mixing console questions

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http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member Since: Nov 27, 2007

Im gonna buy a mixing console so i can get my mix right before it goes into my interface and then computer. i have few questions i hope someone/s can answer.

my interface is a Tascam US1641 and has 12 intputs. 8 powered xlr and 4 jack.

Are mixing consoles powered enough to give the 1/4 inch jacks of my interface enough juice for my drum mics?
Eg; drum mic>mixer>1/4 inch jack on interface>computer.

If a mixing console is cool for the job, in that respect, what do i do about the xlr jacks having the power from the mixer and their own power on the interface, is that even an issue(doubling up the power?)
If it is a problem, is there a mixer that i can get that is ok for this?

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Member
Since: Mar 03, 2008

Mar 05, 2008 02:49 pm

So, you intend to submix your drums into your software? If I were you I would invest in an additional 4 preamps or two dual preamp racks and forget about the mixer. You want to get the best signal to disk. If you "mix" to disc, you are stuck with the result and if it's no good, you have to live with it.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Mar 05, 2008 03:07 pm

I'm kinda agreeing with Hueseph, here. If you're already sportin 8 preamps on the 1641, then why get a mixer to duplicate the preamps? For the last 4 inputs, you could get a small mixer, for preamps, and then use channel inserts to send LINE level signal from small mixer over to your last 4 inputs.

plus, I can't see how you'll 'get the mix right' before going into the computer. You'll have EQ on the mixer, but I'd rather EQ with software than my 3 band mixer section any day. I can get real creative with software EQ, whereas the mixer EQ is 3 knobs, that's it.

[quote]Are mixing consoles powered enough to give the 1/4 inch jacks of my interface enough juice for my drum mics?
Eg; drum mic>mixer>1/4 inch jack on interface>computer.[/quote]

That question doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Preamps on mixer will provide phantom power for a condensor mic. After that, you've got LINE level signal, so you would not use the preamp/XLR input on your interface. You'd use a LINE level input instead (1/4").

Quote:
If a mixing console is cool for the job, in that respect, what do i do about the xlr jacks having the power from the mixer and their own power on the interface, is that even an issue(doubling up the power?)

That one has me kinda confused as well. I think I answered it in the previous paragraph. Only use XLR once, to receive MIC level signal. Then use LINE level jacks after that: 1/4" to 1/4".

You can still get the signal 'right' before it gets to the PC, but it's a matter of creating the right sound / tone before you put a mic on it. Then mic placement is also a bit factor. If those two are done right, then mixing in the PC is pretty quick and painless.

Hope that made sense, and helped clear up some things.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007

Mar 05, 2008 08:31 pm

yeah thanks pjk and hueseph,
scratch what i said earlier, man you right it doesnt make a whole lotta sense, it was real late and i was trying to watch tv and type at the same time with me eyes hangin outta my head.

i got it sussed, forget the mixer.
I will be getting a small pre for those 1/4 inch though.

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