Question

Hello!

      I'll be short and to the point. What is the best way to use my current recording setup to record live multi tracks?

I currently use:

1818VSL (master), UA 4-710 (slave), laptop running win 10 (2.5ghz intell i7, 8gb RAM, 1TB HHD)

     Should I buy a 3 way mic splitter and then a bunch of balanced patch cables (1/4 and XLR) to split between my set up and the FOH? Or should I use a DB25 to XLR fanout snake if the the FOH mixer has DB25 Direct Out ports?

     Is it possible to use my setup AS the FOH mixer and use the VSL as my digital 16 channel mixer, with 3 individual monitor mixes? We would be using x2 powered 15" main speaker cabinets as well as x2 18" subs, and x3 powered floor wedges for monitors.

     I know there are several questions there, but any help yall can offer would be very appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

"Should I buy a 3 way mic splitter and then a bunch of balanced patch cables (1/4 and XLR) to split between my set up and the FOH? Or should I use a DB25 to XLR fanout snake if the the FOH mixer has DB25 Direct Out ports?"

The best option here would be to have a split snake that would pass the signal to both your FOH console and the recording rig.  When you start splitting individual channels coming off of one snake, there can be impedance issues and possible loss of signal quality.  I can assume the DB25 option would work as well, but I would ensure that the mixer is providing those signals "pre" to any other processing that is occurring on your FOH mixer.

 "Is it possible to use my setup AS the FOH mixer and use the VSL as my digital 16 channel mixer, with 3 individual monitor mixes? We would be using x2 powered 15" main speaker cabinets as well as x2 18" subs, and x3 powered floor wedges for monitors."

While this is also a viable option, there is a possibility of compromising your live mix if an issue arises with your recording setup....such as any sync issues with your computer etc.  You also would have less control on the recording side as your gain structure and other processing would mainly be utilized for the live sound. You are definitely headed in the right direction and I would suggest testing them out in a controlled environment before taking the rig "live."  Good luck and hope some of this info helps!