There's no way to use that mixer to record more than three separate tracks at a time. Even then you don't have an interface capable of taking more than two channels of input.

bouldersound, post: 374905 wrote: There's no way to use that mixer to record more than three separate tracks at a time. Even then you don't have an interface capable of taking more than two channels of input.

So.....do you have a solution?

You were headed the right direction in your first post. Do some research to find an interface, or mixer-interface combo, that will do what you want within you budget.

bouldersound, post: 374917 wrote: You were headed the right direction in your first post. Do some research to find an interface, or mixer-interface combo, that will do what you want within you budget.

That's what I'm trying to fin with this post. Internet research is hard, because you can never really get exactly what you need to know. It's alot easier to ask your own questions, so you can get it as detailed as possible.
But I'm thinking: it would work if I just have an interface directly to my computer, right?

You could either get an interface with enough inputs or a mixer-interface with enough inputs. In the case of the mixer-interface be sure that it doesn't just allow for recording the stereo mix. Generally, interfaces with that many channels have some sort of DSP monitor mix facility, while mixer-interfaces typically let you do your monitor mix in analog with real knobs. The M-Audio product you mentioned is in the first category, and would let you record 8 microphones at the same time to separate tracks. Note that not all interfaces have mic preamps on all or any of their inputs. The M-Audio Delta 1010 is an example. You'd need an external board (with separate channel outs that your mixer lacks) or a rack of preamps.

I think I (more or less) get it.
Do you have any examples of any interfaces or mixer-interfaces with at least 8 mic inputs, for, say, under $300? Or do they just not exist at that price?
I COULD always go on Ebay, but that tends to be a last-resort thing for me. I'vehad the occasional bad experience on the internet :D

Hi there!

Looking for a gear for $300 may not seems to be the best way.
You may end up buying more! if you can still stretch your budget more and try
to get the good stuff. Take note Getting PC Soundcards you still need to get additional interfaces to go with it, because definitely you need Pre-amps with +48V. USB/Firewire audio interfaces may seem to solve the problem. You don't need a mixer to go with it, coz it has built in knobs for controls together with pre-amps.

But if you can push more on your budget at least $800 - $1600 there are mixers and interfaces that is a good buy for situation. Please take note as well the pre-amps on your audio gears can make an impression on your recordings!

Recommended Interfaces /Mixers for added flexibility:

USB/FIREWIRE/MIXER Check out these!

Saffire Pro 40, MR816C or MR816CX, Fast Track Ultra 8R, Profire 2626, XENYX UFX1604, Yamaha N12 or N8,
Presonus Studiolive 16.0.2, or Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2

Or if you are willing to invest for it you can try using Yamaha 01V96 VCM with the Audinate Dante Card this can give you a lot of difference in channels with audio networking capability using ASIO. You dont need a soundcard on your PC for streaming. you may browse and research it!

You may invest one time and you may use it for a long time!

Hope this one helps!

Lou Garcia
Lou-Riz Garcia

Saffire Pro 40, MR816C or MR816CX, Fast Track Ultra 8R, Profire 2626, XENYX UFX1604, Yamaha N12 or N8,
[="http://www.presonus.com/"]PreSonus[/]="http://www.presonus…"]PreSonus[/] Studiolive 16.0.2, or Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2

Personally, I would try not to invest ins something that will leave you wanting more. The M-audio stuff is sufficient but not great. There are very few here who would recommend anything from Beerslinger. If you decide to get a Firewire interface, make absolute sure that you have a firewire card with a Texas Instruments chipset.

If you are on a desktop, I would look for a used Digi 001 for two reasons. 1) they are cheap. 2) they are pci which means that you will get lower latency than with a Firewire interface. If you do decide to go that route, you can use the preamps in your mixer to feed the 001. Make sure you get the card and interface.

Another option is a n M-Audio Delta 1010. These also are not great interfaces but the drivers are pretty solid. Make sure you get the one with a breakout box not the LT. You could probably find one for under $200 on ebay. This one also is a PCI interface with a breakout box. Make sure you get both.
 

The only reason why I'm sticking with PCI interfaces is because they generally have the least compatibility issues. Make sure you download the latest drivers and use in compatibility mode if necessary.

You might also look into a used MOTU interface but BE CAREFUL! There are an awful lot of people selling these as FireWire interfaces. Many of them are NOT. They use a proprietary interface which looks like FireWire but requires one of their PCI cards. Don't get scammed.

You NEED one of these: [[url=http://="http://www.ebay.ca/…"]MOTU PCI-424 Interface Card for 2408 HD192 24I/O 24io | eBay[/]="http://www.ebay.ca/…"]MOTU PCI-424 Interface Card for 2408 HD192 24I/O 24io | eBay[/]

And one of these: [="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/MOTU-2408mkII-recording-interface-works-fine-/120759465554?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1dd33652"]MOTU 2408mkII recording interface - works fine | eBay[/]="http://www.ebay.ca/…"]MOTU 2408mkII recording interface - works fine | eBay[/]

Conversly, it should look like this as a package: [[url=http://="http://www.ebay.ca/…"]Motu 1224 Interface with PCI-324, Manual | eBay[/]="http://www.ebay.ca/…"]Motu 1224 Interface with PCI-324, Manual | eBay[/]

hueseph, post: 374965 wrote: If you do decide to go that route, you can use the preamps in your mixer to feed the 001.

Not his mixer. It has no direct outs or inserts.

I was looking at Digi 002 on craigslist. It's firewire, so I'd need card and the interface, but what else would I need? It has it's own phantom power source, and if I need more mic inputs, I can connect a preamp to it, right?
Is there anything else I'd need? And if not, would this be satisfactory?
N.B. I'm not exactly looking for studio-quality professional yet, just something to actually record and edit on. I just want to know if this can get the job done.

And thank you for all the help! :)

The 002 will work fine. It only has 4 preamps. TI chipset on the FireWire card. Don't forget. And, if you're using anything other than the protools it came with, make sure you download the latest ASIO drivers.

So to connect the interface via firewire, do I just need something like this: [[url=http://[/URL]="http://toronto.kiji…"]Firewire 3-Port PCI Card - City of Toronto Computer Parts For Sale - Kijiji City of Toronto Canada.[/]="http://toronto.kiji…"]Firewire 3-Port PCI Card - City of Toronto Computer Parts For Sale - Kijiji City of Toronto Canada.[/]
If so, then I think I've made my (if not temporary) decision. Thanks you all once again for your help, as it has all been great.
Happy Recording