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Hello,

I have a Midas Venice 240 which I would like to connect the dual XLR master out channels to my existing Soundblaster Audigy 2 Platinum Interface. This Interface has a 1/4" TRS Stereo input with Line and Mic gain adjust. I leave it clicked into line at all times. My question is how should I go about connecting these two. A workaround I'm currently using is the speaker outputs because they are 1/4" TS per channel, but I'm sure this isn't the correct output to be using. Would there be any issues with buying a dual female Y-adapter to single male and then a female to 1/4" TRS adapter? I'm not to sure if you can combine "balanced" signals like this and if both channels will mix togeather like that in an adapter.

If possible I would like to avoid having to purchase a new PC interface.
Thanks for your assistance.

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bent Tue, 11/27/2007 - 12:35

A workaround I'm currently using is the speaker outputs because they are 1/4" TS per channel, but I'm sure this isnt the correct output to be using.

Well, you are going through one more circuit when you do that, not that those Midas circuits are bad... Just one more knob you've gotta turn.

That SB's 1/4" TRS input, is that a single TRS, or are there two (designated L/R)?

How are you at soldering?

anonymous Tue, 11/27/2007 - 12:53

Its a single 1/4 TRS jack on the SB Interface whihc is the whole problem. I have to combine the channels just to get in in the PC. I am proficient in soldering and wiring, what sultion would you suggest bent?

I guess it seems worthwhile to get a new interface? Theres a deal for 200$ with a Cubase package at Musician's Friend. Does anyone reccommend this?

anonymous Tue, 11/27/2007 - 13:10

Hueseph, are you suggesting that I connect direct out from the buses to a larger PC interface? I'm new to this whole console mixing/mastering recording stuff. I already have Cubase and recently I've been using Adobe Audition to record so I don't need to buy a software package.

Is it worth investing in a ProTools Interface? I have an old school "Quad Audio Interface" laying around but I'm pretty sure its ProTools first generation interface so I can't find the PC card needed to run it.

hueseph Tue, 11/27/2007 - 15:02

Well, if you're going to spend the money. Save some money first. No sense spending a little money on something that is little better than what you currently have. On a budget, you should at the least go for something like two of the M-audio Delta 1010 for around $800.00. At best, save more money and buy into an RME Fireface or questionably, a MOTU 24I/O at $1200.00+.

The thing being that you have a 16 channel board. No matter what you do, you're going to be summing that to your stereo bus if you want to use the Soundblaster to record. Now if you only plan on tracking one or two instruments at a time this is fine but if that's the case, you have to ask yourself "why do I have a 16 channel console?". You won't be able to use the console for mixing after the fact. It's not a control surface. If that is the case, you might want to consider selling the console for a better interface or if it's still an option, take it back to the store you bought it from and buy a good interface that you will be able to take full advantage of.

RemyRAD Wed, 11/28/2007 - 00:22

Well here is a silly little suggestion for you.

If you want the balanced output of your Midas to feed the 1/4" TRS unbalanced stereo input. And you would like to retain some quality. Purchase yourself a pair of Whirlwind brand, "Director" model, transformer D. I. boxes. Transformer D. I. boxes can be used bidirectionally, regardless of manufacturer. Active DI boxes cannot be used in this manner and I don't recommend any in this type application. The Director, has a high quality transformer, complete with pad and ground lift.

Then all you need from Radio Shaft is a stereo 1/4" TRS to 2 Mono 1/4" TS that are phased as individual right and left. Voila!

Now to a more professional suggestion. It's the same suggestion as others have made here. Your Midas console is a damn fine console! It has lovely microphone preamps and good equalization. It has direct outputs from each channel strip input. If you purchase your self a FireWire type audio interface, you can find many that offer from 8, to 16 simultaneous inputs to quality analog to digital converters. You can obviously see that true, simultaneous multitrack recording would then be possible.

Right now, and with my earlier suggestion, you can make lovely, live to stereo recordings. Or, multiple microphones bused to 2 separate outputs for overdubs. But not able to record more than 2 simultaneous tracks at a time. If you are only recording your self, that might be adequate. If you are trying to record an entire band, go directly to jail. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.

Heavily entrenched on Boardwalk
Ms. Remy Ann David

Boswell Wed, 11/28/2007 - 02:18

Since they are nearly local to me, I've used the Midas boards extensively, and they are very fine machines.

All you need do to record from the Venice to your soundcard is purchase a 1/4" TRS jack to 2 x phono (RCA) plugs cable and use the Tape Out connectors on the rear of the Venice. The Tape Outs are unbalanced and at roughly the correct signal level for the Audigy line inputs. You will get a recording whose quality is entirely limited by your Audigy soundcard.

Next step up: buy a good-quality multi-channel interface.

anonymous Wed, 11/28/2007 - 06:06

Thank you all so much. Since I am trying to record an entire band in the mix it looks like I should go with the delta 1010 so I can get 8-10 channels at once. Since this interface uses RCA inputs mostly, I suppose I'll order a slew of 1/4" mono to RCA adapters for the back of the console and RCA cables to run to the PC card.

There isn't a singificant benifit between the delta 1010 LT and the "Digital Audio System" which has the external interface is there? Besides ease of connections? The DAS has 1/4" balanced TRS inputs to match the direct outs on my mixer. The LT is using unbalanced RCA per channel? Is it really worth an extra $400 for these balanced inputs?

anonymous Wed, 11/28/2007 - 06:09

Thank you all so much. Since I am trying to record an entire band in the mix it looks like I should go with the delta 1010 so I can get 8-10 channels at once. Since this interface uses RCA inputs mostly, I suppose I'll order a slew of 1/4" mono to RCA adapters for the back of the console and RCA cables to run to the PC card.

There isn't a singificant benifit between the delta 1010 LT and the "Digital Audio System" which has the external interface is there? Besides ease of connections? The DAS has 1/4" balanced TRS inputs to match the direct outs on my mixer. The LT is using unbalanced RCA per channel? Is it really worth an extra $400 for these balanced inputs?

Boswell Wed, 11/28/2007 - 08:20

Wiredguitarist wrote: There isn't a singificant benifit between the delta 1010 LT and the "Digital Audio System" which has the external interface is there? Besides ease of connections? The DAS has 1/4" balanced TRS inputs to match the direct outs on my mixer. The LT is using unbalanced RCA per channel? Is it really worth an extra $400 for these balanced inputs?

The difference is $500 list, and if you are set on getting a Delta 1010, then for your application it's worth paying the extra to get the +4dBu balanced inputs on all 8 channels. Beware the headroom, however. The 1010 has a clip level of +20dBu, but the Venice can put out at least +22dBu.

However, at that price level, it would pay you to step back a moment and consider what your end target is and what are the best ways of reaching it. You started the thread saying you wanted to capture just the stereo outs from the Venice, and you seem to have got diverted into multi-channel recording. If that's the way you want to go, work out how many channels you may eventually need and buy an interface that either has that number now or can usefully be expanded in the future.