4-trak connection [Archive] - RonFez.net Messageboard

FezPaul

07-07-2006, 01:13 PM

I have a Boss BR-532 4-track recorder that I am trying to connect to my computer (Compaq Presario w/ windows xp). I have a Behringer UCA202 USB/Audio interface. What else do I need to up-load what I record onto my computer?The simpler and cheaper the better, because I am a computer moron (and if you don't believe me ask JustJon).Thanks, I know with all the computer experts and musicians on this board, this is the best place to get help.

SatCam

07-07-2006, 01:34 PM

If you want to know what you can use to record the input, I suggest using <a href="http://audacity.sourceforge.net">Audacity</a>

FezPaul

07-07-2006, 02:05 PM

SatCam wrote: If you want to know what you can use to record the input, I suggest using <a href="http://audacity.sourceforge.net/">Audacity</a> Thanks, I downloaded that. But when the USB connection is plugged in I get no sound on my computer. Why won't my computer play what's on the recorder? It recognizes the USB connection, but I don't know what to do, to get what's playing on my 4-track to play on the computer.I told you I was a moron.              <img src="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/blink.gif" border="0" />

This message was edited by FezPaul on 7-7-06 @ 6:06 PM

Sleeves

07-07-2006, 02:25 PM

I have something similar that Roland made.  I don't have USB though.  What outputs are you using on the Boss? The line outs or the digital out or what?Also - with the Roland, I have to use the "Utility" function to get to a "mix down" screen - which basically just sends sound through the line out cable instead of the headphone. A really easy way to do this if you're not trying to get really great quality is simply get a cable that will run between the headphone jack of the Boss and the mic in/line in of your computer sound card.  One tricky thing - the mic and line in on my PC is always set on "mute" in default.  So if you're running a cable to your mic or line in and not getting anything, you can check these by clicking on the volume control (gray circle in the lower right of the comp display near the time) then click on "Options", then Properties and then "Recording" and see if the mic or line in is muted...Sorry if I'm telling you 9 things you already know and not helping...

mikeyboy

07-07-2006, 02:35 PM

There's a pull down menu in audacity that allows you to select microphone, stereo mix or CD audio.  See if one of those will allow you to hear the recorder through Audacity.

SatCam

07-07-2006, 02:44 PM

I'm not sure how the USB interface works exactly, but you may need to switch to it in the Audio I/O tab of Audacity's Preferences.

Also, you should make sure that the signal is going to the computer by plugging your headphones into the USB unit and seeing if you hear anything.

PaulF

07-07-2006, 02:45 PM

First of all, you can probably skip the Behringer altogether and just run to the 1/8" line-in on the computer itself. If you are going to use the Behringer, make sure that the proper device is selected and the level is set high enough and/or not muted.I also use Audacity. Towards the right side of the toolbar is a dropdown that says the incoming source. By default it is set to microphone. Drop down the box and select the Behringer.If you are still not getting sound, double-click on the Windows volume control in the system tray (lower right corner of screen to open the mixer. Go to Option then Properties. Change the "Adjust volume for" to Recording. Make sure that all devices are selected, especially the Behringer. Click OK to return to the mixer, but now Input decives will be displayed. Make sure the Behringer is selected (or Line In if you choose to go that route) and that the level is not all the way down. You can then fine tune the levels in whatever program you choose to record with.

FezPaul

07-07-2006, 04:32 PM

Okay, it's recorded on my computer, and I'm listening to it on my computer, but i had to unplug the USB  to hear it, even though I could hear the playback through the headphones I had on the Behringer.Thanks to SatCam, Sleeves, Mikeyboy, and PaulF for the help!!!

FezPaul

07-07-2006, 05:43 PM

mikeyboy wrote: There's a pull down menu in audacity that allows you to select microphone, stereo mix or CD audio.  See if one of those will allow you to hear the recorder through Audacity. That worked before, but now that menu shows up blank even when I start a new project. So now I'm back to nothing again.Stupid computer.  <img src="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/furious.gif" border="0" />

SatCam

07-07-2006, 09:23 PM

but i had to unplug the USB to hear it, even though I could hear the playback through the headphones I had on the Behringer.

That's expected, because the playback is going through the USB's output, and not your normal soundcard output.

ChimneyFish

07-10-2006, 03:16 PM

I don't know about "Audacity", but I would imagine it handles similar to "Cakewalk".(?) That's what a friend and I used a few years ago. I think he just used the lineout into the soundcard, and we would just use the Tascam 4 track as a sort of half assed mixing board. You'll, obviously, get a much better sound, plus you can record stuff you already did on the 4 track.