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*Recording into a computer with a mixer*

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  • 02-04-2008 11:29pm
    #1
    alan.com
    Closed Accounts Posts: 28 ✭


    Hey,
    I'm setting up my own project studio, on a relatively small scale. I'm thinking about portability.

    There was just one thing I was thinking about. Maybe it's stupid or obvious or whatever.
    I was planning on buyin an analogue mixer, to connect to an audio interface into a pro tools laptop.

    I know how to set a mixer up to connect to an audio interface.
    But say i'm recording a kit, I have 8 mics or so going into the mixer, into the interface, into pro tools. Ok, so I record the drums into pro tools, but the question is, would the 8 channels recorded come into pro tools as a 2 track stereo recording, (as the mixer would be connected to the interface by 2 left and right stereo outputs), or would the 8 channels recorded come into pro tools as 8 separate tracks relative to how they were separated in to the mixer?? Which is obviously what I want....but I have a feeling is not the case.

    Appreciate your input.


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    #2
    jtsuited
    Registered Users Posts: 6,401 ✭✭✭jtsuited


    alan.com wrote: »
    Hey,
    the mixer would be connected to the interface by 2 left and right stereo outputs

    there's your answer right there. it will come in on 2 tracks.
    why do you need the mixer? Why not got straight into the interface. If you get a 002/003 you'll be able to get more than 2 tracks in.


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    #3
    Soundman
    Registered Users Posts: 2,593 ✭✭✭Soundman


    Not sure if you could do anything with this. You might be able to use Mackie's software and then import the files to Pro-Tools. Might need some more research though which I will leave up to you...

    http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx1220/
    http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxfirewire/


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    #4
    brettzy
    Registered Users Posts: 164 ✭✭brettzy


    There are plenty of mixers around with direct outputs on each channel so it is possible, that's how I used to do it when I started out. But, you don't really need a mixer for what you want to do.


    Basically, to record 8 channel into protools you need 8 mics, 8 preamps (stand alone or built into a mixer) and 8 inputs on your audio interface.

    If you are getting the digi 003 then you have already got 4 pre amps built in. So you still need 4 more pre's. There are tons to choose from but there are a few handy units with 4 pre's in one unit which would suit you. Here's a few options for ya,

    High end http://www.studiosolutions.ie/prodView.asp?idproduct=1181

    Great for the money http://www.studiosolutions.ie/prodView.asp?idproduct=64


    The other option is to go for a small mixer for your other 4 preamps but if you do this make sure each channel has a direct output!


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    #5
    Welease
    Registered Users Posts: 3,834 ✭✭✭Welease


    Another option (and the one i use) although i use Cubase as opposed to Protools, was to go for the Phonic Helix mixer. Unlike most of the 2 channel out mixers, this one uses firewire and sends each channel seperately across firewire to the PC. I have the 18 channel version and for the price it's fantastic.

    http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/25816

    The smaller 12 channel version is dirt cheap at 179, 319 for 18 channels and 399 for 23 channels.. Make sure you get the MKII Firewire versions though..

    It's a simple cheap setup, but obviously may be too low end for a commercial setup if that what you were planning.


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    #6
    studiorat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    Look for a mixer with direct outs, or 8 groups/busses. You can either go direct out of the channel to a track or you can group channels together and buss them to one or two tracks, eg. 3 toms grouped to 2 tracks.

    A good set up could be a 16 channel mixer with 8 channels set up as input channels and 8 set up as tape returns and use it like a split console. Don't bother with the stereo output till mixdown.

    I still think having a mixer is useful for controlling monitors, headphones etc. Apart from it having mic pre's and eq etc.


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    #7
    alan.com
    Closed Accounts Posts: 28 ✭alan.com


    Thanx for the good feedback.

    I'm thinking that I might leave out the mixer and spend the money on better quality pre-amps??

    Brettzy, I'm on not too big a budget so I was planning on getting an mbox 2 mini. Those preamps look good, but I'm thinkin' less 2 grand-ish, more 4-5 hundred-ish, with 8 mic-pres??
    How would I connect that using the mbox?? Would I have to get preamps with firewire, to connect it alongside the mbox?? so I would have 2 interfaces or something??
    Or can you add the preamps on to the mbox as an extension or something??

    This is one I was looking at?? Opinion??
    http://www.dv247.com/invt/34299/


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    #8
    Gozer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39 ✭Gozer


    Have a look at the Yamaha N12 Digital Mixer as it may be another option for you.

    http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/n8n12/index.html

    I ordered one yesterday for my home setup and will have it on Monday.
    I got it here.

    http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/shop/view_product.php?product=yamn12

    dv247.com have them same price.


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    #9
    alan.com
    Closed Accounts Posts: 28 ✭alan.com


    Thats looks pretty neat yeah, but is that only compatible with cubase?
    I think i just want to mix in the box, and use like a presonus f10 or the digimax fs or something like that. It will be neater and they're not that expensive.


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    #10
    Gozer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39 ✭Gozer


    alan.com wrote: »
    Thats looks pretty neat yeah, but is that only compatible with cubase?
    I think i just want to mix in the box, and use like a presonus f10 or the digimax fs or something like that. It will be neater and they're not that expensive.


    Good point.It is compatible with all of the major daws I use Sonar.Some extra features on the mixer are Cubase only but not many.


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    #11
    brettzy
    Registered Users Posts: 164 ✭✭brettzy


    alan.com wrote: »
    Thats looks pretty neat yeah, but is that only compatible with cubase?
    I think i just want to mix in the box, and use like a presonus f10 or the digimax fs or something like that. It will be neater and they're not that expensive.

    Do you really want pro tools or would you concider cubase?


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    #12
    alan.com
    Closed Accounts Posts: 28 ✭alan.com


    It's really got to be pro tools.
    I'm going to taking classes in pro-tools this autumn as part of a course, so I want to start learning it. I was using cubase before though.

    I think i'm just gonna get the mbox micro coz I won't really need the inputs on the other thing if i'm gonna get the preamps.


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    #13
    brettzy
    Registered Users Posts: 164 ✭✭brettzy


    alan.com wrote: »
    It's really got to be pro tools.
    I'm going to taking classes in pro-tools this autumn as part of a course, so I want to start learning it. I was using cubase before though.

    I think i'm just gonna get the mbox micro coz I won't really need the inputs on the other thing if i'm gonna get the preamps.

    In that case go with the mbox 2. With the mini you only have a 1/8 inch jack for monitoring. If you want to expand later you are very limited!


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