Getting Multitrack outputs from my interface?

[RiF]

Originally Posted by charlieculbert

I understand that I could do the following chain to run microphones through the preamps on the console, but use the d/a converters in the tascam. Tell me if I am incorrect.

Mic>console channel xlr in>direct out>tascam line in>usb to Reaper

I guess you mean A/D (analog to digital) and not D/A.
Yes, that's the correct chain for recording through your console.

If your console has subgroups, you can even connect the subgroup outputs to your Tascam's line ins and then you can simply route the signal(s) you want to record to the appropriate subgroup without the need for recabling anything. By doing this, you can even use the console's EQs when the direct out is pre-EQ.

Originally Posted by charlieculbert

Now, is there a way that I could send my tracks out of Reaper and into the console for me to mix them? What should the signal chain for that look like?

Computer>tascam>line out to console and then Stereo out from console>tascam line ins>computer ????

The US-800 does not seem to have multiple outputs, so there's not much to "mix" if you send stuff out to the console.
But technically the chain is correct.

[gravyface]

Yup what he said ^^^

Your analog mixer isn't really doing much for you besides adding a bit of color (good or bad) and permitting more mics than tracks.

I did the same thing with my 4 Channel Delta 44 to record my band but since getting my US-2000, I don't even use my analog mixer anymore.

[charlieculbert]

Thanks!

RiF, thanks for reminding me. I was going to ask if the direct out would use the eq on the board or not. Very cool, I will use the subgroups.

So do you guys think that the preamps in the console will sound much better than the tascam? They were very high-end when the board came out, but would modern technology have caught up, and the tascam be just as good?

Also, if I wanted to be doing my mixing on the board, then what would I need to be able to do so? A box that was only A/D D/A converters, and then not use the tascam?