Mackie vlz?

[Jiggity]

Got A question that I just don't understand. Don't mean to sound ignorant here but how do you record with an analog mixer into a computer and is there a way to separate each track. For instance if I want to record 8 drum tracks at once, how do you get the computer to recognise the 8 different signals. Do you use some sort of converter or what? I read a thread about a dakota I think. what is it how many tracks can you do at once with a 1604?
I am currently using a presonus firepod. It is very user friendly but I don't really like the preamps. Looking for something better. I know people bash Mackie stuff but I have heard good things about the vlz and even better about the onyx. Don't really want to blow that much money on an onxy but what are my other opotions if any? I also want something I can use on live sound if need be. Phonic Helix maybe? Any thoughts for a humble working man would be great.

[8th_note]

I'm not sure how the Firepod is configured but I would guess that it has line inputs that bypass the preamps for each channel. Check the manual and see if this is a feature the interface has.

If you have a mixer with direct outputs from each channel, like a Mackie 1642 VLZ, you can run the direct channel strip outputs to the line inputs on your Firepod and this will give you an individual recording channel for each mixer channel.

I've not heard the Firepod preamps but everything I read indicates that they are clean and useable. You definitly don't want to get a Macke VLZ - that would be a step down. I'm not sure if an Onyx would be a big step up but the pres have a good reputation.

My advice is to get an Electro Harmonix 12AY7 single channel preamp and try it out. They are less than $200 but they sound extremely good. See if this pre makes a difference in your tracks. If so, it would be worth spending some money on outboard preamps. Another good option is a 2 channel ART MPA Gold. They go for about $350.

If you are expecting a dramatic difference by upgrading your preamps then I think you might be disappointed. The change is fairly subtle and much less than you will get from different microphones. If you live in an urban area and can rent a high end preamp and that's another good option to see if that's really the route you want to go.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Jiggity

Got A question that I just don't understand. Don't mean to sound ignorant here but how do you record with an analog mixer into a computer and is there a way to separate each track. For instance if I want to record 8 drum tracks at once, how do you get the computer to recognise the 8 different signals. Do you use some sort of converter or what? I read a thread about a dakota I think. what is it how many tracks can you do at once with a 1604?
I am currently using a presonus firepod. It is very user friendly but I don't really like the preamps. Looking for something better. I know people bash Mackie stuff but I have heard good things about the vlz and even better about the onyx. Don't really want to blow that much money on an onxy but what are my other opotions if any? I also want something I can use on live sound if need be. Phonic Helix maybe? Any thoughts for a humble working man would be great.

The firepod has VASTLY superior sounding pre-amps to the VLZ. The VLZ is horrible. Onyx is okay, but Firepod is still probably better ....

To get the separate sounds into the PC, you need a soundcard or interface capable of recording the number of tracks required. So if you want to record 8 tracks at a time you need an 8 input soundcard or interface. To play back 8 tracks into 8 channels on a mackie, you'll need a similar 8 output system.

There are literally hundreds products to do this , some digital based (which means you'll have to either connect to digital console or us extra AD and DA converters) and some with analogue in/out's.

The firepod has 8 inputs via its 8 pre-amps. It also has 8 line outs. Connect each output to a desk, if thats your bag.

[Jiggity]

I have read that presonus preamps are good but I had no Idea they are better than a vlz. I know a local sound guy who swears by the vlz. Says that is what you want and nothing sounds better for the money. I am pleased with the firepod but there is no way to route around the preamps in the firepod. so if I wanted to use a separate amp I would still be getting the firepod sound. Maybe that is not such a bad thing. I really can't complain about the sound. Just though their might be a better alternative. People rant and rave about preamps. I have never owned anything to copare with the firepod. I am a newbie. I really don't even know what preamps do to your sound that makes them so expensive. It must be something good though. They sure are expensive.

[fooman]

I use a 1604 VLZ Pro on drums because I can't afford enough API 3124+'s to cover 8+ mics. So usually a few toms and the hats/room mics go to the VLZ I have. I haven't had complaints. Yea, an API is better, but with the right mic and a good player there's no worries.

The difference between preamps are stronger transients, more defined, controlled low-end, etc. I went from Behringer, to Mackie, to FMR RNP, to API within the past 5 years or so. I learned a lot in each step. I also researched a ton before I bought any preamp. I bought my Mackie for the preamps that have been said to be the best for the money at the time. I bought it, tried it, and loved how the mixer worked so.... cool!

I also use the mixer as a headphone monitor mixer. I can do a lot with that mixer, so I do! Bought a decent outboard reverb, and vocalists are happy.

Anywho, you might want to just get an 8-channel convertor unit like the Delta 1010 or something. No preamps on there.

[Doc Mixwell]

I have a 16 VLZ,

Its terrible, it's gone from my studio forever, as soon as I figure out how to make a cue send without it. Anyone want it?

I patch the outputs of my Rosetta 200 into the monitors,
Its sounds amazing!

I patch the output of my Rosetta into the VLZ,
Horrible Roll Off, terrible upper octave brittle and annoying brightness that IS NOT THERE.

I proceed to un-patch VLZ from the chain.

Check out the Sebaton 4000e, its another really stellar option for a decently priced, yet extremely musical 4 channel with character. I might also recommend the Speck Mic Pre 5.0 for two channels of really pure and deep sounding audio.

[8th_note]

I want to record 8 drum tracks at once, how do you get the computer to recognise the 8 different signals. Do you use some sort of converter or what?

Your Firepod is an 8 channel firewire interface. You should be able to record 8 channels simultaneously with this piece of gear. If you can't record 8 channels then you are not setting things up properly in your audio software.

My advise is to use the pres in your Firepod and quit worrying about it. If your tracks sound OK, they are OK. If you make crappy recordings it won't be because of your Firepod.

[Jiggity]

Yeah I can record 8 tracks at once. My firepod works great. I just thought there was maybe a better way of doing things. Like I say A local guy I know swears by mackie so I though I was really missing out or something. I need a live board and I thought maybe I could kill two birds with one stone with a vlz and sell the firepod. I guess I will stick with the firepod for recording. It certainly does not sound bad. Any recommendations on a good 16 channel live mixer? Looking to replace my old Peavy.

[dannygold]

Adam:

Yes, I want your VLZ.