Recording Question -> Connecting Mixer to PC

[newdrew136]

Some recent threads have peaked my interest in Home Recording onto my PC - I've got the sound card, and some software to tinker with, but I've got a big (and seemingly simple) question...

How do I best hook up my 4-Channel Mackie Mixer to my PC's Audio-In port?

Should I use an RCA-to-1/8 adapter and use the Tape Out? Or use another line out of the mixer into the PC? Would really appreciate feedback on this. The mixer, if it helps, is a Mackie DFX-6, so that would make it 6-channels - my bad.

I promise to post my first listenable project here!

Thanks in advance!
Andy

[CDT]

I have a mackie dfx-12.

when I've used it to record to a single 1/8" stereo in (soundcard), I've used a Y-cable: 2-1/4" out of the main outs into the single 1/8" stereo line-in (never use the mic-in, always the line-in). you may have to buy a y-cable with 2-1/4" L-R mono and one 1/4" Stereo and use a 1/4" stereo-to-1/8" stereo adapter (radio shack).

I've also just used the tape outs to the soundcard stereo input with a 2-RCA to stereo 1/8" cable. either will work but I think the main outs on the dfx mixers sounds best. But I have no data to back that up, just a hunch.

hope that helps..

check out this board:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs

[Rockerbob]

Tape outs sound like the right choice. Use whatever adaptors you need to get from L&R or 1&2 tape out into the stereo mini plug on the sound card. Then you might have to experiment with levels.

[newdrew136]

Great info - thanks! The Homerecording BBS site could keep me busy reading for months - awesome stuff!

[Fngrstyl]

I used the DFX-6 for a long time! You should get a soundcard that has 1/4" inputs. then you can use two stereo cables, and go from the LEFT and RIGHT Main 1/4" outs on the Mackie into the soundcard.. I was using the Echo Mia soundcard. Not too expensive, and works great! You can use the tape outs into the 1/8" adapter, but trust me, your recordings wont be as good! There is a world of difference using the Tape outs > 1/8" compared to the 1/4" Main Outs into the 1/4" sound card! I used the Tape out for a long time, until I understood how to record the other way. Also, the Echo Mia has two 1/4" outs too, so if you could run out into monitors if you want! Now all I use is a Tascam US-122.. Plug into USB and your set. It bypasses a sound card. My recordings sound even better now, IMO.

[Fngrstyl]

I think am going to run the Mackie, and Tascam together, and get a pair of monitors! That way I can use the Monitors as an amp, and actually hear the file (with effects) that I am recording. Should work out well I think!

[newdrew136]

Chad - thanks for the info and ideas - it's midnight Friday and I'm geeking out loading up my PC for some recording ;-).

The Tascam US-122 looks like the way to go.

BTW - I loved the soundclips from your site - if interested in trading e-mails offline with a curious fingerstyle/recording newbie, shoot me something at [email protected] (drop the 'nospam')

Thanks again!

[DickensDad]

Originally Posted by Fngrstyl

I used the DFX-6 for a long time! You should get a soundcard that has 1/4" inputs. then you can use two stereo cables, and go from the LEFT and RIGHT Main 1/4" outs on the Mackie into the soundcard.. I was using the Echo Mia soundcard. Not too expensive, and works great! You can use the tape outs into the 1/8" adapter, but trust me, your recordings wont be as good! There is a world of difference using the Tape outs > 1/8" compared to the 1/4" Main Outs into the 1/4" sound card! I used the Tape out for a long time, until I understood how to record the other way. {snip...}

Another cool way to go is something the Mackie 1402 has... there is an Alt-3-4 out on the back of the mixer -- it allows you to send any channel that has the Mute (/Alt 3-4) button engaged. It's a cool design feature that puts the mute circuitry to work in a useful way. This way, you can have all the playback you want to your headphones -- including the channel(s) you are recording (by including the Alt 3-4 in the Control Room source array), and yet just send the Alt- 3-4 stuff back to the PC. Before using this approach, I was having to jump through hoops to get playback/source in the headphones and send the right stuff back to the PC)

Very cool stuff -- I appreciate the heck outta that 1402...