Sound Card Vs Mixing Desk

  • Thread starter Thread starter LaurenceConway
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LaurenceConway

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Hi,

What is the difference between recording through a mixing desk next to recording through a USB audio interface?
 
Even if you record through a console (I assume you mean analogue :))...you STILL need a soundcard(s) to get the output from the console into the computer.

As I mentioned in your other thread...I mix through a console...but I actually don't record through it, and instead I take the outputs of my mics/pres/etc and bring them directly to the recording device (tape deck or DAW). For me, the main purpose for the console during tracking is for cue mixes...but, if you have no outboard preamps/gear...then I guess you could/would use the console's preamps...etc.

AFA the USB…I’m sure lots of folks use USB for their digital interfaces…but I don’t think it’s the best choice, though I’m sure the low cost is what makes USB a first choice for some.
 
A mixing desk allows you to - *if you want to* - mix tracks together in the manner you wish before they get to your recording device. It also acts like a manifold on a car engine allowing you to route your signal(s) to multiple locations such other outboard analog gear, stage monitors, headphone buses, etc. (depending upon the size and capabilities of the mixing desk.) Also, analog mixing desks only sometimes include the ability or option to convert the signal to digital to record to a computer; those that don't would still require an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter/interface to do that.

An interface, OTOH (really the proper term for what you're referring to as a "sound card"), is exactly that; it's designed to provide a recording interface directly from your microphones and instruments to the computer for recording. Any mixing is then usually done "in the box" (i.e. in the computer) after that. There is usually little offered in the way of interfacing with other outboard analog gear in a manifold-style way like with a mixer.

And, BTW, you specified USB interfaces, but typically those using USB are limited to two channels of recording at one time (though four channels are not unheard of, and there's even at least one 8-channel one out there). If you wish to record more channels at once (8 or more), those typically use Firewire rather than USB as the interface type.

G.
 
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Thanks allot, i have been greatly enlightened.

SouthSIDE Glen said:
And, BTW, you specified USB interfaces, but typically those using USB are limited to two channels of recording at one time (though four channels are not unheard of, and there's even at least one 8-channel one out there). If you wish to record more channels at once (8 or more), those typically use Firewire rather than USB as the interface type.

G.
Click to expand...

US 2000? 16 ins? and plus i would not want to use a firewire connection interface for recording down to the breath on me and i'll disconnect stability they present.
 
LaurenceConway said:
Thanks allot, iUS 2000? 16 ins? and plus i would not want to use a firewire connection interface for recording down to the breath on me and i'll disconnect stability they present.
Click to expand...
The US 2000 is one of the exceptions to the rule that I was referring to. It is rather unusual to find a box with that wide of a "pipe" using USB.

Most people prefer Firewire as actually the more consistent protocol for high-bandwidth needs. Personally, I don't care which pipe a box uses, USB or FW, as long as the thing works.

G.
 
I'll leave that for the women to decide. As for me, I care more about the box my pipe goes into.

I'm going to go to hell for talking like that on Thanksgiving Day. aren't I :(.

G.
 
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