Need opinions/advice on my set up.......

[JohnnyWB]

UB802 mixer http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/content/cpd=EU861/base_pid=631238/
(Thanks for the suggestion Craig)

2) MXL 990 mic's

Tape out from mixer connected to line in on my integrated soundcard (Dell 8300 PC)

Line out from PC sound card connected to Line In 3/4 on mixer - I did this so I could use the phones output and volume control on the mixer instead of plugging the headphones in to headphone plug on PC. Also, connecting this way enables me to record audio from my PC (Skype calls, streaming audio).

When I turn up the Line 3/4 level it takes away from my mic levels. Also, as I turn the Line 3/4 level up, it gets REALLY loud and hissy at about halfway. The Line 3/4 level sounds lineal until this halfway point.

My sound quality is good. I'm just wondering if there is a better way to set up.

I'm sure the integrated sound card is not of great quality. I've been thinking of upgrading.

I hope I have explained this in a way that is understandable. Thank you for any and all advice.

JB

[jeffoest]

I think it sounds like you are ready to roll.

The weakest link in your particualr chain is PROBABLY the stock sound card.

The second weakest link is PROBABLY the mio pre-amps in the mixer (they are pretty cheap and noisy BUT for $50 for a whole mixer - a bargain)

BUT, that said, I think you have a great system to start with. As you do podcasts and learn more about your sound and your ears get better, you may desire to address the winkest links as you see fit - but I think you're good to go for now.

[djacobs003]

You definately need to not use the built in sound card on your laptop. I tried that and it was always horrible. Try the Griffin Imic. It's not the highest end solution, but for $40 it sounds great. Works with PC or Mac.

Also, it was recommended that instead of using the tape out on the mixer, to use the main out. It takes some special cables for this, but you can usually find them at Radio Shack or a music store. You need two 1/4" mono to a single mini stereo plug. I'm not sure this makes a big difference, but I did it anyway.

Now, can someone tell me how high the gain should be for the microphone? How do you determine how to set the gain vs. the main volume for the Mic?

[JohnnyWB]

David, the Behringer manual states that I should connect the "tape out" output to my recording device. In my case the line in on my pc's sound card. I'll try the main out and see if there is a difference. Also, I plan to check out your show.

Jeff, love the show. I'm a subscriber.

Thanks again.

JB

[jeffoest]

JB, Awesome! Thanks for listening in and saying that!!

NO experience with the Behringer here, but I would assume that the tape out and the main out should be the same quality (i.e. both line level). Usually mixers give you different outputs so you can patch different busses to them and/or hook up monitors to the main outs....

Jeff

[djacobs003]

I was using the tape outs for a long time as well and in reality I don't hear a difference with the main out. The suggestion came from The Point Podcast, done by Paul Figgiani. He really knows audio and audio production. for more great info, check out the podcast rigs forum at http://podcastrigs.net/forum/
and the podcast rigs blog at http://www.podcastrigs.com/. The point podcast is at http://www.pfiggianimsc.com/blog/. This is all pretty high end audio production stuff, but I have gotten some good information from what I do understand.

[TINKOFF RADIO]

Awesome info - thanks to everyone!

When in my "studio", I also run a line out off my Mackie mixer to my iRiver to record a "saftey" copy in case my laptop has a glitch in midstream. When I'm on the road, I just plug my Sony ECM-MS 907 into the iRiver and edit in post. Although I do like the Audio Technica Pro24 a bit more for a mic in this price range. My buddy has this mic - and it's really a great value.

Check out Michael Geohagen's excellent post where he share's his premium setup and how he records without his laptop!

http://reelreviewsradio.com/archives/2004/12/27/podcast-about-the-podcast/

[tartanpodcast]

David, the Behringer manual states that I should connect the "tape out" output to my recording device. In my case the line in on my pc's sound card. I'll try the main out and see if there is a difference. Also, I plan to check out your show.

Jeff, love the show. I'm a subscriber.

Thanks again.

JB

I use the main out on my mixer (Yamaha MG 10/2), picked up the cable easily and it works a treat.

I've just bought a Behringer Composer off eBay to handle compression and noise gate. Something like this might be next on your list?

[JohnnyWB]

I'm looking at the Behringer 2600.

Which model do you use?

Regards,

JB

[tartanpodcast]

I'm looking at the Behringer 2600.

Which model do you use?

Regards,

JB

Mixer?

Yamaha MG 10/2

[JohnnyWB]

I was speaking of your compressor that you recently purchased.

Cheers,

JB

[tartanpodcast]

I was speaking of your compressor that you recently purchased.

Cheers,

JB

A Composor XL, I think.