I want to run lots of line instruments through 2 channel soundcard using a mini mixer

[adg21]

I have a fireface 800. I've been thinking about selling it and rethinking my setup. I'm currently using about 8 of the inputs on the fireface to plug in in my stuff, Keyboards, Synths, Guitar, Bass. However the only person that ever really uses the rig is myself and I never record anything more than a single stereo channel at any one point in time. I find it a pain in ass having to constantly switch the inport port devices in cubase and navigate the correct input changing for each channel whenever I change my mind on which synth I want to record. I think the most sensible thing would be to plug everything into an 8 or 16 channel mixer and manually control any audio that comes out of that mixer's stereo output and into a 2 channel soundcard. I think this would be a more sensible and manageable way to channel all my synths whichever way I like. It would certainly make, say, recording different synths onto one audio track a hell of a lot easier (if I so wished to do that).

My question is this: Will I be able to do this without getting any loss in quality for all my line instruments. I know I couldn;t get the same quality in mic pres as the fireface for cheap. But I actually have a good 1 channel preamp which I would use to record vocals through, this being my one and only piece of equipment that requires a mic pre. I would then simply take the output from the mic pre and plug it into the mixer where it would become just another channel like all the others. Obviously I could have this synth management system using a mixer AND keeping the fireface, but the point is, not only do I not need it, it is hindering and slowing down my work flow. I could sell it and buy a cheaper 2 channel interface with no mic pres, but that has just as good latency handling and ad/da conversion

If you think this is a good idea please recommend me an 8 channel mixer that will give me no loss in quality i.e. wont affect or colour the sound in any way before entering the sound card's 2 channel input. Or on second thoughts, maybe just a box that doesn't have faders or anything

Thanks

[therabbit]

Zero loss of quality is something which you will never get, with ANY piece of equipment. Rather than buying a mixer with lots of stuff you aren't going to use, why not buy a patchbay?

You'll still have to reconnect everything, but you'll be heeps faster.

Just an idea, but if you are going for the mixer, you'd have to be willing to invest, as good mixers don't come cheap.

hope this helps,

[adg21]

Coleman Audio Switchers

notably the GT6a perhaps. Would this (or something similar do the trick)?

cheers

[who?]

What kind of music are you making? I have used a yamaha em 100 mixer for this very purpose. I find that overdriving the channels slightly can lead to a very warm vintage-y synth sound - better than anything i could do ITB. There are probably more transparent types of gear for your purposes - but you may want to look for something that adds a bit of color to your mixes. I find that tracking through a console/mixer with some vibe can really help glue my mixes together - especially when dealing with certain types of electronic music. Look for some cheap mixers from the 70's and you can get some pretty sweet sounds on the cheap. If you are trying to sound like top 40 i wouldn't necessarily recommend this approach.

[adg21]

A variety of music. Cheers, however I really want is something transparent (or the closest thing) if it's possible, maybe a good 8 channel mixer would be nice if you can recommend anything in particular(?)

[Jose]

Originally Posted by adg21

I have a fireface 800. I've been thinking about selling it and rethinking my setup. I'm currently using about 8 of the inputs on the fireface to plug in in my stuff, Keyboards, Synths, Guitar, Bass. However the only person that ever uses the rig is myself and I never record anything more than a single stereo channel at any one point in time. Never. I find it a pain in ass having to constantly switch the inport port devices in cubase and navigate the correct input changing for each channel whenever I change my mind on which synth I want to record. I think the most sensible thing would be to plug everything into an 8 or 16 channel mixer and manually control any audio that comes out of that mixer's stereo output and into a 2 channels soundcard. I think this would be a more sensible and manageable way to channel all my synths whichever way I like. It would certainly make, say, recording different synths onto one audio track a hell of a lot easier (if I so wished to do that).

My question is this: Will I be able to do this without getting any loss in quality for all my line instruments. I know I couldn;t get the same quality in mic pres as the fireface for cheap. BUT I actually have a good 1 channel preamp which I would use to record vocals through, this being my one and only piece of equipment that requires a mic pre. I would then simply take the output from the mic pre and plug it into the mixer where it would become just another channel like all the others. Obviously I could have this synth management system using a mixer AND keeping the fireface, but the point is, not only do I not need it, it is hindering and slowing down my work flow. I could sell it and buy a cheaper 2 channel interface with no mic pres, but that has just as good latency handling and ad/da conversion (PLEASE name me one of those soundcards for PC if you know a the best one)

If you thought this was a good idea please recommend me a stearling 8 channel mixer that will give me ZERO loss in quality i.e. it wont affect or colour the sound in any way before entering the sound card's 2 channel input. Or on second thoughts, maybe just a box that doesn't have faders or anything - in fact I'd definitely prefer that - I can control gain for the instruments from the instruments themselves and from the gain on the sound card. That's exactly what I need, something I can plug 8 line ins that has one stereo output and that doesn't do anything other than exactly that? Perhaps a switching box? Anyone? I don't know much about switching boxes

Please please recommend me something.

Thanks

Actually, are you sure adding another piece of gear with more knobs etc...would simplify your workflow?

You can create template projects with cubase, this could be another option...