Don't overlook the pushbuttons on each of the rack-mount unit's inputs that may be cutting about 10dB.

Martin

> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:22:24 -0600
> From: ectropic.harmony@gmail.com
> To: linux-audio-user@lists.linuxaudio.org
> Subject: Re: [LAU] Questions on New Recording Gear
>
> 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@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@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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> >> Linux-audio-user@lists.linuxaudio.org
> >> http://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user
> >>
> >
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