Mixers, Computers, Recording...HELP!

[dmbmonkeytree]

I just bought a Behringer Eurorack UB802 for some small home recording on my computer. Now the question is, how do I hook it up to my computer? The mixer has a L and R Control Room out and a L and R Main Out. I am assuming that i will use instrument cables for this. But what output do I use and what input (on the computer) do I use. I am assuming the Line in on my sound card but I have no clue. I could really use some help. Also since the Line in is only one jack, do I connect to the L or R of either of the Outputs of the mixer. All help is VERY much appreciated. Thanks!

[geekmug]

what you want to do is use the Main Outs assuming they aren't XLR (funky mic style connectors, if you don't know what an XLR plug looks like). If they are 1/4" outs.. you will need to go from two Mono 1/4" male connectors to one stereo 1/8" .. I don't actually think you can buy a cable that is this (I don't know why either, seems like something there is a market for). What you need is a 1/8" to stereo RCA plugs.. and then you should be able to find 1/4" to RCA adapters. Also, the Main Out might have some line level adjust buttons or knobs.. you want to make sure it is set to normal line level.. and not something that would read like "mic level" or anything wierd. I think your mixer board will not have any such adjust, in that case, you are good to go.

[Lexington Steele]

Save up and get a sound card that will have the rca inputs. I got a Audigy Platinum about a year back and love it. It was around $200. You won't regret investing in a good sound card. I promise.

Lex

[dmbmonkeytree]

Thanks a lot guys! I think for now I'm going to go with the soundcard I have and the next thing I invest in will probably be a better sound card for recording.

[jwool]

I had the same mixer when I started recording, actually it was the 802A, which is almost identical--it's a very good place to start. When I started recording, I used the TAPE OUT (RCA jacks), both left and right, combined it into one mono signal (with an adapter from Radio Shack) which gets plugged directly into the input on your computer's sound card. Then you can use your favorite software to start laying down tracks.

Other info for you:

You could use any of the outputs on your mixer. The signal coming out of the Control Room Out and Main Out is identical (even to the TAPE OUT)...the only difference is the LEVEL (loudness), which is controlled by the "phones/ctr room" pot and the "main mix" pot, respectively.

Suggestions:

Get a good sound card (I used a Audiophile 24/96?, which has the stereo RCA inputs). This will make a huge difference. Though there is nothing wrong with keeping your original sound card. Though I don't use this setup anymore, I got some great beginner recording from it.

Any other questions, let me know. Hope this helps.

Jeff
http://www.allwool.net/jeffwool

[dmbmonkeytree]

Thanks a lot jwool, that helped a lot. I had no idea the output signal was identical, I will use the tape out and see how it sounds. Thanks!