Being the bullheaded recording noob that I am, I only recently discovered Garageband's capability to record up to 9 tracks simultaneously. Since my school has a mixer, what would I need to take advantage of this?
As for gear, I only have a lightsnake cable.
Comments
The ADC would be like your "interface", only it's not what it to
The ADC would be like your "interface", only it's not what it today termed an interface because you're not using mic pres on it, you're just using it to convert to digital, which, if it's a designated ADC is probably better anyway.
I don't know much about the Lightsnake, but I don't think it will send 9 channels of audio from an ADC to a usb connector. More like 1. So, even though you have 9 tracks on GarageBand, you're still mixing to stereo on the mixer and then ouputting mono with that pimpy cable.
You need some sort of digital, multi-channel signal from a multi-channel source if you want to record 9 tracks simultaneously.
Someone help me out, cause I'm still pretty new to all this, too. I don't think he's going to be able to do things the way he wants. And the Lightsnake from what I can see has a lot of quality issues and is pretty much meant to plug in a guitar right to a computer.
Best way to think this thru is to follow the signal. 1) Source-
Best way to think this thru is to follow the signal.
1) Source-instrument , voice,whatever is it you want to record. Goes into number 2.
2) Transducer-microphones and/or di boxes. If using a di you'll need an instrument cable between it and the instrument. Also mic stands to place the mics. On to number 3.
3)Interconections-xlr cables, that go to number 4.
4)Microphone preamps-the mixer may or may not have these. Also check that it has as many as you want to use. Then number 5.
5)Interconections-again, cables. What type and how many depends on how you get the signal out of the microphone preamps. Some mixers have direct outs. If yours has them use them,that's the shortest path. Into number 6.
6)Computer audio interface-check Garageband's manual or site for it's requirements on this. Then number7.
7)Interconections-again, cables. What type depends on the interface and your computer.
Hope that helps.
The mbox will work but you can only record 4 tracks at a time. T
The mbox will work but you can only record 4 tracks at a time. The only way to get 9 simutaneous tracks recorded indavidually would be to have a digital audio interface with that many inputs if that is what you are going for. A comprimise if the mixer has four bus output would be to rout everything throught the mixer and and tie the 4bus output to the 4 inputs of the Mbox2. This will give you at least digital tracks to mix. It will be a very "live" mix. You will be limited to the post editing. Depending on the mixer and equipment this could be good or bad. Its worth a try. It wont cost anything and you will definitly learn something.
A multi-channel ADC and more mics, cables and stands for starter
A multi-channel ADC and more mics, cables and stands for starters.