Using Tascam DP004 with an Alesis Mixer

  • Thread starter Thread starter mikemandolin
  • Start date Start date
M

mikemandolin

New member
I am a beginner at Recording, I have just learnt how to use my TaSCAM DP004 I bought about 2 years ago. I am looking at buying an Alesis Multimix 8 USB 2.0FX to be able to regulate input and add effects and drums etc will this work
Mike
 
Well, considering it took you 2 years to learn how to use the DP004, I guess transferring you recorded tracks by USB to a computer so you can use a proper DAW for mixing and FX isn't an option for you right now. Yes, you can do this, but you will find the Alesis FX fairly limited - and once you have recorded a track with them, you can't adjust anything other than the basic EQ and panning.
 
Do you mean you plan on buying this USB equipped mixer with your Tascam recorder, or do you mean that you plan on buying it to use with a computer and a DAW?

You can use any mixer you like with the Tascam; I'd get a cheaper one that the Alesis if I were you, unless you plan on migrating towards computer recording and need it for an interface. If you want it for a computer recording interface, then I don;t know what to say. Like MJB says there might be better solutions if you want to get into DAW recording on a computer.

I have a DP004 and I use a Behringer Xenyx 12-input mixer that cost $80 to do basic live stereo recording using multiple mics. There are other mixers out there with on board effects (the Xenyx 1202fx I think it's called.)
 
Actually, read this:
homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/newbies/mixers-home-recording-338083/

Good summary of "Do I or Don't I need a mixer?"
 
Hi, Thanks for your helpful replies, (It didnt really take me 2 years to learn how to use it, got into it pretty quick once I started, but had it for 2 years before I got a round tuit.
So what I want is to record my bands and instruments, (we record one band at the moment with a band members Zoom mixer recorder)
and also the Church choir to do a CD good enough to sell for Christmas, (we did one last year but want to do it better)
so I have now got an Alesis Multi Mix 8 and My Tascap Dp004, with the Alesis I got a cubase cd , not sure how much use that is.
So I want to record a performance through the mixer, would it be more useful to buy a lap top just to use for recording, if so what programmes would I need to go with it, including free downloads
I do also have some Mics and a P A and stands etc
think that more or less says what I hope to do
Mike
 
The thing you have to remember with using either the mixer with a computer or with the Tascam - you are going to be mixing all the inputs into 1 stereo track when you are recording, so you've got to have everything sounding right in the mixer - there's no going back once you have recorded all the parts together. Alternately, you record one (or two, one panned left, one right) instrument/vocal at a time, send it to its own track on the Tascam or computer, then mix down after.
Any free DAW (recording software), like Audacity, is going to limit you on what you can do to the mix. You get what you pay for.
 
If you have the money, a laptop will drastically open up more options for you in terms of mixing and mastering. With the Tascam you are limited to 2 inputs, so at most you can do a stereo recording with a live mix using your Alesis. It will be a "what you hear is what you get" situation. I do this sometimes and you can get very good results, but all of the mixing, balancing, panning, reverb, etc. has to be done ahead of time before pressing record.

With a laptop, you should be able to use a mixer like the Alesis* (I assume) to record all 8 inputs separately to the laptop, and mix and pan the separate instruments/tracks later using the Cubase software that comes with it, or another DAW (digital audio workstation) like Reaper, or Audacity, or whatever.

You might want to browse around the "digital recording with computers" section of the forum:
https://homerecording.com/bbs/gener...mputers/music-making-computer-dummies-301908/

Out of curiosity, what Zoom recorder does your band member have? Is it the R16? that will record 8 tracks at once too.

*Sorry, I'm not actually sure if the Alesis will work as an audio interface like that; I'm just assuming since it came with Cubase it might. Do some google searching (or on this forum) for "recording interface."
 
airbagtester is correct - I just reviewed the specs for the Alesis: This enables you to send 10 channels (8 input channels plus the 2-Track input) individually to the computer Note that it has only 4 mic preamps, though.
As has been suggested, read the sticky thread about mixers. Mixers are for mixing, typically for live applications. In this case the Alesis will also work as an audio interface. Your limiting factor is going to be your Tascam recorder.
 
Aesismixer Tascam and a computer

My Friend has a Zoom 16 which we use for that band, (seems to have a fault, His Lead Guitar is always very loud and I can hardly hear my bass)
But I want to have my own set up. All this information from you chaps is really useful I am learning a lot from you. I have a lap top and a compac desk top, but thought it may be worth getting a dedicated lap top, (perhaps a good used one)
Mike
 
Hi MJB
so I am going to look at a Dell latitude D620 core 2 duo laptop to use exclusively for recording
mike
 
Last edited:
There's lots of threads in the Computers section of this forum on speccing out a new computer for recording. Basically you want good speed, dual-core is good, and plenty of RAM (note that the version of Windows 7 you run will make a difference on how much RAM you can use).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top