recording off a mixer to laptop,suggestions?

Bass-desires · #1 08-26-2010, 02:11 PM

Hey guys I am looking to get a simple set up just for home recording, and was thinking to get a basic mixer and run a 1/4 jack/usb cable to my laptop. I'm not expecting much nor wanting to spend a lot. Anyone out there do this? Experiences?

I read some reviews about some of the dedicated audio interfaces and many of them are rather 'spotty' I don't want to put down $150 on something that might work well, might not.

What is your take on the idea?

dukeisdog · #2 08-26-2010, 02:12 PM

I'm also curious, and needing something that is willing to work with Windows 7. Thanks.

jazzblade · #3 08-26-2010, 04:03 PM

With instrument/line in.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...LAID=419905102

Bass-desires · #4 08-26-2010, 04:36 PM

The terrible reviews don't give a very good impression of the Tascam.

jazzblade · #5 08-26-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass-desires

The terrible reviews don't give a very good impression of the Tascam.

Yes since I NEVER had problems and since I am NOT running Snow Leopard, and it has performed great on both Xp and Win7, I never went back and read the reviews. I don't blame you. Guess from now on I will keep my mouth shut

MNAirHead · #6 08-26-2010, 04:58 PM

usb interface is kind of necessary if multi tracking.. used Lexicon, MAudio etc are all over the place..

Audacity is legally free.

Bass-desires · #7 08-26-2010, 05:26 PM

I try to check those reviews out, I could have saved myself some time and money on a bass a year ago if I had read the reviews...so lesson learned for me.

Its crazy, some of those are $300+ and get horrible ratings.

I already have audacity and have been using it to record off my hand held recorder but want something that will pick up my bass reasonably. I will get the stuff tomorrow morning and will keep you guys posted.

Unless someone has a horror story.

cornboy7x · #8 08-26-2010, 10:41 PM

if you are looking to just record ideas, then a simple cable with a 1/4" on one end and an 1/8" mini plugged directly into the line input of your computer will work fine. thats what i use as my "practice amp" into logic listening through headphones at home. if you want to make quality recordings, then unfortunately youre going to have to spend some cash. the cheap stuff thats out there is, well, cheap and wont sound or perform worth the price tag. i would strongly suggest getting an apogee one if your on mac. if your using a pc, buy a mac....jk, jk. presonus makes some really good stuff that actually doesnt sound that bad. works with any platform and any daw. $300 new from sweetwater. anything cheaper than that will most likely break and be a waste of money so you might as well just plug directly into your computer and bypass all the bullsh*t.

Bass-desires · #9 08-27-2010, 08:25 AM

Hmmm not a bad idea, I'll check out the 1/4 to 1/8 idea, I have one of those.... I'll let you guys know!

Ric5 · #10 08-27-2010, 08:46 AM

Get a desktop computer and put in an m-audio sound card. Most sound cards are designed to do a good job of sending a signal to your speakers for games or music. They are not designed to convert an analog signal to digital. They will do it, but if you listen closely there will be click, and pops and it will garble slightly. If you are only doing test tracks then this may be acceptable. But if you want a quality track then get a good m-audio sound card. I think they also make an external analog to digital converter for a laptop computer.

Bass-desires · #11 08-27-2010, 04:55 PM

Ok so I got the 1/4 to USB but didn't crack the case yet. Tried the 1/4 to 1/8 through the mic jack and sounds good. There is latency but I can run my signal through my DI box and hear it real-time through the other output jack (Still need to try this, my DI box is at church right now) so the latency on the cpu doesn't bother me as much as I can correct it later.

Not sure if I am going to open the USB cord since the 1/8 seems to work just fine. ($30 cord) They would record at the same quality judging from the USB docs. 16 bit 44khz

I cannot how ever use my amp because through the 1/4 to 1/8 it picks up way too much noise. Lots of noise. I'll post a clip later tonight I think. Thanks for the help guys.

Bass-desires · #12 09-01-2010, 08:52 AM

Well I was having issues with getting the clip uploaded. (really should support TB lol) Please forgive my simple line and its only on E and A because I know we are all worried about how those freqs will record. I don't have a 5'er right now either. Will drop tune later. P.S MUST unplug AC power to laptop or else there is loads of electrical noise.

Anyway here it is. The signal chain is:

Bass---Boss Noise Suppressor (the 'output' jack to the Amp,for monitoring purposes, the 'send' jack to CPU)---1/4 to 1/8----mic jack.

Very simple, at least until I get a mixer and fine tune the art.

Comments on the sound quality?basstestpick.mp3

okcrum · #13 09-01-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

usb interface is kind of necessary if multi tracking.. used Lexicon, MAudio etc are all over the place..

Audacity is legally free.

+1. All the newer low end boards have USB outputs in addition to analog ones for this reason.

UncleFluffy · #14 09-01-2010, 10:59 AM

If you're just looking for 2-in / 2-out, this is cheap + cheerful + gets the job done

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ace?sku=702540