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

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:16:51.116Z

Hi everyone, I need help with recording my live performance in DAW in order to turn it into a real track.

For that, I want to be able to multitrack record from OT, DT, DN, ST. My current setup is: DN -> ST -> DT -> OT -> Audio Interface

This means I have 2 stereo or 4 mono outs from OT into the Audio Interface. So I can’t record and process the tracks from DT, ST, DN separately in the DAW. Obviously, to be able to mix and finish a quality track that’s really important.

Do you have any suggestions to make this workflow easier and more feasible from a producer’s point of view?

Thanks!

Fin25 · 2023-10-26T13:19:42.236Z

What Audio interface are you using?

Are you using a Mac or a PC?

Do you use overbridge?

ozankasikci · 2023-10-26T13:21:40.637Z

Hi @Fin25!

I’m using Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Audio Interface. Using Ableton Live on a macbook.

I’m using Overbridge but since OT is acting as a mixer in this setup, to the best of my knowledge, using Overbridge would mean I’d have to take OT out of the equation.

Tchu · 2023-10-26T13:21:42.273Z

ozankasikci:

Do you have any suggestions

Overbridge.

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.