NEED HELP MULTI TRACK RECORDING

[Soonyow]

As to which outputs on your 2442 mixer to use for simultaneous multi-track recording of each channel separately, you can use the 8 Direct outputs or/and the 8 sub outputs (on the back of mixer) or the 8 channel inserts (I/O) on the top of the mixer. You can connect with cables to a Zoom R16 recorder/interface/controller. Otherwise you can use the mixer's internal (older mixer version external) USB out to connect directly to your computer and transfer s summed up signal of your entire mix.

Using the channel inserts is the best way to record a live performance separately from each channel yet simultaneously, purists say...but you have to use a certain type of cable for this to work. In this instance, the signal is taken at the beginning of the mixer right after the mic preamp, rather than at the other end from the mixer's main outputs. Using the channel inserts you don't get tonal and level and effects variations into your recorded wav file during the live mix, all of which can be done in post production. But the other outputs are good to use, too, depending on the type of multi-track recording you plan to do. Here's an excellent article that explains these alternative ways better than I:

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[FerK]

Soonyow, since you revived this old thread, I might as well ask. I would like to try recording my rock trio for the first time. I have a Behringer EUROPOWER PMP4000, as 16 channel powered mixer. I'm thinking about buying a Zoom R16, and record 5 separate channels (1 for our electric drum, 1 for bass, 1 for guitar, 1 for lead voice, 1 for backing vocals). The thing is: the board doesn't seem to have dedicated/direct outs for each channel. It makes no sense to buy a multitrack recorder, to use the main out mixed on the board.

Since you mentioned the channel inserts as out (if I got it right), does it mean I can go straight from the instruments to the board, and from the board channel inserts to the Zoom ?

Since I'm a total newcomer to the topic, I want to make sure I got the article right: I can either use a TS-TS cable, and use the main outs of the Zoom for monitoring, or try the first-click thing (making sure that I am getting the cable plugged in right). Is that correct ?

 

[davy4575]

All boards work similar. I/O, known as inserts are poor mans direct outs. There are insert snakes, which are a TRS to two mono TS, or there are insert foolers wich are a TRS male. to TS female. Or you just insert a TS into the first click, but this is uncertain and not secure. If you are not using a patch bay or completing a circuit, your best bet is to use the insert fooler or insert patch as its known, It close loops the return (2nd ring) and allows signal to go direct out without having to have it come back in. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...g&matchtype=&gclid=CMKNrorKisACFQaCMgodAicAvw

Take the outs from the board and run those to the analog ins on your chosen interface. Then, run at least the stereo out from your card into two of your input channels on the board, do NOT run the direct outs of those two channels into the computer or you will set up a feedback loop. You are using the board as an analog input/front end routing for digital. This way you are using the preamps and possibly EQ of the board, input monitoring and phase/phantom if equipped. Most smaller boards, the insert is PRE Fader, meaning the signal comes in and goes out the Insert prior to the fader. IF thats the case, you use the faders for your monitoring at the board and your gain knob at the top of the input channel controls the volume/trim of the signal going to the DAW. Track as flat as possible, mix in the box (use your daw to mix) and then print your mixdowns as .wav files.

This is the simplest method. You can sum on the board before the daw if you really wanted to, but its probably a waste of time unless you have a really great old analog board with custom pres. You can also route your outputs from the interface back to the board and use the daw as a multi track recorder only, but again, a waste of time unless the board is great for summing and has automation.

 

[bluesdogblues]

I have a behringer xenyx 2442fx and i want to record multiple tracks at once onto cubase 6.
What i need is a sound card that i can run between the mixer and my computer that will have enough ins and outs and work well with windows 7.
also any suggestions on which outputs on my mixer to use with the new sound card

In your other post you mention about 8 channel, 8 track (simultaneously record). There are many sound card/audio interfaces in the market which have that capability and almost all of them will work well with Windows 7. The question is how much is the budget.
The qualities are vary, just like the price range. You can check them in many website for them. Of course, generally the better is the higher price.
Since You don't mention the budget, I'd like to mention one product (8 channel) which I love very much for it's quality..it's a PrismSound Orpheus... But it's expensive

Some well known company like RME Audio, Lynx Audio, MOTU, etc are also have their good 8 channels audio interfaces line in the market.
M-Audio also have some of their 'cheaper' but good 8 ch interfaces I think. So the important factor is your budget.

Any 'parts' in the recording process' gears -including cables and jacks- are important, so actually the 'quality' of the PC system (hardware) is also a deciding factor, although you don't ask for it in your OP. Also you need a DAW software, which are also ranging in prices, 'qualities' etc. But all should be good enough as long as You can use it to your needs, which is recording multi track multi channel audio.

I use Apple Logic and Avid ProTools (used to be Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo user too long time ago), and start to love Ableton Live,..but to me, the best 'fool proof' DAW that I can see it as an old "Reel Tape" and old "Mixer Console" for Multi Track Audio Recording method is Pro Tools, the software and the Hardware, although it's not relatively cheap and doesn't mean it's the best for every one, it's depend on the user.

IMHO, the recorded audio quality would be better if you bypass the mixer in recording (record direct to the audio interface instead). The less route the audio travel to the 'hard drive', the best. With any DAW software now, you can easily do the 'mixer's tasks', like adjust monitoring levels etc, within the software. It's been years for me that I skip Hardware Mixer in my Recording route, except if it has a good built in sounding preamp/EQ. but it's a rarity.

But YMMV,.. 'my way' doesn't always the best for you/somebody else,..so it's only my opinion.
Good luck, Have a nice recording session