Connecting Behringer UMC204HD to mixing desk/multitrack

[garrettendi]

Hi I know this is possible, I believe Mike Stranks has connected one of his Berry interfaces to a mixer.

I want to output an amp sim on my Windows box, to the Tascam DP-24SD multitrack.

What is the best way of going about this? Should I connect the RCA Playback Outputs to the TS inputs on the multitrack? The manual says these are for monitors.

Or should I use the headphone output of the Berry into the multitrack inputs?

[garrettendi]

Sorry also: if I use the RCA outputs would I need a reamp box?

[Hugh Robjohns]

What is the best way of going about this? Should I connect the RCA Playback Outputs to the TS inputs on the multitrack?

Yes. That would work.

Obviously, you'll need a cable with an RCA-phono plug at one end and a quarter-inch TS plug at the other (or suitable adapters)... and two cables if your sim effect is stereo.

You'll then just need to route the signals through your DAW and interface to the appropriate output(s).

Alternatively, you could, instead, use the main (balanced) outs from the interface to feed the line inputs of the recorder using TRS-TRS cables... but you're I guess you're probably using them already for your monitor speakers.

[garrettendi]

Got it!

Although I wonder if I have to use a DAW anyway, the simplest thing might just be to record on the PC and copy the files over....

EDIT: At the moment I'm using Savihost. I wonder if I can route the output in that to save me using a DAW?

[Hugh Robjohns]

That would work too... but not in real time!

[garrettendi]

That would work too... but not in real time!

Very true. Tell you what, I need to get an RCA/TS cable any way. I'll give it a bash using Savihost then install Reaper, then if neither of those work as expected, I've got a last resort of copying a mix down on the Tascam to the PC, then move the track back...

I assume a reamp box would not be needed to connect the RCA to the Tascam?

[garrettendi]

Also, out of curiosity more than anything else... If I wanted to record the PC output from the UMC204HD, to another UMC204HD connected to the Mac, so the Mac was recording the PC's amp sim, would that be possible also using RCA->TS?

Of course if this amp sim was available for Mac it wouldn't be a problem

[Hugh Robjohns]

I assume a reamp box would not be needed to connect the RCA to the Tascam?

No... not unless you have ground-loop noises (because the connection is unbalanced), but I think that unlikely.

[Hugh Robjohns]

If I wanted to record the PC output from the UMC204HD, to another UMC204HD connected to the Mac, so the Mac was recording the PC's amp sim, would that be possible also using RCA->TS?

Yes... not ideal... and probably a higher risk of ground loop noises... But perfectly workable. Of course, a file transfer or a digital connection would be better and would avoid any converter losses.

[garrettendi]

Of course, a file transfer or a digital connection would be better and would avoid any converter losses.

Exactly what I thought. Thankfully Reaper is licensed per user not per workstation, so looks I'll be installing it on Windows after all!

Thanks Hugh

[garrettendi]

Hugh, one last follow up, would this cut the mustard?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stagg-6m-Phono ... op?ie=UTF8

...only £7.45 for 6m!

[Hugh Robjohns]

Yes. That should be fine.

[James Perrett]

Hugh, one last follow up, would this cut the mustard?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stagg-6m-Phono ... op?ie=UTF8

...only £7.45 for 6m!

The only thing I would ask is whether you really need it that long? As it is unbalanced, it may be better to use a shorter length (which would be even cheaper).

[garrettendi]

Hugh, one last follow up, would this cut the mustard?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stagg-6m-Phono ... op?ie=UTF8

...only £7.45 for 6m!

The only thing I would ask is whether you really need it that long? As it is unbalanced, it may be better to use a shorter length (which would be even cheaper).

The PC and the multitrack are about 5 metres apart in my studio, but I could easily move the multitrack closer if you really think a 3m cable would be a marked improvement?

[garrettendi]

There is this: 3m and XLR

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stagg-6m-Phono ... =UTF8&th=1

[James Perrett]

If you need that length then go for it. Around here, cables that are too long get draped behind the back of the desk and end up coiled amongst all kinds of other things - some that have big transformers or switch mode power supplies in them. Not a problem for well screened balanced cables but not so good for cheaper unbalanced cables.

[garrettendi]

I've had a look at the distance, and tbh I don't think as it stands now 6m will be even long enough anyway.

I'll get the 3m one. The Tascam isn't uber-portable, but I'm quite happy to move it onto the floor by the PC when I come to need to, which won't be very often anyway.

So with that in mind, should I go for the 3m RCA-TS or the 0.6m RCA-XLR?

[James Perrett]

I'd go for the 3m RCA to TS. They're useful for all kinds of different things and 3m is a handy length.

[garrettendi]

Cheers James, your advice is appreciated!

[Hugh Robjohns]

I wouldn't get RCA-phono to XLR. Too big a risk of sending phantom power into your interface, and you might also overload the mic input preamp too. RCA-Phono to TS plug is a much better bet.

But if you really need 6m cables, the chances are the source and destination computers are plugged into different wall sockets, so ground-loop hums are highly likely with an unbalanced cable. In which case, a line isolating transformer (or reamp box) might be required...

...Better still, get TRS-TRS cables and use the balanced Main Output of the replay interface into a balanced line input on the recording interface. That would massively reduce the risk of ground-loop noises and interference.

[garrettendi]

...Better still, get TRS-TRS cables and use the balanced Main Output of the replay interface into a balanced line input on the recording interface. That would massively reduce the risk of ground-loop noises and interference.

I already have a TRS cable and the amp sim is mono, so it makes sense to utilise what I have then, and use the Main Out on the back as you say.

Is there a likely issue with the UMC's Main Out being too "hot"?

EDIT: What do you mean by "replay" interface?

EDIT 2: The Main Outs are for powered speakers?

[Hugh Robjohns]

I already have a TRS cable and the amp sim is mono, so it makes sense to utilise what I have then, and use the Main Out on the back as you say.

It does... if you're not using the main out for something else (and/or can reassign it (temporarily).

Is there a likely issue with the UMC's Main Out being too "hot"?

Nope. It's just standard line level. So it will be fine feeding a balanced line level input.

EDIT: What do you mean by "replay" interface?

The one making the noises, as opposed to the one recording the noises.

[garrettendi]

Hugh, you have just saved me £6 and given a better solution!

Thank you kindly!

[Hugh Robjohns]

Excellent... let's split the difference and you send me a £3 note in the post for my pension fund...

[garrettendi]

Excellent... let's split the difference and you send me a £3 note in the post for my pension fund...

Tell you what: if we're ever down the pub together your next pint is on me