How do I make my USB mixer into a multi track recorder

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Member Since: Oct 17, 2007

I know that the USB band width is not wide enough. But is ther no other way to do it?

Please Im really desperate

Stan007

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Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Oct 18, 2007 09:22 am

hmmm...what mixer are you using? what software to record?.....last time i checked, all ya need to do is plug your usb mixer into the computer and press 'record'.....sorry for the sarcasm, but we have no idea what you're working with or what your goals are....

give us specifics!

welcome to HRC!

wyd

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Oct 18, 2007 09:37 am

USB bandwidth is plenty wide enough. A mixer usually puts out two tracks and USB can easily handle 2 tracks.

So yes, be rather more specific on what PC you have, what software, what mixer.

Hobbyist musician,pro recorder
Member
Since: May 15, 2007


Oct 18, 2007 12:51 pm

I personally use an Alesis USB 8 mixer into a computer and multitrack on Audacity. I can track many, many times. So yeah, the question is a bit confusing.

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Oct 18, 2007 12:56 pm

USB mixers generally output a summed stereo signal from all of the inputs. A FireWire mixer generally outputs each channel individually instead of summing them all into a single stereo signal.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Oct 18, 2007 01:56 pm

Quote:
USB mixers generally output a summed stereo signal from all of the inputs. A FireWire mixer generally outputs each channel individually instead of summing them all into a single stereo signal.


That's product specific. There are many two channel out Firewire mixers and there are an increasing number of multi channel out USB products such as Toneport.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Oct 18, 2007 09:33 pm

A mixer is a mixer, it will never be a recorder.

If you want your PC to be a recorder, and to record multiple tracks (more than 2) then you may need to buy more hardware. As stated, many USB mixers will only handle 2 channels being send to the PC. Often they will sum more channels, but still only send 2 channels.

If you want to send 2 signals to the PC on their own separate tracks, then you need to pan signal 1 hard left, and signal 2 hard right.

Then tell your PC to record the 2 inputs to 2 separate mono tracks, not stereo. N-track did this, and reaper does, so I'm guessing that most all recording proggies do as well.

If you want to have multiple takes, of new signal, then you'll need to make different tracks, and record new material into the new tracks.

Sorry if some of this isn't what you were asking but you weren't too specific to what your details are.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Oct 18, 2007 11:29 pm

i was assuming that his mixer was an interface since it was USB....but yeah, if you're mixer dosn't have a usb connector then read pjk's post again.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Oct 19, 2007 12:16 am

I must correct here. USB Mixers can handle more than two channels and a mixer with USB is definitely an interface.

I agree most USB mixers have 2 channels out but some have more (not exactly a mixer but see Toneport UX8 for an example) USB does not restrict you to 2 outs.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Oct 21, 2007 12:42 am

I agree, just wanted the OP to focus on the PC, not the mixer. If the mixer has the 2 channel limitation, then look to more hardware, or look to the PC to do multi-track recording, 2 at a time.

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