I am told that it will only output 2 channels to USB so that won’k work for me since I need to output all channels to USB.

I am sorry for the long explanation and I hope that I haven’t confused you.
Can you make any suggestions please.
 
Hi Ronnie,
I think you are confused by the USB interface specification of "only 2 channels"?

I know jack of iMacs but I am pretty sure your old one would only accept two audio channels at a time via a 1/8" stereo jack plug? The iMac would also only playback two channels at a time from another (horrible!) tiny jack. I would also bet an XLR cable that the machine only recorded at 16bits?

You WILL be told to get an Audio Interface and junk much of your present setup but, IMHO don't.
If it has served you well for so long keep it. What you need is a simple AI such as the Behringer UCA 202* and suitable leads/adaptors. With a small adjustment to your MO I am convinced you will be able to carry on recording very much as you have before for so long.

You could of course go for a more expensive interface and just use the line inputs. That would get you 24bit recording but I doubt you would notice! (if you are grabbing CD it is 16 bits anyway!).

*I have a 202 about the place and as you are in UK I could jiffy that to you to try for a month?

Dave.
 
Ronnie you said
The L12 outputs all 12 channels individually to that input on the Mac.
Click to expand...
- no it didn't. It sent an audio stereo (2 channel - left & right) signal to the stereo (2-channel - left and right) input on your iMac. Since it looks like you were basically "DJing" with your inputs, you probably never realized you only had a stereo track going out because you were using only 1 set of (stereo) inputs at a time.
 
Look like the Behringer UCA 202 might be what I am looking for, thanks for your assistance with my problem.
For the price, it is worth trying so I have ordered one from Amazon (can always return it if it doesn't work for me) I will report back later.
 
Ronnie West said:
Look like the Behringer UCA 202 might be what I am looking for, thanks for your assistance with my problem.
For the price, it is worth trying so I have ordered one from Amazon (can always return it if it doesn't work for me) I will report back later.
Click to expand...

Ok, well there are few setup wrinkles so feel free to PM (or ask Mod for my email address) and I will walk you through things.

Dave.
 
Ronnie West said:
Look like the Behringer UCA 202 might be what I am looking for, thanks for your assistance with my problem.
For the price, it is worth trying so I have ordered one from Amazon (can always return it if it doesn't work for me) I will report back later.
Click to expand...
I use the UCA222 (updated 202) to get audio into my iPad. For the price (30 quid) you can't beat it.
But mjbphotos is absolutely right.
 
Wow! Dave you seem to have some great gear there. I disn't realise that the 202 has been updated, I will have to google that and see what it has to offer.
 
Just FYI. Since I had dug out the 202 (and lost the TINY remote for my Bluetooth soundbar...Again!) I used it to listen to the Andertons demo vid of the new Vox cheapo amps*. Even through some pretty cheap cans the sound was quite good, WAY better than a laptop!

Any itinerate guitarist would do well to get a UCA 202/222 and some cheap HPs since, with the aid of a favourite pedal the combination allows you to play and record on any computer you might encounter on the road. You can even put Reaper on a USB stick and run it and you don't need any permissions from the PC.

*They sounded remarkably good, even to me. Hope they all go wrong!

Dave.
 
Dave - which Vox amps, the AV series modeling amp that have 2 12AX7 valves? I see the 15 watt is $230US, question the tone you can get out of the 8" speaker, though.
 
Hmm...AV60G That claims some clever reflex loading of the speaker to improve the poorer bass response of the smaller speaker/cab.

"We" dabbled with this for time but I think the conclusion was that guitar cabs are not stiff enough and airtight enough for porting to be of much use. In any case the drive unit suppliers would have to hold unit speccs pretty tightly and that is not easy nor cheap!

Clearly Vox do not intend you to use external speakers and make no provision for them.

Dave.
 
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