*Recording into a computer with a mixer*

alan.com

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.

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.

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/

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!

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!