Mixer with Firewire Interface

[spalka621]

Hey guys I haven't posted here in awhile.

My question is if you can use any type of mixer in conjunction with some type of firewire interface. I guess what I am trying to do is record my whole band at the same time but have each instrument on differnt tracks so I can edit more later. So if there is any other way to do this suggestions would be welcome.

[chrisp2u]

Originally Posted by spalka621

Hey guys I haven't posted here in awhile.

My question is if you can use any type of mixer in conjunction with some type of firewire interface. I guess what I am trying to do is record my whole band at the same time but have each instrument on differnt tracks so I can edit more later. So if there is any other way to do this suggestions would be welcome.

Depending on the interface you're using and how many inputs it has, you may not need a mixer at all... you can just set the levels in your DAW software. You could plug in an analog mixer to the interface too, if the interface has enough line level inputs. Another option is to get a mixer with FW, like the Mackie ONYX's or the Alesis models.
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[spalka621]

So a firewire interface can split each input into its own track? Also would there have to be enough line level inputs in the interface for each channel of the mixer or just the outputs from the mixer? As you can probably tell i don't have too great of an idea of what I'm talking about so thanks for bearing with me.

[SkiingLizard]

yes

if the number of inputs on the interface is equal to the number of line level inputs form your band - ie microphones go through mic preamps to the interface etc - then yes you can record all at the same time

as long as your computer/daw software can cope with that number of inputs

you would then be able to edit and mixdown later to a stereo file

you do not need a mixer to do this as the daw software will allow you to do this

[elros]

The Mackie ONYX mixer seems to be exactly what you need. They do "up to 18 independent channels of high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio that you can plug right into your FireWire-equipped Mac or PC". I imagine this will be quite a dataflow though, so you'd better make sure your computer can handle it.

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by elros

The Mackie ONYX mixer seems to be exactly what you need. They do "up to 18 independent channels of high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio that you can plug right into your FireWire-equipped Mac or PC". I imagine this will be quite a dataflow though, so you'd better make sure your computer can handle it.

I've been using the Mackie Onyx 1640 w/ firewire card for about a month now, and it's been great for live/location recording. Definitely worth a look.