Also Seeking Recording Advice

[edwin]

Related question. I'm using a Soundcraft board similar to the ones people have been talking about that, in addition to analog to the PA, sends the individual channels out through USB. Right now, I'm recording that into a laptop running Reaper, and it seems to work well enough.

But I'd like to use the board's USB out and record into other things - I think I'm looking for a D/A converter that lets me take the multichannel USB input (out from the board) and convert it to analog (xlr or DB25), or optical, or etc.

I'm not sure how to search for something like this - can anyone aim me in the right direction?
Thanks, Mark.

USB isn't a digital audio protocol, it's a computer protocol. So, it can't be converted directly to a digital audio format, it needs a computer in between. Does the Soundcraft have the option for Dante, MADI, ADAT, or other multitrack digital formats?

[mavnet]

Nope, just usb and analog. There aren't inserts for each channel on this board, or i'd pull out analog and do something with it. Oh, well. Guess the little computer comes to gigs with us.

[lbpesq]

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Mackie DL32r.  It will record up to 32 simultaneous tracks onto a computer or an external harddrive.  Anyone want a good deal on a DL1608?

Bill, tgo

[mavnet]

Congrats! Please let us know how it works for you. I'm especially interested if you get around to direct to hard drive. Good luck with your new toys!

[edwin]

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Mackie DL32r.  It will record up to 32 simultaneous tracks onto a computer or an external harddrive.  Anyone want a good deal on a DL1608?

Bill, tgo

Maybe. I need an in ear mixer for when we travel. My boys are spoiled!

[lbpesq]

It's ridiculously small and light, though I'm not sure how you could integrate it with a house PA so as to use it just to mix IEMs.

Bill, tgo

[lbpesq]

Used the new Mackie mixer and Yamaha speakers for the first time this afternoon.  Used the mains only for vocals in the room, but sent 12 tracks (2 vocals, 2 guitars, bass, and 7 drum mics) to a USB hard drive.  During breaks, and after we were done, I played it all back through the Yamahas, tweaked it a little to get the levels balanced, amd it sounded pretty darn good!   I was able to tweak the PA, and control the recorder on my mic-stand-mounted iPad while I played.  I think I made the right decision getting the DL32r. 

Bill, tgo