[LAU] Questions on New Recording Gear

[Ectropic Harmony]

I haven't had a chance to test the entire set-up of multiple
connections just yet (see message below for what I'm thinking about
trying, I don't know if it'll work) but I have managed to get a basic
recording going with mics into mixer into delta interface into
computer.

One issue right now -

Levels.

Really low levels.

I've adjusted the levels on the mixer, in the envy24 control, and in
Ardour... and it's like I have to max things out just to get a decent
volume.

What's the trick getting rock solid levels during recording and
playback both without having to max things out? :-\

Thanks!

-"E.H."


On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 3:21 PM, Ectropic Harmony
<ectropic.harmony at gmail.com> wrote:
> Okay, I'd like to try this arrangement with the
> cables/patch-bays/etc., though I currently need monitor speakers and
> am just using headphones-
>
> From sources to mixer:
> 1. 4 XLRs (mics) into Mackie strips 1-4
> 2. 1 Line In (from guitar amp "Line Out") into Mackie strip 5
> 3. 1 Line In (from another amp "Line Out") into Mackie strip 6
> 4. 2 Line Ins (from "Master Out" (L&R) of elec.drumset) into Mackie strip "9-10"
> (Also hooking elec.drumset's MIDI up to the Delta 1010 dig.rec.system)
> (Also hooking up USB/MIDI keyboard/controller to computer)
>
> From mixer to digital recording system:
> 5. 4 TRSs (from Mackie Direct Outs 1-4) into Delta inputs 1-4
> 6. 1 TRS (from Mackie Direct Out 5) into Delta input 5
> 7. 1 TRS (from Mackie Direct Out 6) into Delta input 6
> 8. 2 TRSs (from Mackie Sub Outs 1-2, with "1-2" enabled) into Delta inputs 7-8
>
> From digital recording system to mixer:
> 9. 2 TRSs (from Delta Outs 1-2) into Mackie strip "13-14", with "L/R" enabled
> 10. 2 TRSs (from Delta Outs 3-4) into Mackie strip "15-16", with "L/R" enabled
> 11. 1 TRS (from Delta out 5) into Mackie strip 7, with "L/R" enabled
> 12. 1 TRS (from Delta out 6) into Mackie strip 8, with "L/R" enabled
> 13. 2 TRSs (from Delta outs 7-8) into Mackie strip "11-12", with "L/R" enabled
>
> From mixer to PA:
> 14. 2 TRSs (from Mackie Main Outs L&R) into PA channels 1 & 2
>
> From PA to speakers:
> 15. 2 TRSs (from the 2 PA Outs) into 2 monitor speakers
>
> I don't know... would that set-up work?
>
> My hunch is using the PA is overkill in a home recording situation,
> though perhaps appropriate in a live setting. It has 4 channels, so
> that opens up an additional 2 free channels for 1 more stereo source.
> Right?
>
> Well, that's my attempt at using every single strip on the mixer. ;) I
> hope I didn't totally mutilate the patching order.
>
> Here's my attempt at a more immediate set-up for home recording and
> monitoring via headphones:
>
> From sources to mixer:
> 1. 4 XLRs (mics) into Mackie strips 1-4
> 2. 1 Line In (from guitar amp "Line Out") into Mackie strip 5
> 3. 1 Line In (from another amp "Line Out") into Mackie strip 6
> 4. 2 Line Ins (from "Master Out" (L&R) of elec.drumset) into Mackie strip "9-10"
> (Also hooking up elec.drumset's MIDI to the Delta 1010 dig.rec.system)
> (Also hooking up USB/MIDI keyboard/controller to computer)
>
> From mixer to digital recording system:
> 5. 4 TRSs (from Mackie Direct Outs 1-4) into Delta inputs 1-4
> 6. 1 TRS (from Mackie Direct Out 5) into Delta input 5
> 7. 1 TRS (from Mackie Direct Out 6) into Delta input 6
> 8. 2 TRSs (from Mackie Sub Outs 1-2, with "1-2" enabled) into Delta inputs 7-8
>
> From digital recording system to mixer:
> 9. 2 TRSs (from Delta Outs 1-2) into Mackie strip "15-16", with "L/R" enabled
> (Using the Delta Outs 1-2 as Main Mix)
>
> From mixer to headphones:
> 10. Enable "Main Mix 'Source'" on Mackie & adjust phones volume w/
> phones in phones port "A" on the Mackie
>
> I do plan on getting monitor speakers, and I do have normal computer
> speakers (Harmon-Kardon "2.1", not sure how I could implement those in
> this set-up) but I'll need to otherwise make do with headphones for
> now.
>
> I'd like to be able to use the 6 extra Delta Outs, the Mackie's subs
> 3-4, all of the extra Sub Outs on the back of the Mackie, the
> remaining two Direct outs (7 & 8) on the Mackie, the remaining Ins on
> the Mackie (7, 8, 11-12, & 13-14), and of course the Aux features
> would be auxsome... I mean awesome. All in due time. :)
>
> Anyway, did I do anything wrong with the patch set-ups above, in
> particular the 2nd one - with 10 steps - that ends up monitoring via
> headphones?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 18, 2010 at 11:23 AM, Scott Ecker <lau at troutpocket.org> wrote:
>> Ectropic Harmony wrote:
>>> I've recently started adding new gear to my studio, which isn't much...
>>>
>>> Here's the list...
>>>
>>> Instruments:
>>> Acoustic & electric guitars
>>> Bass guitar
>>> Electronic drumset (a very nice Roland, MIDI but also has direct
>>> outs/main outs (1/4" TRS))
>>> USB/MIDI keyboard (M-Audio Axiom 49)
>>> Various other instruments, percussion, winds, strings
>>>
>>> Misc. gear:
>>> Amps (combos, i.e. Marshall, TubeWorks)
>>> Power amp (not currently using this, it's a 4 channel PA)
>>>
>>> Recording gear:
>>> 4 mics (AT2020s)
>>> Mixer (Mackie 1642-VLZ3, 16 channel 4 bus analog mixer)
>>> Digital audio interface (M-Audio Delta 1010)
>>> Computer (64-bit quad core 2.6GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, 3TB space; running
>>> Ubuntu Studio 9.10)
>>>
>>> The new equipment is the recording gear - specifically the Mackie
>>> mixer, the Delta 1010 audio interface, and the mics.
>>>
>>
>> This isn't too unlike my setup, except that I have an acoustic drum
>> kit.  The keys to successful acoustic recording (IMO):
>>
>> 1. Good microphones.
>> 2. Good cables.
>> 3. Good mixer.
>> 4. Good room.
>>
>> The rest of it comes down to mic placement, and the quality of the
>> musicians themselves.  The difference between the cheap and modestly
>> priced components above will manifest itself in hiss and line noise.
>> Every step in the chain must be good (or better) quality to get a smooth
>> recording.
>>
>> My setup is tubes and acoustics all the way to my DAW.  Ardour is
>> amazing and does everything I need to record 12+ tracks simultaneously.
>>
>> -Scott
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>