Recording from Mixer Questions

[DoubleD]

I've got some completely noob questions here, so be kind.

I'm wanting to record some of our "jam" sessions onto my computer. I've got some questions on cables.

Info: We run all 5 mics (3 vocals, 2 drums), and my bass (xlr output from amp) into the 6 xlr inputs on my mixer (yamaha MG12/4fx). One guitarist has a 1/4" output on his amp he runs to the mixer (an older peavey amp). The other guitarist runs his amp out via XLR through a low/hi-Z transformer into another input on the mixer. So, there are 8 inputs to the mixer.

Question: I want to output that mix via the main stereo outs of the mixing board into the 1/8" line-in on my sound card. What cable do I need for this? I need some sort of a Y-cable with each output combining into one stereo 1/4" end. I THINK I need an insert cable with stereo (TRS) 1/4" on one end, and 2 stereo (TRS) 1/4 on the other end. But, I'm not sure. Do I just need mono ends on the 2-cable side, or is stereo necessary. I don't know if left uses tip and right uses ring or how that works. I'll use and adapter to get the stereo 1/4" down to stereo 1/8" for my PC though. I just don't know what ends I need to build here: http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/cables/finder.php

Thanks for any help!

BTW, I will use audacity to capture the sound.

[TL5]

You could use this: Y cable

The two RCA's would go to the "L/R REC out" on the back of the mixer and the mini TRS goes to your "line in" in the computer (provided it's a stereo line in).

[DoubleD]

So, you think it would be better to use the RCA rec out's than to use the main L/R outs with this cable: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STP204 ?

(or do I need TRS cables on both ends)?

Doesn't the RCA output bypass the master fader?

[bassbrock]

The RCA tape outs bypass the master fader (pre fader) on some mixers, but that usually isn't a problem because the RCA tape outs on most mixers have their own knob or fader to control the output volume separately from the master out. Your mileage may vary depending on your mixer model.

If you use the RCA tapeouts to record the stereo mix to your computer that will leave your master outputs free to monitor the recording on your PA or your monitors.

Looks like that Yamaha mixer has one or two busses, those bus outs could also be used for recording.

[DoubleD]

Just looking at the manual. The RCA outs do bypass the master fader. I may or may not use them. I'll get a cable just in case.

Still don't know what kind of cable I need to use the stereo main outs.

BTW, since we don't have a dedicated PA system or speaker just for vocals yet, my plan is to run the 3 vocal mic's into my mixer and output just the vocals to the group output. That signal will be run to the 2nd input of my bass amp (LMTube). So, vocals will be run through the same speaker as my bass. Not ideal, but it works for now.

[bassbrock]

Originally Posted by DoubleD

(..)

Still don't know what kind of cable I need to use the stereo main outs.

(..)

This is the cable you need to go from the RCA outs to the line in on your sound card:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CMR210/

The main LR outs on your mixer are XLR. I am unaware of the availability of a cable that will combine two left/right XLR balanced signals and combine them into a single 1/8" male stereo jack (unbalanced).

[DoubleD]

Thanks, bassbrock. But I want to use the main stereo outs. The main stereo outs are either L/R XLR balanced OR L/R TRS phone line outs. I want to use the phone line outs.

I called sweetwater, and they said I need TSR to TSR/TSR Y cable to run a balanced signal out the 2 1/4" line outputs of the mixer into a stereo 1/4" TRS jack. I have an adapter to go from 1/4" TRS to 1/8" TRS (stereo). They said I could use mono (TS) cables at the mixer side, but it would be unbalanced.

I'll go ahead and get the RCA to 1/8" anyway in case the mixer level becomes a non-issue. It'll come in handy some day I'm sure.

Manual for my mixer. Let me know if I'm missing something...
http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/.../mg12_4fxe.pdf