Tutorial: How to record your mixes

[JonAvalon]

I thought id revive this, since there has been alot questions lately on how to record to a PC . (can somewhat also applies to macs just that audio configuration will be a tad different.

http://www.djforums.com/content/2005...rd-your-mixes/

Originally written by Just J (not me, just revived it and edited / added some stuff). Please rep Just J when you get the chance.

One of the key elements in furthering your career as a DJ is creating mix tapes, or demo CDs. You could be the best bedroom DJ in the world, but if you have no means to let people hear your skills, you’ll never make it. Unfortunately, recording a mix isn’t exactly simple. First off, there’s the medium you want to record too, minidisc, tape, or CD. Tapes and minidiscs are much easier to record too, but CDs are more widely used, and (compared to standard tapes) sound much better. Secondly, there’s how you want to record it. Many people use computers, others minidiscs, some use CD recorders. Finally, there’s the issue of getting the music stream to the recording device. Well, this tutorial is designed to aide in setting up your gear for recording. Let’s get started.

First off, you must decide what medium you want to record to, minidisc (some people may opt to use a MP3 player with record capabilities, if so, the connections to these devices are identical to minidisc players) CDs or tape. The short answer is CDs. They last longer, are more widely used, and they have a clearer sound over a wider frequency range compared to tapes. If you happen to live in the stone age, and don’t have access to a computer with a CD burner, you’ll have to settle for tape or minidisc, but I STRONGLY recommend you either A) find a friend who has a computer and CD burner, or B) move out of the stone age, and buy a cheap computer with a burner. If your computer is in another room, you may have to settle for tape or minidisc and covert to CD later.

Now for the difficult part, connecting your gear to your recording device. First off, you’ll need to check out your mixer. Some mixers have a Record Out, which would be optimal. This output is independent of the master volume, so the signal it sends is constant, no matter what the master volume level of the mixer is. This prevents unwanted volume changes in the middle of the mix, and gives you the freedom to use the master level if the music is too loud, or too quiet. If your mixer doesn’t have a record out, your second choice should be the Booth Out. The booth out is similar to the Record Out, in that it’s independent from the master volume level; however, it has its own volume control. When recording, you simply set the booth volume level, and leave it throughout the mix. Finally, if you don’t have either, you’re going to have to use your Master Out. When using this, you must be careful not to bump the volume while mixing, or else you’ll get unwanted level changes during the mix.

Next, you need to decide how you’re going to record your mix, as this will dictate the parts needed, and the connections you will make. I recommend using a computer. With a computer, not only can you record your mix, but you can break it up into tracks, burn CDs now or later, add an intro, and do any mastering that may be needed (adjusting volume levels, trimming extra silence recorded at the beginning or end of the mix, etc). Let’s take a look at the parts needed for each type of recording.


Recording to a Mac or PC:
You will need:
1 Stereo RCA to Stereo 1/8” mini plug adapter.



If your mixer does NOT have a Record output or Booth output, you will also need 2 RCA Y splitters. You need the kind with a single Male end, and two Female ends, seen below.


Recording to a CD Recorder:
You will just need one stereo RCA cable. Again, if your mixer does not have a Record or Booth output, you will need two of the Y splitters seen above.


Recording to a Tape Deck:
You will just need one stereo RCA cable.

Recording to a Minidisc player:
You will just need one RCA to Stereo 1/8” Mini plug wire.

These parts can be found at any electronics store.

Ok, now let’s take a look at how to make the actual connections. If you take a peek at the back of your mixer, you should see all the different outputs. First, look for a set of RCAs outputs labeled something along the lines of, REC, RECORD, REC OUT, or RECORD OUT. If you don’t have a record out, look for the booth out, usually labeled something like BOOTH, or BOOTH OUT. Some may be labeled MONITOR OUT, so be sure to check closely. Now, if you have either of those connections, simply plug the RCA cable, corresponding with your recording device above, into the RCA plugs. Be sure to match the colors!

In the case that you have to use your master out, you will also have to connect the Y adapters you also purchased.
1 - Plug one of the Y splitters into the white RCA output on the mixer
2 - Next, attach the white RCA wire for the recording device to one of the Y splitters inputs.
3 - Then attach the white RCA wire for the master output source (shelf system, amp, receiver, etc) to the other of the Y splitter’s inputs.
4 - Now, attach the other Y splitter to the red output on the mixer.
5 - Finally, attach the red RCA plugs from the recording device, and master output source to the Y adapter.

Next, it’s time to connect the wires to your recording device.

Mini-disc:
Mini-discs are quite simple to set up. They all function differently, so be sure to read your user’s manual closely. As far as connecting the mixer, simply plug the 1/8” plug into the Line In input on the minidisk.

Tape/CD Recorder:
These devices both record in a similar manner, so the connections are also similar. Simply plug the RCA plugs into the Input sections of the recorder. No two recorders are the same, so be sure to read your manual carefully.

Computer:
Connecting your mixer to a computer can be a little trickier than the previous devices, simply because of the myriad of connections on the back of the machine. First off, when you make any connections, be sure to power the computer down, and unplug it. It’s unlikely you’ll damage anything while plugging in a stereo wire, but it’s best to be safe. Now, on the back of the machine, look for the sound card inputs, some machines have built in sound cards, so the inputs may be located around where the mouse and keyboard are plugged in. Other computers have separate sound cards plugged into one of the expansion slots, either way, look for the Line In (it will be a 1/8” mini jack). DO NOT use the Mic input! This input is very sensitive, and a strong signal could possibly fry your sound card. In my experience, if you are looking at the back of the PC, the 1/8” input to the far left will be the Mic input, the input to its immediate right will be the Line In input. This is not 100% guaranteed however.

Finally, it’s time to setup your device.

Due to the fact there are many different types of mini-disc players, tape recorders, and CD records, I cannot go into detail regarding their use. I strongly suggest reading the user’s manual. If you have misplaced the manual, most manufacturers have their product documentation on their company website. Also, at the time of this writing, I am unfamiliar with recording on a Mac.

Setting up a computer properly to record is very important. If not setup properly, you could be left scratching your head as to why the computer isn’t getting a signal, or you could suffer from poor sound quality, so be sure to follow the steps closely.

1 - In your task bar, next to the clock, there should be a small icon that looks like a speaker (seen below). Double click on this icon.


2 - The Volume Control window will open. From here click on Options -> Properties.
3 - In the new window, under “Adjust Volume For” select Recording. Make sure Line In is checked in the box below, and click Ok.
4 - The Volume Control window will change to read Recording Control. From this window, make sure the Select box under Line In is checked.
5 - Finally, turn your PC speakers on, and play a record/CD on your system. If your connections are made correctly, you should hear the song from your PC speakers. If you do not hear anything, be sure your connections are correct, the Line In volume isn’t all the way down, or it isn’t muted in the Volume Control window.

Now you’re all set to begin recording in the program of your choice. When recording, be sure to set the bitrate, and sampling rate to 16 bits, 44,100 Hz (44.1 Khz), Stereo. If you’re recording levels seem too high, return to the Recording Control window following the steps above, and lower the level of the line in.



For a good free recording program, DL Audacity

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

30 day trials of some other good programs

Sony SoundForge

Sony Acid

Adobe Audition (DL link in the top right corner)



Cables:

Also if you need a good cheap place for some cables, monoprice.com is a great site. Cheap prices but good quality cables and fast shipping.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10218

[kailus]

Great turtorial man

[sk000ter]

great ad

thanks for the help

[Matt Jeffers]

nice

repped

[tiyall]

Good to know about record out. More food for the brain.

[Yagrmstr1]

good info man

[iJonny]

Im using a final scratch unit with 1210's connected upto my macbook. Im running traktor DJ 3 and everything works fine but i cant figure out how to record. All i get is static noise. Any ideas? At the moment i just have a firewire cable from the final scratch to the laptop and no other wires.

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by iJonny

Im using a final scratch unit with 1210's connected upto my macbook. Im running traktor DJ 3 and everything works fine but i cant figure out how to record. All i get is static noise. Any ideas? At the moment i just have a firewire cable from the final scratch to the laptop and no other wires.

u gotta do as instructed above, the same way basically even if u not using a DVS system (FS, SSL), You gotta route Stereo RCA to Stereo 1/8” mini plug adapter to a line input of your laptop. So pretty much ur case since its a laptop and maybe no line input, u need to buy a external usb or firewire interface.

But i notice there is a Optical Digital / Audio input.....try that see if anything works.

[atvrdr]

+1 rep thx for the info i always wondered how to do it

[DJX117]

Thanks for the help !

[oo3]

I have a question. I have the Pioneer DJM-300, which has 2 master outs. Would I be able to just use the other master out to connect to my Line In to my laptop, or do I have to still use the 2 Y adapters?

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by oo3

I have a question. I have the Pioneer DJM-300, which has 2 master outs. Would I be able to just use the other master out to connect to my Line In to my laptop, or do I have to still use the 2 Y adapters?

yup

[oo3]

Sorry but I have another question. So I've connected everything correctly, and set up my input on my Macbook Pro. The only thing is that I can't hear the sound coming from the speakers. When I record, it seems to work fine, I just have to keep the input volume at half way or else the sound gets too loud.

I just want to know if anyone else is using their Macbook (Pro or not) for recording and can hear the sound from the speakers when recording.

[DJ ALL DAY]

What do i need to do again if i'm using a laptop with just a mic input. Can't you just lower the volume on the mixer?

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by oo3

Sorry but I have another question. So I've connected everything correctly, and set up my input on my Macbook Pro. The only thing is that I can't hear the sound coming from the speakers. When I record, it seems to work fine, I just have to keep the input volume at half way or else the sound gets too loud.

I just want to know if anyone else is using their Macbook (Pro or not) for recording and can hear the sound from the speakers when recording.

if u want the hear the speakers more, just set it as u would normally and for the recording adjust the audio levels either on the program or in the computer volume settings.

Originally Posted by DJ ALL DAY

What do i need to do again if i'm using a laptop with just a mic input. Can't you just lower the volume on the mixer?

no its not that if u lower the volime it will make it better, remember if ur using the mic input it is in mono no setero which it needs to be. Using mono wont sound that great, u can in the mean time while u get a external sound card. What kind of laptop u have? if does infact have an line input (which most dont though) use it.


something like this will work

http://pssl.comAAaudiogenie



But if u want one for cheap, get one of these i recommend better for budget. Its works like charm, sound quality its really good. 15 bucks is a steal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Creative-Labs-Sound-Blaster-USB-MP3-Audio-Card

[DJ ALL DAY]

no its not that if u lower the volime it will make it better, remember if ur using the mic input it is in mono no setero which it needs to be. Using mono wont sound that great, u can in the mean time while u get a external sound card. What kind of laptop u have? if does infact have an line input (which most dont though) use it.


something like this will work

http://pssl.comAAaudiogenie



But if u want one for cheap, get one of these i recommend better for budget. Its works like charm, sound quality its really good. 15 bucks is a steal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Creative-Labs-Sound-Blaster-USB-MP3-Audio-Card

[/quote]

Thanks. I have the a HP Compaq nw8440 workstation and I don't see a line in. I'll try to get what you suggested.

[DJ Jay-Ro]

great tutorial man, it helped alot

[trulove]

If you want to record live sets and you are recording to .WAV files you may run into the dreaded 2 GB size limit. This sucks because your recording will stop and you'll need to start recording into a new file.

I ran into this years ago when I was recording my live sets. I found recording software called Vegas Video by Sonic Foundry (now Sony) which automatically switches from .WAV to a proprietary format (Wave64 or .w64) when 2 GB is exceeded, without disrupting your recording. You can cut it up and edit it later in Vegas, Sound Forge, etc. and break into .WAV chunks if you wish.

There may also be other file formats which do not have a 2 GB limit, not sure.

Thought this might be useful for you guys to know.

Later!

[daemonseed]

anyone know where to get the Stereo RCA to Stereo 1/8” mini plug adapter, thats more than 6 ft long?

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by daemonseed

anyone know where to get the Stereo RCA to Stereo 1/8” mini plug adapter, thats more than 6 ft long?

I've barely seen any more than 6ft long, u can just buy an extension

like this (its actually the same plug but the RCA are connectors, so u can just plug it to a longer RCA )

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p

Heres other cables or longer for the RCA (good place to buy from too)

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...d=10218&style=


i did find a 12ft one

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...-12-DT&cat=CBL

[Sigma]

This belongs in the Production & Recording forum right? There's still people asking how to record in there, haha.

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by Sigma

This belongs in the Production & Recording forum right? There's still people asking how to record in there, haha.

haha maybe i should

[jamdandon]

I'm having problems recording. I have the set up as you desribed (record out from mixer into lie in PC) and I hear sound coming from my PC speakers. However when I try to record (using Audacity and another recording software I have tested) it doesn't seem to record, I just get a linear line appearing on the wave thingy. I have it set up for line in, and volumes up. Any ideas why?

[djshadyady]

i got a lap top but when i record i dnt hear anything , nd the cable i got is black and red nd my output is red and white i dunno what to do

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by jamdandon

I'm having problems recording. I have the set up as you desribed (record out from mixer into lie in PC) and I hear sound coming from my PC speakers. However when I try to record (using Audacity and another recording software I have tested) it doesn't seem to record, I just get a linear line appearing on the wave thingy. I have it set up for line in, and volumes up. Any ideas why?

Originally Posted by djshadyady

i got a lap top but when i record i dnt hear anything , and the cable i got is black and red and my output is red and white i dunno what to do

Make sure you configured your audio settings on both your Operating System & Audacity. If you're using Windows (XP) (other windows should be about the same, just look for your audio settings) go to your control panel > Sound, speech & audio device > Sound devices & then click the audio tab where u will see an recording section w/ a drop down tap to configure ur sound card. Same goes for Audacity & in the Edit > preference. And make sure its the same sound card u plug into the line in, Also set the Channels right below to 2 (Stereo)