Multitrack Recording - Set up Mixer and Interface to Computer

Multitrack recording (also known as multitracking or just tracking for short) is a method of sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources. Here I show a basic setup for multitracking using an M-Audio Delta 1010 and a Behringer XENYX 1832FX Mixer.

[@SmilesAlotXD]

I have watched so many videos in the past year trying to figure out how to record multiple channels/mics when going from a mixer into a computer without condensing them all into a single track and this is the ONLY one that not only makes sense but actually explains how to do it. Thank you!

[@leereber2189]

9 years later, and this is still an amazing video!

[@alnoman.official]

can i use it for windows 10

[@starsofsound]

I love the professionalism. No stuttering, no guessing, no figuring it out as you go just the facts!

[@watcbd]

Hands down the best video I've seen about audio recording on youtube.

[@Studio20Two]

Very informative video. Confirmed what I thought to be true. I recently picked up a Behringer SX3242FX Eurodesk for the studio and was looking at getting the Delta1010 so I can record multiple tracks to my DAW. I'm using StudioOne Professional and its been a great DAW to work with. You did a great job on this video, I'm subscribed.

[@MaxlPeter]

I'm looking for a video like this since 2 years ! thanks

[@Manofmanytallets]

thank you so much thats exactly what i needed!!!!!!

[@VibhuRaoP]

@kashishbhasin i think you are using Behringer x1204, if im right. You are able to record in 6 simultaneous tracks using the USB port, It has 4 mic and 6 line inputs. This mixer works as both mixer and Interface.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

@dustypuppy Hey, thanks for the prompt response. Basically, we'd run the mixer pre fader, using the 'first click' method, out from the channel inserts, into the external audio interface (firepod, tascam, etc.,)- using the usb or firewire cable to run into our DAW,, in order to record x number of tracks. Does that sound right? In effect, we'd have a few analogue controls working in tandem with our interface, dedicated bus ports on the mixer for some speakers or monitors. etc.

[@FantaFuture92]

Your my hero i thought by another video you just can get an output by the direct output and not the insert im also now planing byuing the the m audio 1010!thanx so much bro i was like wtf just 1 channel recording and i need 8 for my drums !!!!

[@DeeplyDisturbed22]

@dustypuppy thank you, i searched guitar center for audio interfaces and the sound card from your video came up, with people commenting about how they use it and many of them used it how i want to so it just might work lol thanks again for the help

[@dustypuppy]

@hybridnysten Hi - this signal should be crystal clear. Change cords to make sure they're good - be sure they're pushed in snug. Have you tried recording (for example) a microphone? Does that also give you the buzz sound?

[@songswedo]

I just posted on one of your other videos with questions that you answered on this video lol. I got the Tascam M-164UF from Musicians friend yesterday on one of their "stupid deals" for $199! It's off the deal list now, but it's still only $299. Still a good starter price. I'm not advertising, just thought I'd pass along the deal. I like my Yamaha MG166cx-USB for performance mixing.

[@dustypuppy]

@antonpearson Is your interface good quality? I forget if Cubase uses "driver modes" or not - you should be using the ASIO driver mode. Also be sure you are using the latest drivers for your audio interface. They can be downloaded from the manufacturers website. I used cubase years ago - I remember having problems when buffer settings weren't set right and stuff - I hope you get 'er working ;) good luck

[@dustypuppy]

@CampaignGeetaur Thank you. It will cost around $600 or less. Here in Canada the Behringer 1832FX sells for under $300 The Delta 1010 audio interface is also less than $300

[@TheUshijinx]

Alright thanks again. I went ahead and picked up the delta1010lt for $100 and now i am dialing everything in.

[@bkulchycki]

This is an excellent setup. Technology has also come a long way recently. You can buy a USB or FireWire mixer with 8 XLR channels for under $300 Cnd now and a good program like n-track studio for $60 and you are set. I use a Presonus Firepod and Nuendo 2 for my system.

[@3trakman3]

@dustypuppy: very thorough vid. question; i have a m audio firewire 410 and i just got a mpc 2000xl (with 8 outs on back). i wanna be able to track out my beats all at once into pro tools. would a mixer (such as the one u have) make this easier or better in any way than tracking thru the 410? and if u could explain, what would be the major advantages of having a mixer and an audio interface rather than just the interface? Thanks in advance.

[@scottliu0991]

Thanks for the rapid reply, it's lots of help to me.

[@Eveningmedley]

Thanks for your quicke reply! Yes you gave me the answer I needed - I'm sorry but I couldn't explain any easier :) I was only concerned whether I could use mono RCA jack to 1/4 jack cable (to connect with mixer) and be able to maintain the stereo signal from sequencer track, or would I have to get double RCA cable (red and white) to 1/4 jack for that purpose? In first example I could output 8 tracks from this soundcard and in second I could only do that for 4 tracks (4 X 2 RCA red/white cable)

[@cvcgac]

@dustypuppy Wow. So they work as direct out for their own channel? Thanks. I have a Behringer xenyx x1622 and never new what they were for. Thanks again

[@cvcgac]

Hey. You said you plugged the 1/4" jacks, from the first 6 inserts to the first 6 inputs of your delta 1010lt. Is it like that or did you mean to outputs because arent the inserts on the mixer a bit like the line in input on your mixer? Thanks

[@dustypuppy]

@CHRCAR5 Sorry for the confusion. I am only using #1 and 2 of the 8 direct outs from the delta 1010 for a stereo mix. This stereo pair is sent to one of the available stereo strips on my board. I don't need the 8 outs because I mix within Sonar. You would however hook all 8 up to individual strips on your mixer if you wanted to mix that way. I hope this helps. Dwight

[@vet137]

@dustypuppy thank you for reply I was not going to use 16 maybe 6-8 I think I understand how you are using INSERTS your using them as single OUT signals correct? Each strip can be sent to the 1010 as single signals I guess? Not sure how the 1010 works with all those 1/4 inch cables coming from INSERT where do they go to the 1010 how do you hook them up to 1010? Also you show AUX mono out to the 1010 but is going only into 1 stereo channel how does the software detect individual channels then?

[@TheUshijinx]

hi dustypuppy thanks for the great video. i have a yamaha mg 166 cusb mixer and hate that i can only record one or 2 tracks at once using the usb interface. if i shell out the cash for the delta 1010 will this setup work for recording multiple tracks simultaneously? There aren't any inserts on the back of the mixer, i am taking it on the mg166 you use the inserts below the xlr inputs on each channel? thank you for your time

[@dustypuppy]

@cvcgac Thanks for pointing that out but it is what it is :) You see, these mixers have great routing possibilities. It gives you the ability to hook it up many different ways. These "inserts" can serve different functions depending on how far the jacks are pushed in. The way I use it, these inserts on the back of my mixer actually serve as outputs from each channel on my mixer (first 6 strips) good luck

what if i want to hook it up with a laptop? isn't there any other interface that would make me able to connect my mixer to the computer without using the audio intrface for desktop computers?

[@dustypuppy]

@cupidsvictim47 I'm sure you could use these together to record, but perhaps not needed, depending on how and what you want to record. Do you want to record just one instrument or voice at a time? Or do you want to record several things at once ? The dp-02 is a recorder by itself, but I suppose you could just use its channels to make a sub-mix

[@chechoel]

Hi, thanks a lot for the great video. right now I'm looking for a setup just like this for home recording, I already have a Delta 1010LT. Can you say more about the foot-switch you use? I haven't heard about something like that and would like to know what kind of fs it is and where do you plug it, thanks a lot

[@dustypuppy]

@backplommer Hi - thanks for your kind comments. Sorry, I am not sure if that would work. It seems Allen and Heath is high quality stuff and in reading some info on the net I see they also have a firwire Mixer. You better check with them or someone who uses one. Good luck.

[@apologiamixer]

Will this sound card work with Windows 7 ? I have used XP and a Behringer mixer and Adobe Audition multitract in the past but it appears 7 does not like older cards.

[@dustypuppy]

@musicianinshadow That US800 looks nice ! It will be connected to your PC with USB. It will become your default sound card. Take stereo output from the interface and plug it in to one of the stereo strips on your mixer. That will now become the master volume for ALL sounds coming from your computer. As for INPUT to the US800, it looks like you have at least 6 inputs there. You can go directly from the first 6 strips of your mixer like I did, and into the 6 inputs of the US800. good luck

[@cvcgac]

@dustypuppy I have two more questions :D What do you do with the delta 1010 outputs? Are they just for monitoring? and how do you have your speakers set up? i mean like are they connected from your main out on your mixer? thanks

[@alexchud]

That's a great video!! Do you have any suggestions for a nice external sound module ? I am looking at getting one, there are so many on the market its hard to decide which one to get :) Thanks Cheers, Alex

[@kind1277]

do u have any idea of how to change the project's tempo in sonar i mean i dont have a problem if the project was all midi but i have a problem when the project is all waves

[@Eveningmedley]

Hello Dustypuppy, I have one silly question that I can't get answer to anywhere. I'm having the same soundcard as you have - 1010LT and I would like to make an analog mixdown (send each track from sequencer to mixer and then route it back to sequencer). I was wondering if it is possible to send "stereo signal" from sequencer from one RCA jack output only (let's say "left1" for example) to 1/4 input of the track? or would I need to send from both - "left1" and "right1" signal to that channel?

[@dustypuppy]

Hi 1 That's correct. Because the 1 and 2 inputs for the Delta are XLR, I begin with 3 for convenience. 2 This setup will be the same as when using the UCA202. Stereo output from mixer goes to stereo input on your KRF-V5050D. good luck

[@dustypuppy]

@NoDealPunk That soundcraft 200 looks like an awesome mixer. The routing possabilities are endless with a unit like that. Still I suggest you hook it up like I describe in this video to get started, then experiment more once you learn more about your mixer. Good luck

[@dustypuppy]

@CampaignGeetaur I dont use pre-amps and don't expect you'll need to either. My mixer has phantom power but I only use that when using my large diaphragm condenser microphone.

[@scottliu0991]

Dear Sir, Need your help, I have a Mackie cr1604 mixer and M-Audio Delta1010, but I don't know how to connect it through Mackie mixer and make the whole band instruments multitracks recording, playback(monitoring) simultaneously as well.

@dustypuppy then how would i connect the mixer to the computer? do u know a particular external interface which supports this sir?

[@dustypuppy]

@shrivibhu This is exactly how my studio is presently set up. It works great and the audio clarity is fantastic. This is only a hobby with me but with this setup I get very good CD quality sound.

[@SniperWolf2024]

best video ever for this tutorial! :)

[@musicianinshadow]

@dustypuppy you are so helpful man!! thanks... i wish people like you worked in guitar center lol...and by the way imma need future help too, coz you are the only one i could found in youtube who replies fast :)

[@3trakman3]

@dustypuppy: just seen your answer to EGGJAZZ's question. i think that sold me on getting a mixer soon. but i just wanted to add that, even though i plan on starting to record in the near future, im just making beats. would there still be advantages with having a mixer, even though im just making beats?

[@vet137]

@dustypuppy I am still a bit confused...I have a 16 CH mixer..if I use a for example the 1010 he talks about then will I be able to record 16 separate tracks into let's say AUDACITY?

[@gracelosianiga9808]

what about printing it back to Daw ... from where did u send the signal ..from the mixer main outputs or wahat?

[@dustypuppy]

@pickemrollemfickem Thats correct - you shouldn't have a problem. Your MG12\4 has 8 strips with inserts available. (if I have found the right picture of the back of your mixer) So you can get XLR adapters and run all 8 channels through your mixing board :)

[@dustypuppy]

I'm not sure I completely understand. It would depend on what mixer you have. You could easily play up to 8 mono tracks from the Delta 1010 into a mixer. Then take a stereo send from the mixer back to the delta. Be careful to not cause a loop back where it will cause a screech and possibly damage something. In your sequencer program, you'll need to mute the input some way, while still recording it. If your tracks are stereo, you could only use 4 of them. I hope this helps

[@dustypuppy]

@shrivibhu No, I don't think so. There are several options for output in most mixing boards. There is no right or wrong way. This video describes how I use it, and it works really well for me.

[@dustypuppy]

It looks like your CR1604 has lots of inserts. I suggest running the Delta 1010 from any 8 strips on your mixer. By using the inserts, you will still hear the sounds going through the board for monitoring. good luck

[@surfthecentre]

thats awesome, thanks for your reply. im looking for capability to record drums, guitar etc and mixing my own tunes at home so do you think an 8 channel usb mixer would be a fine for that?

[@Janogomez90]

Nice! This is what i'm doing with my Soundcraft EPM 12 to my Motu 828x through a patchbay (nys - sppL1) and what i get in my daw (through motu) is a weird bass cancellation. It's as if there were a high pass filter. I guess it must be something with the impedance? Don't know how to solve it atm. Would you have any advice?

[@cupidsvictim47]

i'm "tracking" one thing at a time. guitar/bass/vox/keys/drums. but for the drums i'm using a 7 piece CAD mic kit which i was planning on running into the mixer, then connecting the mixer to the tascam. even though the tascam dp-02 is an 8 track digital recorder, it only has two XLR & two 1/4'' inputs. (A & B ). my next question is, what input on the mixer should i connect from? and would it matter which input on the tascam that the mixer goes to? i wouldn't think so since both inputs are alike.

[@musicianinshadow]

@dustypuppy thanks man...so i found a better interface, the tascam US800, but idk how the connections work... like i wasnt able to figure it out from yours... does its go, fom the mixer--> interface---> to the computer... and then outputs for monitors from the interface?

[@TheAtheistDebate]

@dustypuppy Alright man here goes... I'm completely new to this stuff... I picked up the delta 1010lt for next to nothing from a buddy when he upgraded his stuff. I am running windows 7 64 bit, 8 gb of ram. Dual core processor I have a P.A. system not a mixer, though im not really sure the big difference... The P.A. is a yamaha emx 660 phantom as for midi controller i have a casio ctk-451 also midi from a boss gt-6 guitar effects processor what software can i use? and do i jhave what i need?

[@ramonfw]

I think it's worth saying that if you only want to record a 2-track multitrack audio file you can use any normal mixer and just select the R and the L channel for each one of the tracks as long as you have a stereo cable attached to your computer, and then do the same in your recording program, like Sonar. :)

[@alto-inget4702]

Great video! My question is if it is possible to mix on your hardware mixing board after you recorded it into a software program in the CPU? And does all functions on the mixing board still work with the channels plugged in to the CPU? (still after the recording is done) That is what I really wanted to know. Because I have really been looking to buy a multitrack reel-to-reel recorder. But if you can use the computer the same way. And record instruments and vocals on different tracks and then mix it on the mixing board this is way more reliable than buying an old reel-to-reel. Cheers!

[@dustypuppy]

@AUDUCK86 I suggest you hook it up as described in this video if you have a mixer with 12 strips with inserts. Otherwise, plug your mics and instruments directly into the interface and take a stereo send from your interface to one strip on the mixer. good luck

[@dustypuppy]

This is because sometimes it is post fader, and sometimes pre-fader. You should check the user manual for your mixer to see if it is possible to make the sends POST FADER and POST EQ meaning it takes its signal AFTER these adjustments. good luck

[@dustypuppy]

@Steve564ify If you have a 24 track mixer and you want to record more than 8 strips at a time, you would then need an audio interface with more inputs to suit your needs. These are available in many sizes - you might need one with up to 24 ins and outs. good luck

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Hey dustybuddy, quick question. Is it possible to run a mixer to an external audio interface via the channel inserts?

[@dustypuppy]

@12ealDeal I'm not sure how you mean that. Its likely a yes but I would want to be more certain I understand your question. I use the "channel inserts" of my mixer to send the signal to my Delta 1010 "internal" audio interface as shown here. And that seems to be the same.

[@KonstaVihavainen]

so, if i buy M-audio delta 1010 and i connect it to my behringer mixer, i can get all channels separate? did i get it right?

[@dustypuppy]

Hey Wes With that setup you only have one in and one out but they are stereo. So you can select your inputs as 2 mono lines instead of one stereo. In SONAR, select an audio track and look at the INPUT parameters. Here you should see something like UCA 202 Stereo, UCA 202 left and UCA 202 right to choose from. Good luck

[@dustypuppy]

@opinioncanvas Yes you are right, with the delta 1010 you can have all 8 inputs recording seperate signals at once. I know SONAR can do this but I cannot say for sure about cubase.

[@peteryousef5177]

please, I want to ask. if i have a personal monitor mixer behringer p16 and i have an analog mixer but i do not have a direct out . So what should I do ? two aux i have only

[@dustypuppy]

@pickemrollemfickem Sorry I'm really not sure about that. Sometimes when we plug things in, it is post fader; meaning the EQ and fader won't take effect.

[@nicekid76]

@dustypuppy but does the method in the video only work for 10 tracks and 8 non digital tracks. how would it work for 12 tracks?

[@dustypuppy]

I don't think of it that way, but you see, the signal from the large diaphragm condenser mic does go through the insert. This mic NEEDS phantom power in order to work - and its working perfectly for me here. I hope this helps

[@omtnxyz]

@dustypuppy if we push the pci input cables all the way in we can still get a output for the monitors from the outputs of the pci card ???

[@dustypuppy]

@adomayor That is exactly what should happen. You see, your mic is mono. In order to record stereo, you need 2 mics plugged into (for example) delta inputs 1 and 2. Then in sonar you select that as a stereo signal. A mic or a guitar are always recorded in mono. Later you can pan them right or left since your project will be stereo. An exception would be a guitar played thru a stereo FX processer. Units like that would have left and right outs for recording stereo. I hope this helps

[@VibhuRaoP]

i have a doubt. how to take different outputs from mixer to interface? (by using which port of the mixer)

[@dustypuppy]

@kiks1234567 Just to be clear, the delta 1010 has only 8 analog mono inputs. So with a good size mixer, you can have as many as 8 inputs onto separate channels in your daw. not more

[@junpyong666]

Hello there! Why I cannot use the eq of my mixer once I connect the delta 1010lt to my mixer inserts? I can only use the gain of mixer. Thanks.

[@starboyjones3247]

Great video!! Very useful. Where did you get the colorful cables that you use? Are they quality cables? Thanks again. Bless

[@josephandersondayao6379]

if im going to use this setup will i still be able to use aux send and return of the mixer so that i can use external fx? will the external fx be recorded?

[@wesleyjones1639]

Thank you for your reply, just need to get a new interface with multiple inputs. I appreciate the help!

[@dustypuppy]

@kashishbhasin I dont think so. You see, the audio interface is what will determine how many tracks you can record at once.

[@harrywendon3256]

Do you need a separate interface or will the m audio delta 1010 be able to take a direct line from the mixing desk?

[@musicianinshadow]

hey bro!! i have a behringer eurorack UB2442FX pro mixer and im tryin to do the same connections as you are, but i havent purchased the interface yet and i was gonna buy the maudio mobile pre so idk if it will work or would i have to get a different interface.. if i do, do you have any suggestion??

[@afnan789]

It's a little bit confusing where at the back it says tip sends, ring returns and you connect the lead halfway in which I believe its tip is contacting the ring of mixer jack. But you still got the signal out through them. Thank you.

[@adomayor]

hey, Here is my set up: mic is plugged into mic1 of Delta1010. I have one line (R and L) from the Delta output (black wires) into my mixer main input. Headphone is plugged into the mixer. In my recording program, recording is perfect from mic, I can hear playback of the vocal but I can't hear myself while recording. Any idea why? A volume slider maybe?

[@dustypuppy]

@MrLegs77 The output of the delta 1010 goes to an available stereo strip on the mixer. I am using a stereo send from the delta (1/2) to go into stereo strip #9 on my mixer. Alternatively you could send all 8 mono outputs from the 1010 to separate strips on the mixing board if you have enough available strips and want to mix this way. Good luck

[@lekhanh94]

@dustypuppy so would it be better if you get a soundcard comes with preamps. I think it's cheaper than a mixer...

[@priyopw]

THanks...from Indonesia..

[@kashishbhasin]

@dustypuppy can u tell if there is any other mixer lyk that can do multitrack recording ....without using external device ...

[@rightnearthebeach123]

what is the difference between a mixer and a interface? if i have a mixer with 4+ channels/inputs and thats the most ill need to record simultaneously do i need a interface? please respond! thanks

[@mikeaaron8470]

Hey how can I use or link an independent stage mixer for monitors to the FOH mixer for a live performance? Is it possible? I ask because I'm having problems when I send a mix to the stage monitors and it sounds way different from the FOH. I'm talking about the eq since my FOH mixer only have 2 aux sends and one eq section. What can I do?

[@sxayaxang]

hey how can we send individual track from DAW to an analog mixer to do the mix do you know if you do please help and what do i need to make work thanks

[@matressi6843]

Is it okay to use two of the same 8 channel mixer? im asking bc i have a behringer 2442usb and i use the direct outs but im going up to 13 channels that i need to record individually. if i got the mixer again, could i use both mixers as in 16 direct outs to my audio interface and mic pre for 16 recording channels? would using 2 separate mixers be a problem?

[@dustypuppy]

@shrivibhu Hi In this example, 6 seperate signals are going into my sound card through the mixers 6 "inserts" from these first six strips. Most mixers have routing ability simmilar to this Otherwise you could only take one stereo signal from the mixer output. Good luck

[@wesleyjones1639]

Hey man, I've watched some of your videos and they've helped me a lot with Sonar 6 LE. But I have a question about my interface, I have a Behringer U-Control UCA 202 and I'm going through a yamaha mixer like yours, but my interface is not letting me multitrack. I know it's not as good as the m-audio brand, but it says there is only 1 in and 1 out. I've tried a lot of things, but I can't figure it out. Any suggestions? Thanks -Wes

[@dustypuppy]

@opinioncanvas Those are 1/4" MONO cables which go from my inserts, but six of them are rca on the other end, where they attach to the delta1010. The other 2 inputs for the delta are XLRs.

[@dustypuppy]

@CHRCAR5 Ok I see what you mean. Yes, you are able to select which ones get recorded. So if you plug all 8 into your mixer, and lets say you only want to record strip 3, 4 and 6 . . . You would select which inputs get recorded in your host recording program (ei. Sonar, Cubase, Pro-tools) Good luck

[@DeeplyDisturbed22]

is it possible to install a sound card with that many inputs on a laptop? if so, are there any on the market compatible with windows 7 that have at least 6 mono analog inputs? Basically I'm trying to record seperate snare, bass, hi, mid, floor tom and overhead mic trackswith 6 seperate mics going into my behringer 1222 usb mixer, and I'm trying to record it on my laptop running windows 7 using mixcraft. would this be possible? Please respond, thanks! Deeplydisturbed22

[@dustypuppy]

@lekhanh94 I'm really not sure about that, but let me say this . . . For convenience, I like it this way. And I still have it hooked up the same way as I did in this video. Also, mixers are less expensive than you might think.

[@surfthecentre]

Do usb mixers allow for multiple tracks (8 for example) to be recorded so i could Eq the kick toms , snare and cymbals etc individaully?

[@dustypuppy]

@nicekid76 This method will work fine for 12 analog mono tracks as long as you have enough room in your mixer. I don't know what software you'll be using but Cakewalk/Sonar will allow you to record each track seperately so you can mix later

[@dustypuppy]

No, not on individual channels. But for my setup, I send my output to one stereo strip on the mixer.

[@qmaldonado8171]

dustypuppy what kinda cable