New to Recording. Neep help!!!

[xtremenut]

I'm starting a basic home pc studio and need help setting it right. I
currently have an Echo MIA in mind for a card since it's cheap, has 2
balanced 1/4 inch ins and outs and can do MIDI as well.

Now my main question is, how would I go about adding a mixer, pre-amp and
such to the setup? Do I run the mixer cables through all 4 ins and outs of
the card and then run the mixer out to a powered receiver/speaker? Or do I
have to power the inputs to the card from the mixer? I'm a bit confused on
how to do that. Also, should I buy a powered mixer or just a regular one?
And last but not least, where would I put the pre-amps for the mics/vocals?

Sorry if these questions seem stupid but I need help doing this. I know I
could never run a powered amp (guitar amp or whatever) into my regular sound
card cause it would blow it but would a pro recording card allow this? Thank
you all so much in advance.

Chris
"the newbie"

[N2N Productions]

"xtremenut" > wrote in message
news:zJctb.401$%b2.29@lakeread05...
> I'm starting a basic home pc studio and need help setting it right. I
> currently have an Echo MIA in mind for a card since it's cheap, has 2
> balanced 1/4 inch ins and outs and can do MIDI as well.
>
> Now my main question is, how would I go about adding a mixer, pre-amp and
> such to the setup? Do I run the mixer cables through all 4 ins and outs of
> the card and then run the mixer out to a powered receiver/speaker? Or do I
> have to power the inputs to the card from the mixer? I'm a bit confused on
> how to do that. Also, should I buy a powered mixer or just a regular one?
> And last but not least, where would I put the pre-amps for the
mics/vocals?
>
> Sorry if these questions seem stupid but I need help doing this. I know I
> could never run a powered amp (guitar amp or whatever) into my regular
sound
> card cause it would blow it but would a pro recording card allow this?
Thank
> you all so much in advance.
>
> Chris
> "the newbie"
>
>

Hi Chris,

For your setup I think all you need are a pair of powered monitor speakers
to go out directly from your Mia analog outputs. Instead of a mixer I
suggest reasonably priced mic/instrument preamp(s) going directly into your
Mia analog inputs. This will provide the cleanest sound and the most
reliable way of knowing what you hear will be burned to your cd after
recording/mixing/mastering your project. I have set up many home/project
studios with this exact combination with marvelous results for many
satisfied customers. If you let me know your budget I can help you decide on
which items to purchase. I am an owner of a pro audio/midi store and can get
you the best deals on the gear you need and I offer free studio setup and
consultation. Please contact me personally if you would like my assistance.

Kind regards,

Sam Langley
N2N Productions
email:
Cyber store: www.N2NProductions.com

[Mike Rivers]

In article <zJctb.401$%b2.29@lakeread05> writes:

> Now my main question is, how would I go about adding a mixer, pre-amp and
> such to the setup? Do I run the mixer cables through all 4 ins and outs of
> the card and then run the mixer out to a powered receiver/speaker? Or do I
> have to power the inputs to the card from the mixer?

Check out Ethan Winer's web site http://www.ethanwiner.com. He has an
article there in which he describes a sensible basic recording setup.

> Also, should I buy a powered mixer or just a regular one?
> And last but not least, where would I put the pre-amps for the mics/vocals?

Nearly any mixer you'll buy will have mic preamps so you won't need to
buy those separately. A "powered" mixer has a built-in power amplifier
to drive speakers, but these are usually designed for PA applications.
You'd be better off getting a mixer without a power amplifier and get
yourself some decent powered monitor speakers which can be driven
directly from the mixer. Alternately, you could get unpowered speakers
and put a power amplifier between the mixer and speakers. This may be
less expensive initially, particualrly if you're a good scrounge, but
there are many modestly priced (under $1000/pair) powered monitors
that you can rely on to tell you pretty much what your recordings
sound like. This is about the most important thing in your chain.



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