Use an analog board to go to your comp?

[guitardude1223]

What equipment do I need to do it? I'm looking to record my band but we could really use a new live mixer as well so I'm hoping we can kill two birds with one stone.

Thanks

 

[melondaoust]

Are you going stereo into your sound card, or do you hope to multitrack?

 

[guitardude1223]

I want to multitrack. Could I use the outs on an analog board to go into a interface like the MOTU 896HD and then use the firewire to go into my computer and capture those tracks?

 

[TAVD]

Yes, that'll work but the 896 is overkill. You don't need the preamps if you're using a console. Then again, maybe you do. I don't know what kind of console you'll be using.

There's 2 ways it's usually done.

1) You can route the inputs to groups on the console and those groups (1-8 for example) would be sent to the audio interface. Interface line outs connected to group returns.

2) Use direct sends if your console has them and route the line out from the interface to the line in or tape return on the console for monitoring and mixing.

Some consoles might have balanced groups but unbalanced direct sends/returns.

 

[LSchefman]

I use an analog board to track and mix. I like how it sounds, it makes using outboard gear easier, and whatever virtual tracks I decide to create via MIDI go through the board as well.

It's kind of a hybrid approach; but I've been doing it this way for many years, and I'm used to it.

 

[FlyingVBlues]

Take a look at the Mackie Onyx 1640 analog mixer. It has 16 mic preamps, 4-band EQ, 4-bus architecture for flexible sub-grouping of channels, balanced direct outs for every channel via two DB-25 connections if you want to record with something like an Alesis HD24 and a optional 24-bit/96kHz Firewire card for multitrack recording with a computer. You can record up to 16 individual channels of digital audio on any FireWire-equipped computer. The only limiting factor in terms of the number of track you can record simultaneously is the speed of your computer. The FireWire interface also returns two channels of audio from the computer to the mixer, so you can monitor your computer through monitors or phones. The mixer isn't powered, so you'll need to buy a power amp for you PA if you don't already have one. They also have versions with 4 or 8 mic preamps if you don't need the full 16 channels. I've used it with Sonar 4 and it works flawlessly.

FVB

 

[AshlandBump]

Originally posted by FlyingVBlues
The FireWire interface also returns two channels of audio from the computer to the mixer, so you can monitor your computer through monitors or phones.
FVB

FlyingV -- glad to hear you like your Onyx. We're looking at the 1620 to use for firewire recording. Regarding monitoring -- is it possible to run the two channels back into the mixer for monitoring and to record at the same time? I would think so, I just want to confirm.

Also -- is there a reason you don't use Traction with your Onyx?

 

[tedm]

I use analog into an EMU 1212m for CD and DVD-Audio.

Iriver for quick mp3s.

Originally posted by guitardude1223
What equipment do I need to do it? I'm looking to record my band but we could really use a new live mixer as well so I'm hoping we can kill two birds with one stone.

Thanks

 

[Blueser]

Originally posted by FlyingVBlues
Take a look at the Mackie Onyx 1640 analog mixer. It has 16 mic preamps, 4-band EQ, 4-bus architecture for flexible sub-grouping of channels, balanced direct outs for every channel via two DB-25 connections if you want to record with something like an Alesis HD24 and a optional 24-bit/96kHz Firewire card for multitrack recording with a computer. You can record up to 16 individual channels of digital audio on any FireWire-equipped computer. The only limiting factor in terms of the number of track you can record simultaneously is the speed of your computer. The FireWire interface also returns two channels of audio from the computer to the mixer, so you can monitor your computer through monitors or phones. The mixer isn't powered, so you'll need to buy a power amp for you PA if you don't already have one. They also have versions with 4 or 8 mic preamps if you don't need the full 16 channels. I've used it with Sonar 4 and it works flawlessly.

FVB

How are the preamps and converters on the Onyx? How would you compare them with other makes in this range (Motu, Digi, Presonus, RME)?

 

[FlyingVBlues]

Originally posted by mainstreetexile
FlyingV -- glad to hear you like your Onyx. We're looking at the 1620 to use for firewire recording. Regarding monitoring -- is it possible to run the two channels back into the mixer for monitoring and to record at the same time? I would think so, I just want to confirm.

Also -- is there a reason you don't use Traction with your Onyx?

The Onyx provides an 18-channel pathway for tracking to your computer and a stereo return that goes into the control room bus on the mixer for monitoring. I've used it with both phones for live recordings and Mackie HR624 monitors and it works quite well with both.

The reason I don't use Traction is that I'm a long time Sonar user. I spent a lot of time learning Sonar and it works for me, so I don't see a reason to change software. If you're interested in trying Traction you can download a free copy from the Mackie website and try it.

One thing I should note is the Onxy is a mixer, and not a control surface. The Firewire card works with any Windows XP ASIO/WDM host application, such as Cubase, Sonar, Ableton Live, or Tracktion and it also works with any Mac OS X (10.3) Core Audio host, including Apple Logic, MOTU Digital Performer, Cubase, and Tracktion for Mac. However, you can't use it to control your software application. The Onyx essentially acts a 16-channel Firewire card, with a 2-channel return for monitoring. If you need a control surface then purchase something else, because the Onyx will not provide that functionality.


FVB

 

[FlyingVBlues]

Originally posted by Blueser
How are the preamps and converters on the Onyx? How would you compare them with other makes in this range (Motu, Digi, Presonus, RME)?

The only other Firewire device I've A/B'd the Onyx with is the PreSonus Firepod, which I used to own. The Onyx has lower noise and harmonic distortion, higher headroom, and a greater dynamic range than the PreSonus. The high end sounds tight and focused, the bass end is full and very detailed and the preamps are quite transparent. I also have an EMU 1820M and the preamps in the Onyx compare pretty favorably to the one's in the EMU.

FVB

 

[Blueser]

Originally posted by FlyingVBlues
The only other Firewire device I've A/B'd the Onyx with is the PreSonus Firepod, which I used to own. The Onyx has lower noise and harmonic distortion, higher headroom, and a greater dynamic range than the PreSonus. The high end sounds tight and focused, the bass end is full and very detailed and the preamps are quite transparent. I also have an EMU 1820M and the preamps in the Onyx compare pretty favorably to the one's in the EMU.

FVB

Thanks. I was actually thinking about a Firebox, and the Firepod was a bit much for what I need. I was thinking about doing the smallest Mackie Onyx with the firewire card. I guess the only other device that I would compare it to in the same price range is the Motu line. I heard the preamps in the Motu Traveler are even better than the 828, and 896, and it would be in the same class pricewise as the smallest Mackie Onyx.

I downloaded the demo of Tracktion, and loved it. It was so simple, that I was doing recording in a matter of minutes on my Mac, with my M-Audio Omni Studio. I really hate the preamps in the Omni. They sound dark and muddy compared to the newer stuff in the same price range 4 years later.