Confused as to the best way to track OTB to mix ITB.

[Say Again]

My other idea was to record all the drums through the 8 ins on my soundcard and then record a pass of bass, synth, etc. with tweaking live...

But as I said - the sync to Ableton from the MPC60 is awful and it would result in an awful groove of misaligned crap. :-/

[Reptil]

submix a few send this to the MPC
record a number of tracks at the same time (incl. MPC output) to keep the groove intact.
then mix inside the DAW

alternative:
submix for MPC (same)
mix everything on the Mackie, record the stereo output

because:
minimise the number of AD DA conversions (see here: once or twice is not going to hurt, but more.... )
try both and see if you can maximise quality, and the "feel" of the track.
sometimes it's better to mix on a cheap mixer, than ITB, it depends on your skill of both.
then pick the one you like best
extra work but worth the effort I'd say

then post your findings here please

[Karloff70]

Then get a nicer sounding mixer with either direct outs or enough group outs? Funny times......loads of people querying about how to solve certain situations....that all shout "MIXER"....but most don't want one.....at least you're considering one, as it is what your situation demands....

[Say Again]

Thanks for the replies. I really do appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Reptil

submix a few send this to the MPC

Could you explain this idea a bit more? Do you mean create a sub mix of the song in the mixer and resample it in to the MPC?

Then are you suggesting that I would then record that along with the real output of the gear to make sure it "maintains the groove"?

I like the idea I think you are trying to convey but not sure I totally get it.

I actually am completely into the idea of a better mixer. Especially one that had direct or group outs. I also love the idea of mixing 100% OTB - however I am not in a financial place to buy a great mixer and a few really great compressors to supplement my ITB mixing techniques that would require some direct inserts and a killer master bus compressor like an SSL.

Right now my only compressors are the Golden Age 54 and a cheap ass Alesis 3636 so it would be a significant investment to get a nice board and a few compressors.

[Karloff70]

I believe a Soundcraft Delta DLX has direct outs........not a massive financial leap.