ULTRA NOOB QUESTION :{ Mixer to computer help!

[shaggmeister]

hi. i want to buy a nice mixer, but i am confused on what my options are on how to record once the mics are all in their inputs, and to finally mixdown everything and be able to have the files transferred onto a computer for burning and such.

I want to be able to mix everything on a Behringer SL2442FX-PRO, and here's where i dunno where to go afterwards..

Total n00b question, but from what i've gathered, i can either hook up the Behringer to a multitrack recorder like the Zoom HD16CD, and then use the USB to put the final mix onto the computer,

or i can hook up the Behringer to an audio interface like the Tascam US-1641, which will be hooked up to the computer..

or i can do something much simpler.


any help and advice/instructions on how to record with the SL2442 and get them onto the computer would be most appreciated!


Behringer SL2442FX-Pro Eurodesk from zZounds.com!
Tascam US1641 from zZounds.com!
Zoom HD16CD from zZounds.com!



looking foward to get into the world of recording (from what i've seen, it's a step towards suicide )

[fmw]

I think the simpler approach would be to forego the mixer entirely. An audio interface will have the mic preamps you need and a direct connection to the computer. That's all you need for tracking. The software can handle the mixdown.

Another approach is the approach I'm going to take as soon as I feel more confident about the economy. I'm going to replace both my audio interface and my performance mixer with a MOTU 828. This unit simply puts its mixer on the computer screen rather than on a piece of hardware. I don't need a mixer for recording at all. I will just use it as a PA mixer and where I used to use a CD player for backing tracks, I just use a laptop computer now..

[luiza177]

true.

out of the gear you showed, I'd say you're better off just getting the tascam US1641, recording it with a software, it's all you really need to be able record. if you're not going to use that many inputs at the same time, I'd say you're better off finding a smaller interface, it's cheaper... RecordingReview has a neat interface wizard to help you with that.

Most semi-pro mixers don't have all the outputs you'd need to multi-track. That's why I'm getting rid of mine and my soundcard, to get a m-audio fast track ultra. it's got all I need and it's much simpler and functional... not to mention portable.

[brandondrury]

I also recommend mixing in the box. I haven't used a mixer in the studio in years. I recorded a band live for the past 4 days with 18 inputs and never touched a mixer.

Brandon

[jules80]

Hi Guys,
The Fast Track Ultra has given me nothing but problems and I wouldn't recommend it.
I have a Mac with OSX 10.4.11 loaded.
It took me an age to get the thing to show up, then it disappeared.
After numerous attempts, I followed the long 'fix' recommended on the M-Audio site - It didn't work.
Finally, I changed the USB port it was plugged into (after all of the above) and it finally showed up.
I was very pleased after all that time, but the third time I put the Mac back on it disappeared again...
Maybe it works OK with other stuff but I am sending it back - There are such a lot of similar problems with this unit described on the net and I have had enough of it.
I have a feeling that the fix will end up like War and Peace on the M-Audio site.
Have a good holiday.
Jules