Solved: Recording Directly to Tape

[ghettosynth]

They're under $100 brand new, get back on that horse!

[tommyzai]

They're under $100 brand new, get back on that horse!

I was looking at the Mix5 for $70, but there's some confusion about phantom power. What on Earth does this mean?

"Preamplifier always provides +15V phantom power for some condenser mics"
What does "some" condenser mics mean"

I called Mackie. One rep told me the unit doesn't have phantom power. I asked to speak to another rep, and he told me it does have it. Then I did a Google search and Mr. Google A.I. wrote, "On the Mix5, there is a constant 15V Phantom Power engaged. On all three models, make sure you do not plug any single-ended, unbalanced, or ribbon microphones while phantom power is engaged and never with the Mix5 (since it is always on)."

What the?

[cryophonik]

You might have better luck reading reviews from actual users on Sweetwater, Amazon, B&H, etc.

[tommyzai]

You might have better luck reading reviews from actual users on Sweetwater, Amazon, B&H, etc.

Yeah, you might be right. What a mess. Turns out, they use 15v phantom power instead of 48v . . . probably to save money.

[ghettosynth]

You might have better luck reading reviews from actual users on Sweetwater, Amazon, B&H, etc.

Yeah, you might be right. What a mess. Turns out, they use 15v phantom power instead of 48v . . . probably to save money.

For now this won't matter. It may never matter, but, if you're really concerned you can look up the specs for your microphone. If you have a dynamic mic, you won't even need phantom power. Many, if not most low end mixers use 15v phantom power.

You should tell us exactly the model of mic that you are using. Also, what kind of guitar (acoustic/electric), and what are you playing it through? Do you have any pedals, do you have a multi-efx pedal of some sort? In short, how do you plan to capture guitar; direct, or with a microphone?

Also, I assume that you are just going to record without direct monitoring through headphones? That's really the easiest way to get started, although, you will have to fiddle about a bit to get levels right.

Finally, I assume that you are planning to pan vocals/guitar left right so that you can mix down later? Or, are you hoping to just capture the mix right in the room without applying any mixing effects.

[tommyzai]

I'm using the Rode NT-1 and Shure SM-57. I'm looking for another deal on the Mackie 402VLZ4 4-Channel Audio Mixer with Onyx Microphone Preamplifiers.

[ghettosynth]

One thing that I like about the Mackie 402VLZ4 4-Channel Audio Mixer is the low-cut and hi-z switches on both mic/line inputs. One thing that I don't like is that you either have phantom power on both channels, or neither channel. Slightly higher end mixers will often give you a switch per channel. This most likely won't be a problem for you, but with that mixer, you don't have a choice.

I will say that buying the mixer that is at the absolute minimum requirements can lead to disappointment later.

[tommyzai]

In my situation, I just want to record one instrument at a time onto tape, then "sample" it into my DAW. Hopefully this one does the job.

[ghettosynth]

Ah, I see, you're just trying to get the sound of the tape? I thought that you just wanted a simple analog recording setup for two channels. That doesn't change any of my advice, I just want to make sure that I understand your workflow.

[tommyzai]

Ah, I see, you're just trying to get the sound of the tape? I thought that you just wanted a simple analog recording setup for two channels. That doesn't change any of my advice, I just want to make sure that I understand your workflow.

I appreciate your word, and I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully I don't mind any limitations straight off.

[tommyzai]

Ah, I see, you're just trying to get the sound of the tape? I thought that you just wanted a simple analog recording setup for two channels. That doesn't change any of my advice, I just want to make sure that I understand your workflow.

I appreciate your words, and I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully I don't mind any limitations straight off.

[martinjuenke]

What an Odyssee...

[martinjuenke]

This (for example) would have been cheaper:
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trtapemac440

[tommyzai]

This (for example) would have been cheaper:
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trtapemac440

Software emulation?

[martinjuenke]

This (for example) would have been cheaper:
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trtapemac440

Software emulation?

Come over to the dark side of audio!