Setting Up New Studio

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chewmanfoo

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I have always wanted to set up a home studio. I have been a Java developer for quite a while now, so I have a pretty fast PC and lots RAM and HD space. So I buy SONAR2 XL and a Delta 44. Now what?

I want to record Rock songs, with guitars, drums, vocals, keyboards etc. A few questions:

1.) I'm thinking about buying a Behringer EURORACK MX2642A --- has 16 inputs and 8 channel inserts (direct outs), has preamps and Phantom power for mics, etc --- all for less that $300. I want to have a mixer for the preamps and phantom power for the Delta 44's 4 inputs, as well as a mixer for the 4 outputs. Would this be a good choice? Go out of the mixer into the Delta 44 into the PC, then go out of the PC into the Delta 44 into the mixer for playback? Would this create a feedback loop? I've attached a diagram below...

2.) Can I use the sounds from my soundcard (SB Live) as synth sounds, tone generator, via some sort of sequencing in SONAR? Are there any drum sounds available that sound like real?

3.) After I've recorded, say, 24 tracks and applied effects etc., how do I mix it down to a CD? I have a burner, but I don't know how to make SONAR produce a final cut.

Thanks!
chewmanfoo
 
1) Good choice. A lot of people will say to get another mixer, but I've never had a problem with my Behringer.

2) In Cubase I use the midi function to make click tracks. I don't know if theres a function like this in Sonar. The drums on any midi synth won't sound like real drums, but you can play along to them. I usually record another drummer once I've done my parts.

3) In Cubase theres a mixdown function. I don't know know about Sonar.
 
chewmanfoo said:
......
3.) After I've recorded, say, 24 tracks and applied effects etc., how do I mix it down to a CD? I have a burner, but I don't know how to make SONAR produce a final cut.....
Click to expand...

You SOLO all of the tracks, then goto, I believe, MIXDOWN AUDIO. I don't have Sonar in front of me, at the moment.
 
Setting Up... Thanks to all, however...

Thanks for the greets etc.

I'm curious about the wiring, though. Can anyone confirm or deny that this will work? See the attached file (setup_chewmanfoo.jpg).

Thanks!
chew
 

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It's more a matter of mixer routing then wiring and it will work if you use the channel inserts to send out the audio to the delta.

I would recomend a Mackie 1402 or Spirit M4. That Behringer has more channels then you will ever need with that sound card and the mackie and soundcraft are higher quality.
 
Mackie - Soundcraft - Behringer

OK, but for someone starting out, getting their feet wet in home recording, the behringer is *half* the price of the Soundcraft (I need at least an M8), and the Mackie is even costlier.

I don't want to spend $600 for a mixer when I can get a mixer, an amp and two monitor speakers for about that.

Where is my thinking wrong here?

chew
 
Re: Mackie - Soundcraft - Behringer

chewmanfoo said:
I don't want to spend $600 for a mixer when I can get a mixer, an amp and two monitor speakers for about that.

Where is my thinking wrong here?
Click to expand...

In thinking you have to spend $600. Check your prices. They aren't that expensive.
 
Why do you need so many channels? Are you recording live drums? Even then, the 44 has only 4 inputs, so you're looking at min of 6 channels. 4 channels for Delta inputs, and 2 for the stereo mix out of your PC. Unless you have alot of extra crap like me. BTW, I have a PC setup with SonarXL and a Delta44 and it works just fine. I use a Mackie 1604VLZ with it.
Sonar will be doing all of the actual mixing, keep that in mind, too.

H2H
 
Elaborate

So what I'm hearing from you guys is that the Behringer mixer is so bad that even though I can get 16 inputs, 8 direct outs, rack mounted for under $250 bucks, I shouldn't. Remember, I'm just starting out here. The Mackie 1202 VLZ PRO, which has just enough inputs, and has no direct outs. And it costs **twice** as much as the Behringer. So, as far as I can tell, it won't work for my application (4 in, 4 out Delta 44) because it has no direct outs, which means I can only record 2 channels at a time (R&L from the Mackie's main outs). The Soundcraft M8 is perfect for my application (each 8 channels has direct outs), but it's $550. The Behringer is only $250.

Help!
chew
 
Final Thoughts...

I feel like I need at least 8 inputs in the mixer. 4 for instruments, 4 for the outd from the Delta 44. I also think I need direct outs from the mixer, or I'm stuck with recording 2 channels at a time from the mixers main R+L.

Is this correct?
 
Re: Elaborate

chewmanfoo said:
So what I'm hearing from you guys is that the Behringer mixer is so bad that even though I can get 16 inputs, 8 direct outs, rack mounted for under $250 bucks, I shouldn't. Remember, I'm just starting out here. The Mackie 1202 VLZ PRO, which has just enough inputs, and has no direct outs. And it costs **twice** as much as the Behringer. So, as far as I can tell, it won't work for my application (4 in, 4 out Delta 44) because it has no direct outs, which means I can only record 2 channels at a time (R&L from the Mackie's main outs). The Soundcraft M8 is perfect for my application (each 8 channels has direct outs), but it's $550. The Behringer is only $250.

Help!
chew
Click to expand...

The 1202 has inserts on the 4 mic channels (pretty much the same as direct outs) as well as 4 Buss and 2 AUX outs for a total of 8 individual sends.

If you want the behringer so badly then get it. When it comes to gear less (features) is usually more (quality). You also need to look at resale value and how long will something last you. You can get the behringer now and then buy a better board in a few years and that $250 will be wasted. Or you can buy a decent board and not worry about it until you're ready to spend a few grand on the real deal.

You asked for opinions on your setup and that's what we're giving you. Behringer mixers are good if you think of them as disposable. If the value is there for you then go for it.
 
Thanks Everyone

"Behringer mixers are good if you think of them as disposable."

Disposable? If this is correct, perhaps I should save for a Spirit M8.

I was looking at features alone. I don't understand the specs, but they seem to be comparable. Someone said the preamps on the Mackie offer more "headroom". I wouldn't know headroom if it crawled up my pantsleg and bit me. I'll learn.

Thanks everyone!
chew
 
I bought my 1202 vlz pro for 250 on ebay, in near mint condition, hell new their not more than 350 or so. if you get a mackie, get the vlz pro series, not vlz or just a 1202 or what not, vlz pro has the newer better pres
 
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