General Music Chat

If your mixer is a USB input, it shouldn't be a hassle. Theoretically, you should be able to set it up so that each instrument is recording as a different track. From there, it's not problem to pull out an instrument at a time to create your mixes.

Theoretically. If your computer's in a good mood.

Yes ... USB in & out.

However my computer is a piece of crap ... soon to be replaced.
So the search for information continues.

Sounds like you want to record live but have individual tracks of your instruments for play-back.

From what little i know... to do this in a live setting you need to have either (obvious)a multitrack recorder or a USB interface that will allow up to 6 or 8 individual tracks to be recorded at the same time. Even doing this you will not have isolated the instruments so there will be bleed from the other noise in the room when you play-back the individual tracks.
But you can get an interface that allows up to 8 tracks recorded live. The interface boxes start around 500 bones depending on brand and software pkg. you get with it. But you can easily drop a $1000.00 and up.

The interface boxes usually have XLR with phantom power and 1/4" TRS and (or) midi connections so you can run out of your board into the box as individual lines or just run the individuals directly into the interface.
But you need a powerful enough computer to run it properly as well.
MO-MONEY!!
I like the AVID products but there are plenty of choices. Definitely talk to some audio-heads at your neighborhood GC or Sam Ash.

Your right about my intent and a little bleed over on practice tracks is not an issue.
I'm sure I'll have lots of input from our own set of geeks but I hate to bother them all the time as I need to learn much for myself as a future reference you know.

There are no Guitar Centers or Sam Ash type places within 100 miles of here. ( Possibly Shreveport but I never go there )

Fortunately my 17 yr old son works in a computer shop in Longview so I can buy a computer or components through him.

I recently invested about $2,500 of those bones you mentioned ... so I'll be doing a lot of research time before I pick the meat off another one.

Thanks for the input and yes it would be a hassle.

But, me thinks you miss understood my intent.

I would make one recording that I could alternately mute tracks for individual use ( wood-shedding ) other than setting up the recording equipment before rehearsal I would not intend for anything to distract from our time together.

I do appreciate the input though ... makes me rethink the whole idea as being too labor intensive to truly be beneficial.

I did understand that, btw.

The simplest way to do it wouldn't be completely effective in isolating parts, put if you have a 4 track recorder (that will record on all 4 channels simealtaneously) you could put 4 mics very close to the instruments you want to hear and strategically position the amplifiers around the room.

There would be a LOT of bleed on each track but if you close-mic, it would allow you to "turn down" somethings by muting that track.

Everything from tonight on will go through my new 4 buss mixer.

Should simplify the issues considerably.

Some bleed should not be detrimental for at home play along tracks.
It might even be beneficial to have a lower volume of your particular part to reference.

Long term project ... I'm sure I'll have more questions latter on.

Tonight we swap out the old PA system for the new one.

I'm giddy as a school girl.