Usb Mixer to Cubase

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hyperslug
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Hyperslug

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I hope this is not a really stupid question :-)

I am planning on purchasing either a Phonic Helix 18 FIREWIRE mixer or a Behringer XENYX 2442FX USB Mixer so i can have a mixer for my regular recording use (via Roland Vs-2000) and so i can begin to learn and experience Computer recording. Will either or both of these Mixers work with Cubase? - meaning can i hook up the mixers via Firewire or USB and record through the software?

and also, these Mixers would act as an external sound card (I wouldn't have to worry about upgrading my sound card right?)

thanks for you help!
 
Yes, Cubase can support usb and firewire interfaces. However, IIRC, the USB connection on the Behringer mixer only allows you to send a stereo (L/R) submix, so you couldn't get all your audio onto separate tracks within the software.
 
thanks,
and if i went with the firewire mixer....i could get good quality recordings for my band?
 
Hyperslug said:
thanks,
and if i went with the firewire mixer....i could get good quality recordings for my band?
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That's a loaded question. I have no personal experience with Phonic mixers, so I cannot speak of their quality. The mixer itself is just a small part of the equation of getting "good quality recordings," however.
 
sorry about that intense question haha.

what i really meant to ask now, after some research is..

I have read that the PHonic Helix 18 Firewire board gives out a Stereo sound/recording to the computer.

Is this going to be a problem when making a full-on multitrack recording for my band?

...and will i have alot of power/control and settings that i can deal with in Cubase SX3 ??? (after recording through this mixer)
 
well the specs on that thing say that it will stream 10 channels so it should be ok for multitrack recording
 
Don't get those Behringer usb mixers...because having only stereo outputs is kind of crap since you wont be able to fully mix individual tracks. I would consider getting the M-audio Projectmix or Tascam FW-1884. even though they're much more pricey, it will pay off.
 
Hyperslug said:
sorry about that intense question haha.

what i really meant to ask now, after some research is..

I have read that the PHonic Helix 18 Firewire board gives out a Stereo sound/recording to the computer.

Is this going to be a problem when making a full-on multitrack recording for my band?

...and will i have alot of power/control and settings that i can deal with in Cubase SX3 ??? (after recording through this mixer)
Click to expand...

I'm suspicious. It may output 10 channels via FireWire, but only input a stereo mix. The wording of the product description is not clear. I would either call them, or look for another option. The Mackie Onyx mixers are the ones that Phonic and Behringer are copying -- so, maybe go to the source. Or, get something like a Presonus Firepod, RME Fireface, etc. and do your mixing in the software.
 
scrubs said:
Yes, Cubase can support usb and firewire interfaces.


NOTE that Phonic Helix say's it comes with Cubase LE.........so it is supposed to work with Cubase right out of the box. If they have Cubase SX then it will do fine. Question is what interfaces will satisfy. There are many, some that don't even need a mixer like my Firepod. But they are wanting a mixer for the band too. And as you suggested the control surfaces do a good job too. Just a matter of choice and knowledge what is needed for each person. Most control surfaces don't double as a stand alone mixer, at east not very well.

Choctaw
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I have the Onyx 1220 working at home with Cubase SE3 and the Onyx 1640 at the Studio with SX3. I like both, and they are the same way-- a certain number up and only 2 back. The reason is that with Cubase, it is a "mix-it-in-the-box" software, meaning you won't be able to use your faders and gain, eq, etc. AFTER they are used to record the tracks. Once the data is in Cubase, you use the Cubase mixer to perform these operations. The Tascam and M-Audio units let you adjust with faders at any point, pre/during/post. It's really a preference thing. If you don't have a lot of experience tweaking in a specific/can't live without it sort of way, buy the Mackie (because the preamps are great) and the FW card (Iknow, more money) and Cubase (SE/SL/SX, whatever suits your needs) and enjoy.

Pete
 
Oh, and the "stereo back" is just the feed to the control room. The signal goes from the mic to the board to the CPU/Cubase and sends a 2-ch master back to the board.

Hope this all helps.

Pete
 
battleminnow said:
The reason is that with Cubase, it is a "mix-it-in-the-box" software, meaning you won't be able to use your faders and gain, eq, etc. AFTER they are used to record the tracks. Once the data is in Cubase, you use the Cubase mixer to perform these operations.
Pete
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Sorry to bring this back from the dead But could i do the obove operation if i had a phonic helix 18 firewire mixer and sony vegas 4 or cubase le that it comes with. sorry. :o
 
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