Direct Recording

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 07:55:25 PM

I want to build some kind of interface to record directly through my computers soundcard (M-Audio Delta) that will then be mixed with Cubase. I've seen the Condor Cab Sim on ROG and I think this is the project to do. However I have a couple of questions.

1. I've read a lot of posts saying the combine the Cab Sim with an SSS. Is this really necessary and for what purpose do you and the SSS?
2. As my soundcard has RCA inputs is it do-able to wire RCA jacks to the output?
3. In line with Question 2, is there a way to make the Cab Sim have a stereo output, just as an extra option?

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

Meanderthal · March 11, 2007, 08:09:23 PM

1. No. Once in cubase, you can use any number of VST amp sims to process the raw track. Beautiful thing...
2. Sure, the condor should act as a buffer.
3. Not necessary, you can record a mono source into cubase as a 'stereo' track, however, you can easily just wire up 2 outputs if you want.

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 08:17:20 PM

Thanks Meanderthal.

Another question has come to me....If I wanted to use the device as a practice amp i.e. use it with headphones, can I wire a Ruby amp in with it? I'm guessing that I could use a switch to turn the Ruby On/Off and still use the outputs...

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 08:21:53 PM

Sorry, another question, will it work for Bass too?

Meanderthal · March 11, 2007, 08:30:21 PM

Yep, and that's not a bad idea. Following on that, it could also be a mini monitor, so you can hear what you're recording as the track is being laid... you can take the output of the Ruby and drive several headphones simultaneously(seperate vol.pot for each out), and have a headphone distribution amp. Just be sure they're like 32 ohm headphones(common).

As far as bass goes, the condor is designed to sim a guitar cab, and might sound wonky on bass, may need to be re-voiced for bass. However, I've recorded raw bass tracks, direct box, nothing else, and that works fine, especially because you can process things in cubase in so many ways...

What you cannot do is go back to a raw track if you have analog processing before it hits cubase... it was never raw to begin with...

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 09:03:35 PM

So would it be best to wire the Ruby before or after the Cab Sim? I'm guessing before?

Meanderthal · March 11, 2007, 09:13:42 PM

I'd build that condor with 2 outputs, and use 1 for the ruby, one for the Cubase. That way with headphones ya get to hear exactly what's going into the digital world...

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 09:20:09 PM

Quote from: Meanderthal on March 11, 2007, 09:13:42 PM
I'd build that condor with 2 outputs, and use 1 for the ruby, one for the Cubase. That way with headphones ya get to hear exactly what's going into the digital world...

That's exactly what I'm planning to do...

On the back of the enclosure, I'm going to put RCA's, 1/4" jack and a mini stereo jack for Condor output (just so I got more than one option). Then I'm putting a mini stereo jack and a normal 1/4" jack for headphones/speaker output.

As for the chain of the circuits, should the Ruby go before or after the Condor? I originally thought before the Condor but now I'm thinking it should go after for purpose of amplifying for headphones/speaker. It would be a bit pointless before the Condor don't you think?

Meanderthal · March 11, 2007, 09:29:35 PM

QuoteAs for the chain of the circuits, should the Ruby go before or after the Condor? I originally thought before the Condor but now I'm thinking it should go after for purpose of amplifying for headphones/speaker. It would be a bit pointless before the Condor don't you think?

Yep. Exactly.

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 09:31:44 PM

Thanks for your help, can't wait to build this little box of tricks!

Meanderthal · March 11, 2007, 09:36:27 PM

One thing I'd keep in mind though, the out from a ruby would be a bit hot for the soundcard... might be best to use that bit ONLY for driving the cans.(headphones)

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 09:38:40 PM

Quote from: Meanderthal on March 11, 2007, 09:36:27 PM
One thing I'd keep in mind though, the out from a ruby would be a bit hot for the soundcard... might be best to use that bit ONLY for driving the cans.(headphones)

Agreed, they'll be separate outputs and the Ruby will only go into heaphones or speakers, the Condor going direct into PC.

Meanderthal · March 11, 2007, 09:41:26 PM

Cool! Sounds like a plan!

And a great idea. Thank you for sharing that, you may not be the only one who could use a gizmo like that...

Could I ask you to post the results when ya git-er-done?

WelshWonder · March 11, 2007, 09:44:51 PM

Quote from: Meanderthal on March 11, 2007, 09:41:26 PM
Cool! Sounds like a plan!

And a great idea. Thank you for sharing that, you may not be the only one who could use a gizmo like that...

Could I ask you to post the results when ya git-er-done?

Will do, got most of the parts already, only need a couple of pots and an enclosure so I'll pick them up tomorrow and post my results. I plan to do it tomorrow evening. Thanks for your input on this project, I'll keep you posted.

WelshWonder · March 22, 2007, 10:13:57 PM

Well, I've completed the project and it's working a dream!

I wired the output of the cab to go into the ruby. The back panel shows the output variations I put on there. I got 3.5mm, Phono and 1/4" jack for the condor out and a 1/4" and 3.5mm out for the ruby. It runs off a 9V battery and one thing I will do soon is add a 9V socket on there.

mcasey1 · March 23, 2007, 01:12:56 AM

Very nice. Thats a great idea!!!

axeman010 · March 23, 2007, 11:49:24 AM

Hi

I know its not much help as they are now discontinued, but if you can get hold of an Omni for your Delta card they are great.
See the blurb below :

This is what I use with Cubase and then loads of Modelling software (probably going to be shot for saying that). Guitar Rig is the best package I have tried so far.

Axeman

M-Audio Omni I/OThis product is no longer avalible to buy.

More than simply adding mic preamps to an audio card, the Omni i/O emulates a "split console" mixer design, making possible virtually any routing scenario. The unit contains everything needed to record mics, guitars, and keyboards, as well as monitor playback, add effects, and mixdown.

The Omni i/O is a record/playback "front end" that interfaces with a Delta 44 or Delta 66 digital audio card, forming a complete system capable of adapting to many studio scenarios and providing multiple solutions within one desktop environment.

The Omni/Delta system resolves some of the most common problems and inconveniences with computer-based recording. In addition to eliminating the need to reconfigure between record and playback, the Omni i/O integrates seamlessly with all of today's music production tools, streamlining the typical desktop studio.

Meanderthal · March 24, 2007, 12:45:14 PM

! That's incredibly cool WelshWonder!

WelshWonder · March 24, 2007, 01:24:26 PM

Quote from: Meanderthal on March 24, 2007, 12:45:14 PM
! That's incredibly cool WelshWonder!

Y thank you, it is a cool device, I'm going to get rid of my Guitar port now!

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Direct Recording