Using mixer to mix tracks

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bobbo

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Hi,
I haven't decided on a new soundcard yet, but I am getting a behringer 1804 mixer someday. I want to record some tracks with ntracks software, then playback those tracks out of maybe four outputs of a soundcard, use the mixer to EQ and use effects, then go back into the soundcard as one stereo track, so instead of having four separate vocal tracks in the software, I would have one stereo track. Giving me more room on my lower end computer for more tracks. Then maybe do this with some other tracks like guitars etc. Can this be done with ntracks? I asked this question on the ntrack discussion site, and it sounded like from Flavio's answer that I couldn't, but that he is working on it. Maybe I didn't explain it better than I could to him, or maybe he is right.
Is he right about this?
Thanks.
Bobbo
 
I didn't see your post on the n-Track messageboard, but the answer to your question is....why?

Don't you hate that?

n-Track supports DirectX plugins for which there exist parametric equalizers, reverb, compression...everything a boy could want!

Plus, I've also found it quite easy to adjust levels right from n-Tracks's mixer...you can even adjust auxilery levels and whatnot...though I haven't messed with effects loops much yet.

So what you can do is simply get a few tracks laid (heh), then get all the effects and levels applied "just so", and mix it down. Then you can use the wav that was created in a new project (I think it's even easier than that if you just try it. I think I've seen a function that does what you're looking for in one step). As long as you save the original files, you're never "stuck" like you would be ping-ponging on a 4-track.

So here comes the "why". Why do want to use an external mixer? If you really want to do this then you SHOULD be able to run a line out from your soundcard's speaker/line-out jack into the mixer, and then run a line back into the soundcard (line-in) from the mixer. If your soundcard is truely full-duplex you can play what you've created in n-Track and record the mixed wav with any wav recorder (including a second instance of n-Track).

The reason that Flavio doesn't want to tell you that is because it gives you the power to mixdown without registering n-Track. In fact a small patch cable between your Line-In and Line-Out would work.

If this is what you're trying to do then please just register. Dude, it's only $35 and it's so worth it.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Thanks Slackmaster2K,
I actually did buy the registered version, and have mixed down some tracks internally, but I was kind of thinking that maybe if I used a mixers EQ and an external compressor and effects, that it would sound better. I really don't know though since I haven't done it. I used ntracks with my cheapee soundcard and its a blast. However, when I use the effects and such that come with the software, it seems to give me sync problems. I should just get a better computer, and will someday.....But in the meantime I will just try different ways and see which way is best.
I'm actually trying to decide on a soundcard, and seeing if I would need a lot of outs, which I would need if I wanted to go back to the mixer and then back to soundcard. Dman 2044, Darla 24, etc. Echo is having problems with the music stores on the internet for some reason. I can't seem to get an order made for a darla 24. I could go direct with echo, but it could be cheaper if I go with the other fellas. Gadget Labs 8/24 won't fit in my computer, only by 1/2"! My emachine woes...
Talk to you later.
Thanks.
Bobbo
 
1/2" INCH? Ouch man, that hurts!

It's time to ditch your eMachines for a realMachine. Seriously man. Sell it while it's still got some value.

Didn't you say in another thread that it's a Celeron system?

You know, if everything in there is pretty much standard and there aren't many "integrated components" (e.g. crap on the mobo), then it would be cheap for you to upgrade.

Seriously, you should consider this. It doesn't take too technical a person either.

If:

a) You memory is a standard PC100 or PC66 168pin DIMM.

b) You have both a sound and video card seperate from the motherboard.

Then you can "upgrade" your machine to a larger, more workable and more scalable machine.

Here's what you do:

1) Buy a SLOT1 ATX motherboard that supports Celeron, PII, AND PIII. I'd recommend an Abit board like the BE6 which has a built in ATA/66 controller to boot! Cost? Approximately $90 to $110.

2) Buy an ATX case...the bigger the better. You can go cheap, just make sure it's the right size and make certain that it comes with a power supply (250W or better). Cost? Approximately $45 to $90 depending on how "nice" you go. (personally I stick to cheap cases)

3) Tear everything out of that eMachines except the mobo. Stick it all in the new case with the new mobo. Prepare for ~48 hours of hell if its your first time; then enjoy many many months of happiness.

4) Take the extra eMachine parts out onto your driveway and stomp the hell out of em with your biggest boots. That's the fun part.

How could anything be more simple? :) But I'm totally serious, it's not that hard and is very rewarding.

I'm writing you from a machine that I just built a month ago that includes an Abit BE6 motherboard and I'm completely satisfied.
Yes, I work with computers every day and yes, I have a tendancy to oversimplify...but it's really just a matter of plugging shit into the right holes. Really.

If the Gaget Labs card didn't fit in your machine, then it's probably safe to say that the rest won't either (safER, I should say). Before you blow your cash on restocking fees, you should really consider doing something about the computer.

And when you're all done you can say, "Oh thank you Slackmaster, you're the keenest!"

Slackmaster 2000
 
Thanks Slackmaster2K,
I will consider this option. I did ruin a computer before, by having a drop of sweat fall on the motherboard once (I shouldn't have tried working on it after exercising). However, if I don't exercise (which I don't anymore because I started smoking again) and get the right parts, it sounds OK to me. I'll have to look into it.
Thanks again.
bobbo
 
I've torn apart countless machines and have only ruined one...ouch!. BUT, it was two years ago and the machine was this real old Zenith 286 machine that was just caked with dust and grime. It had those old massive ISA cards in it and as I was pulling the video card I heard this "crunch". Heh. The bad thing is that it was the bosses' wife's computer!! Good thing they were understanding people.

But really, I can tear a machine apart completely and have it back together in less than 15 minutes. And I don't wrap tinfoil around my head and wear moonboots or anything either. Computer hardware is suprising durable. Hell, you could take a piss in your machine without hurting it too much...if it was OFF at the time :) Remember, if get any piece of computer hardware wet...let it dry for as long as you can take it. 24 hours perhaps.

About 5 years ago my roomate took a whiz on my BOSS multieffects pedal. I didn't touch the thing for about a week after that. When I finally turned it on it worked just fine. It did stink a little though.

BTW, I also gave up exercise for smoking. I feel much better! :)

Slackmaster 2000
 
Hee hee hee...me too! My mother in law is gonna kill me though, shes the head of an anti-smoking campaign in her town. (I saw Greg smoking) as Jan would say. Man, its a tough thing to quit.
Thanks again for the support!

[This message has been edited by bobbo (edited 10-12-1999).]
 
Ha!

With all the problems we have today, it's hilarious when people set forth to warn the world that smoking is dangerous. Hey, no sh*t. Like I always say, warning me that cigarette smoking is bad for my health can be bad for your heath...especially if I'm cranky....and need a cigarette.

Man, I hate it when some gordo is sitting outside of McDonalds sucking up exhaust from passing cars and he just *has* to snarl at me for smoking. Oh heavens!

Here's the way I look at it...guessing at the numbers. Lets say that 40,000 smokers die every year from a disease *directly* related to their smoking. Now, of these people, let's say that 15% are over the age of 65, which is getting up there anyways. Of the remaining 32,000 smokers, how many of them are big fatasses and are already suseptable to nasties like heart disease? I'd say at least half. That leaves 16,000. Now of those 16,000, how many grew up in homes where their parents smoked...sucking up 2nd hand fumes? Since a vast majority of smokers had parents who smoke, I'd say it's about 80%. So, of the remaining 3,200 dead smokers, how many ate at McDonalds at least once? I'd say about 99.999% seeing as how McDonalds has "served" more people than exist on earth (damn aliens!). So what does that leave us with?

Less than half a guy!

Therefore, each year one poor dude who's missing half his body dies unjustly from smoking, and only from smoking.

So, if you aren't getting close to your life expectancy, aren't a big fatass, didn't grow up in a smokey environment, avoid McDonald's food, and have most of your body intact ....smoke away skippy!

Note to those offended: Before you post a message about how your grandpa, grandma, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, wife, husband, "life partner", best friend, dog, cat, sea monkey, or imaginary friend died from cigarette smoke.... I know. I understand. I'm an addict. I'm a bad bad person. I was abused. I have mental problems. I need help. I can't read. I have lawyer and the power to sue a tobacco company for my own ignorance, but I need you to guide me. In fact I'm quitting today. In fact I quit 20 times today! There, feel better?

Note to the overly-impressionable and/or dim-witted: Ha ha!

I have this little thingamajig that people with asthma use for checking how fast they're able to blow (har har har, get yer mind out of the gutter). With my height and weight I'm supposed to blow around 600. Right now I'm at 580. When I get down to 525 I'm going to stop using the remote and eat some celery.

Besides, if I was to quit smoking then I'd be even worse off with all that extremely dangerous 2nd hand smoke around. About 6 years ago I read how dangerous 2nd hand smoke was...even more dangerous than sucking on a cigarette! I decided right then and there to take up smoking; for my health. See? Smart, eh?! Oh, and I also thought it made me look cool.

Ugh, there I go again...good thing my job allows for some wasted time or I'd be wasting time :)

Slackmaster 2000
 
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