Tapco BLEND16 Owner'S Manual Download Page 19

Page: 19 / 28

Three controls configure how the USB connection

will work in different scenarios:

USB Source switch:

This lets you
choose whether
your computer
is fed by the
main mix, or by a
prefader tap of subgroups 1-2.

USB Output Level:

The selected channels of analog

audio pass through this control, allowing you to
adjust the gain if needed, and to stop the USB OL
(overload) LED from coming on.

Then the analog audio is converted to a serial
stream of digital data, and sent through the USB
cable to your computer where you can record it
into your DAW software (Digital Audio Workstation).

LINE/USB switch

(CH 15/16): Two stereo

channels can return from your
computer to channels 15-16 by pushing
this switch at the top of the channel.

Recording Live

In a live situation, you can capture a recording of

exactly what the audience heard to your computer’s
hard drive, perhaps to burn a CD later.

Configuration:

• Set up your mixer for your live show as you normally

would. Be sure the USB SOURCE button is in the up
position; your computer will receive a copy of the
mixer’s stereo main mix signals.

• Adjust the USB Level Control so the USB OL

LED does not light during the sound tests or
performance, encores etc.

• Open your recording software of choice and

begin recording the Blend 16 USB input. This can
be done in either mono or stereo, depending on
how you are mixing your live show (there’s no
reason to record in stereo if you are mixing the
show in mono).

• Be sure the USB button is not engaged on channels

15-16 as this may cause a feedback loop with
some DAW setups.

Studio Recording and Overdubbing

In your studio, you can record two channels

or selected groups of channels to your computer,
playback your recording, and perform overdubs by
adding new material.

There are two different methods for monitoring the

recording:
• Direct monitoring (listening to the direct sounds as

you record).

• Software monitoring (listening through the

recording software). For example, you might want
to listen as you play your guitar through a new
“warm amp tones” software simulator plug-in.

Note: Use either monitoring method, but not both

at the same time, or you may hear an undesirable
echo of your recording.

Subgroups

The channel audio signals can also be sent to the

subgroups. These let you group together similar or
related sources.

For example, your drum kit microphones can be

sent to subgroups 1 and 2. The output from each
subgroup can be adjusted with its own SUB FADER,
assigned to the main mix, and/or sent out of the sub
output jacks for recording.

To get signals onto the subgroups, press the 1-2, or

3-4 buttons near the bottom of each channel strip.

Careful use of each channel’s PAN can create a

nice stereo image in subgroups 1 and 2, or in 3 and 4.
If you want a channel to only go to 1 (or 3), pan fully
left; for 2 (or 4), pan fully right.

To get subgroups onto the main mix, press the L

and/or R buttons above each SUB FADER.

Control Room and Phones Section

The control room section lets you select and

monitor the main mix, the CD/Tape player, subgroups
and listen to individual SOLOed channels, all without
interrupting the main mix. You can set up a separate
amplifier and speakers for a studio control room,
Uncle Ernie’s control shed, or headphones.

Solo

Any channels with their SOLO button engaged, will

have their signals sent (pre fader) to the control room
output and headphones for monitoring. This does not
affect the main mix, so your band can still play on,
while you check individual channels and weed out
Mr. Out-of-Tune from the boy band.

USB and the Blend 16

One of the cool features of the Blend 16 is its

integrated USB input and output. Among other things,
this allows you to record your live shows, perform
recording sessions in your home studio, or use your
computer as a jukebox/band member during live
performances, with only your mixer, a computer and
a USB cable. No extra computer audio interface
hardware is needed.

Before you can get started, you may need to install

the drivers. See the instructions included on the Blend
16 software CD.

(

)

MAIN

MIX

SUB

SUB ASSIGN

TO MAIN MIX

MASTER

MAIN

MIX