Recording a set (DJM800 to MOTU828): XLR->jack or RCA->jack?

[ThomHulot]

Hey,

I'm recording a mix from my DJM800 to a Motu 828 mkii. Which would be better, to record out from Master 1 (XLR) to the Motu (jack), or Master 2 (RCA) to Motu (jack)?

There is also the option of REC OUT (RCA) to Motu (jack).

I'm aware that XLR is balanced etc.

Many thanks for your help!

T

[mikehalloran]

Whatever a DMJ800 is, I presume that it has specs and that there's a manual that lists them. What are the output levels, line or mic? Are those signals being sent out balanced or not?

[HCMarkus]

Hey,

I'm recording a mix from my DJM800 to a Motu 828 mkii. Which would be better, to record out from Master 1 (XLR) to the Motu (jack), or Master 2 (RCA) to Motu (jack)?

There is also the option of REC OUT (RCA) to Motu (jack).

I'm aware that XLR is balanced etc.

Many thanks for your help!

T

XLR>TRS

[ThomHulot]

Hey Mike,

Thanks so much for your reply!

Pioneer DJM800 is a 4 track DJ mixer. The manual doesn't give much information about the outputs.

It just says: "Recording output; These are output connectors for recording, supporting RCA plugs"

also:

"For an analogue recording signal, the unit has a ‘rec’ output that simply
feeds a stereo signal through RCA leads. REC is pre-master level output."

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/ephox ... 800_OI.pdf

(page 7)

I read in another forum that the Rec Out is the best option:

"Some mixers have a Record Out, which would be optimal. This output is independent of the master volume, so the signal it sends is constant, no matter what the master volume level of the mixer is. This prevents unwanted volume changes in the middle of the mix, and gives you the freedom to use the master level if the music is too loud, or too quiet. If your mixer doesn’t have a record out, your second choice should be the Booth Out."

Is this any help?

T

[HCMarkus]

A balanced line will typically provide the best signal quality, but if you need to use the rec outs, so be it.

[TinenTech]

Over a short cable run, there typically isn't much difference if the source was well-designed. Having said that, where noise is concerned 'tis better to pad than to boost. If you come out of the RCA jacks, which have -10 dBV level, and have to crank up the gain of the MOTU to get a good signal level, you are also amplifying the residual noise floor of the Pioneer's outputs. If you use the Pioneer's XLR outs, and it's too hot for the MOTU, if you pad or lower the sensitivity of the MOTU you're also lowering whatever noise the Pioneer is putting out. If there's any kind of grounding issue, the XLRs are better for that as well.

But, whether the outputs are prefader or post fader you'll have to tell by experiment, since their documentation doesn't tell you.

General rule, higher balanced line levels are better, but it's possible that either one will be fine as long as it's not clipping or requiring a lot of gain in the 828.

[monkey man]

I'd use the XLR and pad it down if need be, regardless of the intended purpose of the RCA out.

Call me old fashioned, but I've too many reasons to be cautious of RCAs. I don't even trust the contacts in those things - too much variability due to oxidation etc. It's likely a -10dB (domestic)-level out anyway. No good.

[Dwetmaster]

Well your 828 has several inputs anyways. So I'd record both outputs and decide afterwards which sounds best.

That's a "fool-proof" solution. [FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE]

[rockitcity]

Well, I took a minute to look up a DMJ800. As noted, it's a DJ mixer for live mixing of analog or digital sources to stereo outputs. The OP mentioned he wanted to record a set, so I would assume he wants to record what the audience is hearing. The mixer has a coaxial digital output (SPDIF) that seems like it would be the the best source for the MOTU. Just make sure the MOTU sample rate matches the output of the mixer, as it appears the latter can be up to 96k. No worries about noise, level matching, cable length, etc. Make sure the recording software is set to SPDIF for clock and you should be good to go.

[ThomHulot]

Thanks everyone for your help!

@Rockitcity, I tried the spdif before, and the signal was incredibly quiet, even when turned up to the max. It was a decent cable as well. Clock speeds were the same, as was the sample rate, so this is why I thought I should try an analog solution.

Does anyone have any ideas why the spdif signal was so weak? The master volume on the mixer was loud, but not clipping, so the problem doesn't lie there.

Thanks again!