Mixer/interface questions

[Inconnu]

Hi there!

I haven’t updated my recording gear in quite a while and I wonder how hard it would be to get exactly what I need. Reading specs of current models, I’m wondering at what point I should take some aspects for granted or not. So I thought I’d ask here!

I currently use a Tascam US1800 rackmount interface.

What I like about it is I can record tracks from all the inputs simultaneously but independently on GarageBand. So, in brief, it’s possible to record more then one instrument at once and they can all get their own tracks. I’m guessing it’s a common feature on more up to date equipment, but I just don’t know (that’s my major concern).

What’s missing from that piece of equipment for me is a way to plug in external effects, some sort of an effect loop you can mix with any input independently. Some EQ on the inputs would be nice to have.

A mixing consol format would also be appreciated.

I’m only using it as a hobby, for home recording by myself or with a band. I’m not going to spend a fortune.

I looked at the Behringer Xenyx line, but I’m not sure it does everything I need and Behringer gear is hit and miss.

Anybody can steer me in the right direction?

 

[tothemax]

In my practice room I have a Tascam US-16x08, the later version of your unit. I use Band Lab Cakewalk for my DAW, a full featured free product (but is Windows only) and the Tascam is connected. I have a Behringer X2222USB for the PA in the practice room and have the 8 channel inserts going into the 8 line inputs on the Tascam (channels 9 - 16).
This setup gives me the option to practice with the PA alone, if we want to record from the mixer we can easily grab any of the 8 XLR channels from the inserts without doing anything. The Tascam channel 9 & 10 can be line or instrument so they can be used for DI inputs. If we want to record direct channels 1 - 10 on the Tascam will usually do whatever we need. It's convenient that the jacks for channels 9 & 10 are on the front, so they can be easily swapped from the mixer inserts. I made up a set of 8 TRS cables and just leave them connected to channels 11 - 16 all the time, using 9 & 10 when I need them.
I originally bought the Behringer hoping that the USB interface would support my recording needs, but it combines everything into a stereo output signal. If you want to record single tracks - they have to be recorded one at a time from the mixer (and are part of the stereo output). Using the inserts I get the direct output from the XLR channels. It's a 12x16 room and works good for small practices and recording.

Good luck...

 

[Inconnu]

In my practice room I have a Tascam US-16x08, the later version of your unit. I use Band Lab Cakewalk for my DAW, a full featured free product (but is Windows only) and the Tascam is connected. I have a Behringer X2222USB for the PA in the practice room and have the 8 channel inserts going into the 8 line inputs on the Tascam (channels 9 - 16).
This setup gives me the option to practice with the PA alone, if we want to record from the mixer we can easily grab any of the 8 XLR channels from the inserts without doing anything. The Tascam channel 9 & 10 can be line or instrument so they can be used for DI inputs. If we want to record direct channels 1 - 10 on the Tascam will usually do whatever we need. It's convenient that the jacks for channels 9 & 10 are on the front, so they can be easily swapped from the mixer inserts. I made up a set of 8 TRS cables and just leave them connected to channels 11 - 16 all the time, using 9 & 10 when I need them.
I originally bought the Behringer hoping that the USB interface would support my recording needs, but it combines everything into a stereo output signal. If you want to record single tracks - they have to be recorded one at a time from the mixer (and are part of the stereo output). Using the inserts I get the direct output from the XLR channels. It's a 12x16 room and works good for small practices and recording.

Good luck...

That’s enlightening! Thanks.

Well, I really want to continue having access to independent inputs, so the Behringer option is ruled out.

Does your Tascam have issues with the headphone level? It’s impossible to get a decent headphone signal for the input sound on mine.

 

[tothemax]

I have a set of AKG K240's I normally use, I haven't noticed any issues with my headphone levels. Getting the BUS setup on the Tascam can be a little tricky, do you have the bus settings correct? I bypass the Tascam software mixer and just use the level controls.

For clarification, I always have Tascam channels 1 - 8 available for recording direct to my DAW. Channels 9 &10 can come from the Behringer via insert channels (or unplug from the mixer and use as a direct line or inst. source). The inserts from the mixer connect to channels 9 - 16).

It allows me to have a few recording options without breaking the bank. From my understanding the Tascam preamps are comparable to the Behringer Xenyx pre's. Whether you are using the insert from the mixer or direct from the Tascam (with the mixer in bypass mode) you are getting the pre-fader / pre-EQ signal to your DAW.

Hope that helps...