Multi-track is the term.

Your mixing board must be capable of both multi-channel input(Which they all are.) AND multi-track - more than stereo - output(Most are not.). Many mixers are made ONLY for mixing for "on stage"/live use, with only stereo(Or mono) output. Yours? I don't know. In your case, you'd have to be able to take each channel from the mixing board seperately and plug each into the sound card, seperately. A "four-bus" mixing board might work for you, offering 4 output "channels" - It's been so long since I've done multi-track through a mix board..?

Actually, a mixing board is not always(Often?) used in your situation, anymore... Many opt to use a multi-channel sound card/interface "direct", with line-out to line-in for instruments and mic to mic pre to sound card for microphone inputs(Though many of us still put the mixer somewhere in the system, particularly for playback, headphones, etc.).

Then, the sound card, too, must be "more than single stereo/or two mono input" - in your case. Your sound card? I don't know.

Possibilities? My LynxOne card is a "2 track/stereo" card, however, I can input two analog channels AND two digital channels - at the same time! Total = 4 channels of input/output... I can record my synth/keyboard through the analog inputs and my digital-out mic pre(Or anything with a seperate digital A/D converter) to the digital input of the Lynx.

Of course, this all takes multi-track software! Cubase, I believe, can do that part of the game(?), so you may be at least part-way there...

Teddy G.

oh no...i need a major upgrade then

Thanks Teddy.
Well, based on what you said....my mixer has only 1 record out and the soundcard has 1 record in.
In order to do the way i want, i need a major upgrade on both the soundcard and the mixer.

Again, you probably don't want to "switch" to another style mixer! The mixer you have will be quite usable for several neccessary things, just not quite the way you're using it now, don't pitch it out! I don't know that particular Soundcraft, but they are fine mixers.

As to the soundcard/interface you have many to look at. I really like my Lynx card and they have several input/output options with their line. You might examine the LynxTwo and the less expensive L22(Same quality, just a few less features that you likely will never need - like "TV" sync code, etc.). Considering they are the world's best sound cards(!), their prices are quite reasonable. Also look at RME, MOTU and Layla(Whose owners say THEY are the world's best soundcards!). M-Audio, has other, higher capability options as well.

Soundcards deserve your careful, concentrated study. In my opinion, how you input/output your stuff with the computer is the most important decision you will make. Don't buy one until you REALLY "get it", as far as what they do, what you really need and how you will work with it. It is different, take your time, spend some money if you've got it(You won't regret it!) and buy right.

TG

A look at the Compact 10, on the Soundcraft website, shows two(2) "outs", the "mix-out" and the "monitors-out". I wonder if one could use the monitor out for, say, the vocals and the mix out for, say, a synth? Run monitors to sound card input 1 and mix to soundcard inputs 2 and 3(Or a stereo input)?

Still would need the 3 inputs(Or more) on the soundcard, but..? Just a thought...

TG

many thanks, Teddy!
You're a genius! Why haven't i thought of that? Hmm...

I am going to try the Monitor and Mix outs. But still i have a question.
Now you already saw the Compact 10. Let's say i'm gonna record vocals on Mic/Line 1 (the first row on the mixer), and at the same time, i record for example, an electric guitar on Stereo 1 (the 5th row on the mixer).
Now, how am i going to send those 2 signal separately to the soundcard?

the Monitor or the Mix Out>>>will it carry separate signals or will it carry all signals at the same time?

You do not need the mixer at all, at least if you want to mix the 8 outs from the 410, but the 410 already have 2 preamps, i suposse they're better that the ones from your mixer.

you just plug your mic to the 410 in channel 1 and the guitar in channel 2.

Good Luck.

I forgot, your mixer do not have direct out but you cand take the preamps from the insert via unbalanced cables.

thanks SPLstudio.

well....unfortunately, the m-audio delta 410 PCI interface has only 1 pair of signal input, and 4 pairs of signal output.

This m-audio model does not have Mic-In either.

I am going to get another soundcard soon. The point is that i love to use the mixer :).