|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Dear Musicians -- Please help. I have this mixer... Behringer XENYX 1202FX Premium 12-Input 2-Bus Mixer http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-XENYX-12...NYX1202FX+Mixer...which has 2 outputs, both 1/4", for L and R. I want to know what hardware I need to get from that mixer to my computer and put the digital recording into Audacity or Reaper or something similar. I looking online and found this nice article... http://m.wikihow.com/Record-Live-Music...and it suggests that I need an "audio interface" like this. I found this audio-interface online at Amazon... Behringer UCA222 U-Control Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output And Massive Software Bundle http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-U...o+interface+usb...and I am wondering if that is good enough. Of course, I need to stay within a tight budget here. I definitely need at least live-recording capability such that all the instruments playing into the mixer get put on 1 track and pushed into Audacity. Ideally, it would be nice to have a live-recording capability such that each instrument is saved on a separate track. This is just for rough-cut, live-to-tape, basic recording to capture jam-sessions and rehearsals for our own personal review-- this is not for recording-studio-quality track-recording-- this is just for live-recording and the only re-touching that I would want to do (if any) is to set volume levels so the parts are balanced in volume. My computer is Windows 7 with USB connectors. So, I think the questions are... (1). What hardware do I need to connect my mixer to my computer to record live-recordings as single-track? (2). What hardware do I need to connect my mixer to my computer to record live-recordings as multi-track? Please advise. Thanks. -- Mark Kamoski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353 |
Hi Mark.
1) This is easy - the mixer you have plus the interface you mention will work to record in stereo into Audacity.
2) This is more complicated. Firstly you need a much more expensive interface which has multiple inputs - as many as the number of tracks you want to record simultaneously. Then you need a new mixer with direct outputs on each channel, so that these can be connected to the interface. Finally, you need software which will record several tracks at the same time. Something like Power Tracks is as good and cheap as anything. If you decide on this route, there are lots of people on the forum who will recommend interfaces.
ROG.
EDIT - Some interfaces will allow you to connect mics and instruments straight in without the mixer, but you lose the facilities which the mixer has, such as EQ and effects.
Last edited by ROG; 11/02/12 10:51 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Multi meaning left and right or multi meaning more than 2?
If you want to record multi tracks where you mean laying track upon track upon track, we'd need to know more.
Is what you are doing recording a band in the room with everything running through your mixer and you want it to record on individual tracks?
Do you have a credit card with a lot of room on it, because you are now talking about multi track capable hardware. Somewhere in the bowels of these forums you will find a thread about my experiene with Mark of the Unicorn hardware. That would required a fairly expensive interface card for your computer (I think it cost me like $175 used) amd a couple of hardware interfaces (MOTUs were fine for me, but the will do only 8 tracks of analog audio each, so you'll need at least 2. $85-ish used on Craigslist or eBay.) And a bunch of patch cables, one per channel. Then some kind of DAW software that will record multitrack input, unless you play in perfect tune, time and balance on the first take. If you just record those many tracks mixed down to one left and one right into Audacity, you are cool with just Audacity running and you can mix the levels at the mixer. If you want to do any dubbing, redos of a section, etc... remember that with just a L and a R you have no control over just the bass, just the piano, just the guitar.... everything is ganged together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Save yourself a lot of time, money and aggravation and do a lot of reading before you buy anything. Here is a good place to start: http://www.audiominds.com/index.htmlRegards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
As others have said, it's not a necessity to use a mixer in between your signal sources and a multi-channel audio interface.
I've been doing home recording that way for nearly 20 years - never had a mixer in the system.
Mixers can be useful, but not necessary. And since they are powered and so forth, they do add a source of noise into your recorded signal chain - if that matters to you.
Depending on how many channels you want to record, you need to consider how many condenser microphones you will simultaneously record for separate processing in your software, as these need phantom power - The number of phantom powered channels in an audio interface is probably the main source of expense, as a general rule of thumb.
If you want to bus down drum tracks into two-channel pairs - then you can use your existing mixer to provide power to those condensers and record drums by themselves as a two track then overdub other stuff - that's a way of working that is also well-worn and proven out - and the interface will be less expensive.
Best wishes and welcome to the home recording world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Mark, if you just bought that Behringer you could return it and get this one: http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEH1204USBSame mixer but with USB so it is it's own interface plus they give you some good looking software to go with it. If you need more inputs then go for the next one up. Scott is also correct, any good interface that is not a physical mixer comes with a software mixer so everything is handled inside your computer but if you need 4 or 6 or more mic/line inputs for live recording then those are expensive and this Behringer is a better buy money wise. I also agree don't be in a hurry to buy anything just yet, do some reading first. Whether or not you'll be using condenser mic's is merely one thing for you to think about. Condenser's require phantom power and if you don't know what that is and you're new interface you just bought doesn't have that then that's a big oops. There's lots of those floating around. You have to really think about exactly what you're planning to do and how you're doing it then understand what equipment is required for that. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,749
Posts795,741
Members39,950
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean