Using alesis firewire mixer and xlr Mics, Using Skype while recording podcast

[timmers]

I'm using a G5 powermac with the latest version of OSX 10.4. I purchased an alesis multimix12 firewire mixer and I have 3 XLR mics plugged into it and they have all been setup and tested. They are all working in Audacity.

When using Skype I was hoping to be able to use the Firewire Mixer input device in order to make calls in Skype (through the firewire port that the mixer is hooked into) and I set that preference in the preferences to input from the Alesis 1394, but when I try to make the test call to echo123 it is grayed out and it says "Playback error"


How can I setup Skype to allow input from my mixer device with the 3 xlr mics plugged into it? I'd still like it to output from the generic mac line out, or through the mixer headphone jack, any ideas on how I can accomplish this, or is there some other solution I will have to find?

[ptfigg]

Hi,

I believe firewire in Skype is still unsupported. You may have to use the internal G5 I/O in order to integrate Skype. Keep in mind that you *may* experience problematic noise due to the direct link [computer and mixer].

You can alleviate this by using a secondary interface.

Anyway,

Try sending your mic channels out of the mixer through an AUX bus to the G5 input. Set the Skype input to computer "Line In." Now send the G5 output to a line input channel on your mixer. Set Skype output to computer 'Line Out.'

This should get you going. Keep in mind that if you intend to record the conversation, make sure that you don't route the Skype output that is feeding the mixer - back into the computer.

-ptfigg.

[mad0214]

I found this on Doug Kaye's blog some time ago and it helped me out quite a bit. It was something I had been trying to figure out and it works great for me.

http://www.blogarithms.com/index.php...ype-revisited/

In your case, make sure you have the three xlr mics panned to the left and skype panned to the right and feed feed only the left channel into the computer so you're skype guest(s) don't hear their echo.

I have an Alesis as well, although its the USB mixer.

[timmers]

What do you mean by a secondary interface?

If I plug the mixer into the outputs using line ins and aux outs from the mixer will I still be able to talk through any of the three mics while still being able to hear the person I'm talking to on Skype from my computer speakers?

[ptfigg]

In your case, make sure you have the three xlr mics panned to the left and skype panned to the right and feed feed only the left channel into the computer so you're skype guest(s) don't hear their echo.

The AUX bus out to the computer will only consist of the mics, not the main mix. Skype coming into the board will not cause any problems in terms of echo as long as you do not include this input as part of the AUX send.

If I plug the mixer into the outputs using line ins and aux outs from the mixer will I still be able to talk through any of the three mics while still being able to hear the person I'm talking to on Skype from my computer speakers?

I'm not clear with what you are asking ...

• The idea is this: The AUX send feeds the computer input. This allows the Skye caller to hear the mics.

• The computer output that is routed back to the mixer allows the participants to hear Skype.

• Since both paths are routed through the computer, as long as you have the internal I/O set as the default, you can monitor through connected computer speakers.

In terms of a secondary interface, this would act as sort of a buffer between the computer and the mixer. USB would be used instead of the direct mixer to computer method. Again, not necessary, however a consideration.

-ptfigg.