Multi-chanel mixing with a Yamaha MG166C-USB
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Posted on Apr 21, 2010 05:01 pm
mikeper94
Member Since: Apr 21, 2010
Hi Guys,
I'm new around here so sorry if I'm doing anything wrong :P
I was wondering if anybody would be able to advise me on the best way to record separate channels with my Yamaha MG166C-USB. I'm a bit of a novice to recording, and my plan is to record my drum kit using my 7 piece mic set as well as 2 guitars, bass and vocals. I'm unsure how I can then record these channels onto the supplied Cubase AI4, because as far as I know the USB interface can only record to one channel at a time unless panned hard left or right.
Would I need to invest in something like an M-Audio Delta 1010LT to do this? And if so how many separate channels can I record at once?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
Mike
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Apr 22, 2010 11:46 am Hello Mike, Welcome to the HRC.
I have the non-usb version, the MG16/4 from yamaha, and like it much.
I can't find the USB output, if it sends only a stereo feed (summed L & R) or individual channels, so I'll assume only stereo feed, as you've posted.
Yes, you'll need to get a multi-input interface, like the 1010lt or similar. I used the 1010LT for a while, till it burned up in a house fire. I'm using an ESI ESP1010 now, which I like even more.
For mixers => computer, I use patch cable snake (HOSA) to connect from the channel inserts, over to a line input on the 1010LT (or whichever). Plug 1/4" patch cable up to the first indent (not all the way in) will tap signal right after the preamp, and send it to your PC. Plus, you still get the signal traveling through the mixer, and out the MAINS, so you can monitor on the mains, instead of from the PC.
Also, you can send 2 channels back from PC to mixer; input on last stereo pair (15/16), then you can hear the previously recorded tracks in headphones (plugged into mixer HP jack) AND you can hear your incoming signals on MIC channels, because they're streaming in through the mixer to the MAINS (and HP out).
It's quite a nice solution, and has worked very well for me.
In this scenario, the USB from the mixer wouldn't really be used, or needed.
Personally, I'd ditch the cheapo cubase and pick up reaper. I've been using it for years like this, and it's a treat.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Apr 22, 2010 11:50 am I was just thinking, that if someone wanted to put reverb / delay / etc. on the vocals, so the singer could hear themselves with effects while tracking, you could put a reverb / effects pedal on the aux bus, and dial in the amount you want for that channel. This effect wouldn't be put on tape (HD), because it's being applied AFTER the signal gets tapped out from the channel insert. The signal sent to PC is clean.
Nice.
I really should make up a diagram displaying all this, so it's visual, instead of typing this out every few months . . .
Apr 22, 2010 11:51 am I looked into that mixer a little bit yesterday, looking for the exact info pjk was referring to...since it doesn't say specifically that the USB sends multiple outputs, one can only assume it sends just the main outs, or sub outs or something...perhaps it's assignable...that's the key right there.
That said, it looks like a cool little mixer.
Apr 22, 2010 02:30 pm Thanks a lot for clearing that up pjk. I think I will go for the 1010LT because price is a big issue for me because I'm currently saving up for a new drum kit, and I can't seem to find the ESI cheaply enough.
Would the cable snake you're talking about be one like this tinyurl.com/29jkaw4 ?
Sounds like a good system. I'll look into Reaper, it seems like a good bit of software though :)
And yeah it is a nice mixer, just the USB aspect is slightly limited :/
Mike
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Apr 22, 2010 03:14 pm Yeah, the ESP1010 isn't cheap. They don't carry the PCI version anymore (maybe ebay), and the PCI-E version adds like 200$
I got it when in was 299 from florida music, but alas, they're not that cheap anymore =/
Anyhoo, here's another source for the snake:
www.zzounds.com.../item--HOSCPR80
You'll want the 1/4" on one end, and RCA on the other, for the mixer insert jack, over to the Delta RCA input. Know that the 1010lt is 6 analog inputs, with 2 more being XLR preamped inputs. The other 2 inputs are 1 x SPDIF and 1x midi.
I had good luck with mine, so it should work well for ya.
Apr 22, 2010 04:10 pm Ah that sucks, I can't find it on ebay at the moment (I'm from the UK and ebay.co.uk isn't that good).
Okay right, and cubase will be able to recognise the track individually right?
Jan 02, 2011 08:48 am Hi again guys, sorry to resurrect an old topic, but I thought it would be easier for everyone than explaining everything in a new one.
I've finally bought the delta 1010lt and it's coming in pretty soon. I've been looking at the cable snakes you recommended and have noticed that there are some which have only one rca connector for each 1/4" jack, and some with two, so it would appear some are stereo and some are mono?
I'll post links to both just to clear that up a bit
- One rca
www.thomann.de/gb/the_sss...nake_chinch.htm
- Two rcas
www.amazon.co.uk/8-Way-St...4869&sr=8-1
Which one would I need for my setup?
Thanks in advance :)
Mike
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 02, 2011 11:48 am You'll want the single ended ones: 1 TS -> 1 RCA. You're not tapping stereo signal from an insert jack, so there's not stereo coming from the insert. Just mono.
Actually, the insert jack is a TRS jack, but the function of the insert is to send on one side of the jack, and receive on the other side. We're not using the insert jack for this purpose, just one side of the jack (send) so we're good with mono.
Another thing that I think is relevant, I think the insert send inverts the polarity (or phase), so if you record two tracks, one direct into the 1010lt, and one through the mixer, then the two signals would be in reverse polarity from each other, so you may want to look up on this. It shouldn't be an issue to just flip polarity on a track, so figured I'd mention it.
I haven't researched this issue yet, so I'm not really sure. Figured it was worth a shout.
Jan 02, 2011 05:36 pm Okay, thanks once again :)
But if I just tap all my channels out straight from the insert sends on my mixer then this phase problem won't effect me right?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 05, 2011 08:13 am I suppose not, as ALL channels would be inverted, so they'd all be in phase with each other.
I'm not sure if this would be a problem, but it makes me a little leery.
I'd end up a little OCD as I'd always be thinking "but they're all out of phase . . . " and probably end up flipping them all.
wish i had a better answer =/
