General Interface Question

[racemize]

This is sort of like the other post I have, but this is a general interface question (and not MOTU specific). I'm used to using a mixer that outputs a master stereo to my computer for recording. I want to be able to record more than one track at a time (e.g., using the MOTU mkii), but I'm having a conceptual problem with it. With the mixer I could control the input volume, panning, eq, etc. With these rack interfaces, how do you control this? I guess it becomes a software interface? Doesn't this interfere with software recording performance?

On a side note, control surfaces are for controlling the recording software not the interface right?

Thanks!

[George Necola]

you can buy EQs, compressors and preamps separatly, record it.. and then mix all the s tuff in your computer (with your sequencer)...


or


dont buy something at all (well you need preamps and directouts to your interface) and use plugins only.


cheers

[racemize]

I guess I'm just asking because, with my previous set up, I would generally record one track at a time with the mackie mixer, but I would generally need to adjust the recording volume down from 0db so that it wouldn't come in too hot. With these other systems, it appears I would have to do this with some software other than cubase (e.g., MOTU's CueMix software). It also appears not so easy to adjust gain with these interfaces (LCD menu's are not a pleasant alternative). So, in this case, it seems like I would have to run extra software and that would increase overhead for my recording software. See what I mean? I guess it wouldn't happen too often since most of the time (at least mine) isn't devoted to actual recording and more involves experimentation / mixing.

Another probably non issue question: Right now, I have my mixer run inputs to my current maudio interface, and then the output of the interface runs back to the mixer. The mixer sends audio output (through the main) to the interface and (through the control room) to the receiver. This way I can monitor inputs all the time as well as output from the computer. I assume that I would have this ability in one of these rack interfaces just by running the output of the interface to my amplifier?

Thanks!

[racemize]

One more misconception (hopefully). The main outs of the MOTU monitor the inputs of the MOTU. If the computer is playing sound, does that soun just suddenly appear in the main output? In other words, it seems like the computer is really another input when its playing music, but you don't really see it as a channel as its coming through the firewire. How do you control its volume with respect to other inputs? Using the software volume output in windows?