The use of a Mixing Board

[Anthrax]

i just want to check that i have this right.
u use a mixing board for mixing ? not for tracking( talking about real recording studios, not home recording where u might use a mixer to get all the drum mics in one sound)

so say i have a sound card, with 8 inputs and 8 outputs.
i would track using the 8 inputs, then have the 8 outputs go into a 8 channel mixer and mix using that. is this correct ?

 

[puffin]

You would use the mixer for tracking and the purposes of mixing your track. Mixers have channels grouped in such a way that you will have mic inputs to record the signal and also a group of faders for your playback levels from 'tape'.

As for you input output question; It kind of depends what you are recording to. If you are going straight into these inputs from a pre and into some software, you can mix 'in the box'.... in the computer in otherwords and thus have no real need for a mixer for 'mixing'

can you be a little more specific about your setup?

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Sort of. Puffin has it right.

Your card probably doesn't have 8 preamps. The mixer, however, does- so you use the pres in the mixer then route those to the inputs on your card. If you're feeling adventuresome, you can even use the EQ on the mixer while you're at it. If not, you can always use it later.

When it comes time to mix you can then send any combination of your tracks out the 8 outputs of your card to the "Tape Ins" on the mixer. Voila! You can now use your pans, faders, and EQ on the mixer to mix- as well as any outboard gear you may have for effects and inserts.

You can also STILL use the plugs and animation in your DAW.

Digi-log! The best of both worlds.

Chris

 

[brandoj]

So if you buy a mixer which has preamps, is a separate microphone preamp still necessary?

 

[Track Rat]

It's not necessary but it's nice. Different mic pre's have different sonic colors and can come in handy. But you can get by with just the onboard preamps of a decent console.

 

[$a1Ty]

dudes dont confuse these guys with inline consoles

the mixer he is probably thinking of is just the normal kind which doesnt have tape in's