How can I multitrack record OT, Digitakt, Syntakt, Digitone in a DAW?

Fin25 · 2023-10-26T13:23:37.174Z

Are you wanting to record live jams or are you more thinking about treating things a bit more “studio” and recording stems/instruments individually and then arranging/mixing in the DAW?

Tchu · 2023-10-26T13:24:10.465Z

ozankasikci:

using Overbridge would mean I’d have to take OT out of the equation.

No. You can use the Audio Inputs of the ST, DT or DN for the OT Main and Cue Outs.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:25:11.187Z

What I want is to record my live jam, then turn it into a professional track in the DAW. To accomplish that, I need to be able record most of the tracks separately.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:27:18.026Z

Hmm sounds interesting, would you mind elaborating on this a little bit, please?

Meant to reply @Tchu’s post

Fin25 · 2023-10-26T13:30:25.868Z

Ok, got you.

Yeah, I think using overbridge, but with the OT running through the ST/DT inputs is probably the way forward.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:33:22.361Z

But that means, I wouldn’t be able to process one of these devices’ sounds via OT, no? For example, DT or ST sounds wouldn’t be affected if I used the OT’s fader during the recording.

Fin25 · 2023-10-26T13:39:12.952Z

Yeah, I thought this would be the ultimate crux of the problem.

If you’re using the OT for its performance/mixer/FX capabilities, then it’s very difficult to make multitrack recordings of those jams.

If performing using the OT as a mixer/FX is integral to your workflow (and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be, it’s the best in the business for that sort of thing) then you’ll probably just have to settle for just recording the stereo track and doing all your mixing/arranging on the gear before you record, meaning all that’s left at the end is to process/master the stereo recording.

You’d be surprised how much professionally released music is still done this way.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:44:03.153Z

I think this reply gave me enough motivation to go with the stereo recording via OT, and master the recording in the DAW. I’ll give it a go!

Thanks for the responses @Fin25, @Tchu! I love this community

Strutter · 2023-10-26T13:46:21.326Z

There has been times when I’ve considered getting another OT to accomplish this.

I still think it wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:47:37.347Z

Lol, that’s a crazy but good idea that would never cross my mind in a million years

Strutter · 2023-10-26T13:54:42.813Z

4 stereo/8 mono outs would make it a lot easier to perform and multitrack stuff to be polished and possibly re-arranged a bit in the DAW later on.

The way you described your workflow it sounds very similar to mine.

I don’t usually know the structure of the track well enough beforehand to settle with two stereo tracks with lots of elements mixed together, but instead I’d like the option to perform, then evaluate and make changes as I see fit.

whx · 2023-10-26T14:05:53.699Z

I send percussive elements through the OT mains and tonal elements through the cue outs. Helps retain all the performance aspects of the OT while having some reasonable control over the final product. A second OT is a fun idea though…

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T14:15:06.924Z

I’ve never used the cue outs, how does it help @whx?

hyperstationjr · 2023-10-26T14:18:39.298Z

While you’re doing that, you may as well also record the individual tracks via Overbridge.

They won’t be exactly what you perform with, but it would give you more material to work with and might help you mix or adjust things in a pinch. You could also then reprocess those separate tracks with just the OT after the fact, either for another layer of complexity or to make corrections.

the setup is minimal and HD space is abundant, so there unless you really find it a hassle, it’s probably worth it.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T14:20:55.636Z

Wow, that’s a great suggestion @hyperstationjr, thanks!! I think I will try this

whx · 2023-10-26T14:31:33.081Z

Then you have two stereo tracks to record. So you can mix all the tonal elements (synths, bass) as one element and percussion as another track. Which really helps me because I process them so differently in the box. I usually use T1-T4 as percussive tracks, sent to main, and T5-T7 as tonal tracks, sent to cue.

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T14:33:32.722Z

I see. That makes sense, thank you!

MaikR · 2023-10-26T15:19:36.483Z

As I don’t have an OT, maybe my suggestion isn’t possible or exactly what all other users meant in the replies before:

Would it be possible to route the DT into OT input 1+2 and DN > ST into OT 3+4, and then return from OT out 1+2 to DT and OT out 3+4 to ST?

After that you could route all individual tracks from the DT, ST and DN to Overbridge (without using the audio interface). What I don’t know is if the incoming signal is also routed separately… but I think yes…?

chiasticon · 2023-10-26T16:04:34.254Z

I’d also try recording the digi machines into the DAW via OB first, and then run those signals (combined however you like) through the OT for your final stereo mix and record that. you have an additional layer of control there at least, because you can EQ/mix/process individually before it hits OT. no harm in trying it at least, you have everything you need for it already.

of course, there is a simple beauty and fluidity in running them daisy-chained as you are now, and just recording that.

Oxenholme · 2023-10-26T17:04:11.275Z

whx:

I send percussive elements through the OT mains and tonal elements through the cue outs.

This my current setup as well, but I run the DN + A4 through a Mackie first and that goes into input AB of the OT so I can pre mix/eq a tad. Syntakt goes into CD. OT does processing and sends melodics to cue and drums to main. It’s not too rigid though as the Syntakt also does melodic stuff and I just deal with it