soundcard to mixer connection

[peterc]

I have a soundblaster live card with cakewalk 8 as my recording program and the Alesis 12R as my mixer. My problem is that when I try to record vocals into a new track, I end up recording the midi tracks as well. I'm sure my connection to the mixer is wrong. I have the line output going the to the stereo line inputs, and main outs going to line in. Don't know how to fix this one. Any suggestions?

 

[Peter Ochello]

Ironically, I'm Peter O and I have basically the same setup you do.
I have Cakewalk Pro Audio 8 with a SB Live! However, I use a Peavey RSM
mixer. I'm sure the connections are somewhat similar. First things first,
You need to come from your mixer to the Live! as you are but from a different
output on the mixer. You need to send from an Aux 1&2, Sub, or Group output and
not the L/R main outputs. Preferably something you can PFL so you can monitor levels. Hook up your monitors to the L/R outputs.

Use one of your channels to return from the Live! So, if you have a 12 channel mixer
you'll only have 11 channels available. Make sure you don't send this channel to the Aux type output you chose to go to the Live! with. On the channel that you're recording,
send that to the Aux output (or whichever you have chosen). If you want to hear
it as well (can't do this with mic'd material) while your recording send it to the
L/R output too and it will come through your monitors. Did I explain that
well enough? Didn't want to get anymore long-winded than I had to.

 

[jitteringjim]

I have the SAME setup that you do & have had this problem as well. Make sure that the midi tracks are not configured to be output through the Live! Wave out. Use the output of the Live! (speaker out) run to the tape in of the 12R. I then monitor through phones while recording. This setup works best for me.

 

[Fishmed]

peterc,
Here is what you do. The Alesis 12R has Tip/Ring-Send/Return's on each channel. I assume that you only use two channels for recording to your sound card. use a mono 1/4" plug and insert it to the first click of the channel(s) you have your mic(s) on. This will send a signal to your sound card, and it will leave your Aux sends free for your outboard gear. Use two other channels on your board for the sound card returns.