Multi-track audio (or digital) output from PC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:09:34 pm
content: Hi,what is the best solution to have multiple audio tracks generated for example in audacity (or other software) to be output to separate outputs? I am not talking about stereo, but many more, say 4 or 5 mono outputs (or even stereo).Many thanks

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:18:54 pm
content: The easiest would be to use an audio card that supports multiple outputs. There's a whole range of such USB cards, for instance.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:22:06 pm
content: Quote from: ricko_uk on July 26, 2020, 05:09:34 pmWhich platform? I assume Windows.I only use it on Linux. As far as I know it's not possible with Audacity.There used to be a program called Cool Edit Pro. It would do what you are wanting to do. They sold it to Adobe I think who then rebranded it.But I'm fairly sure Audacity only provides for mono or stereo.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:38:09 pm
content: Quote from: ricko_uk on July 26, 2020, 05:09:34 pmLook at the audio production sections of sites like B&H Photo and Thomann. Or go to a well-stocked local music shop and ask about multichannel audio interfaces.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:45:02 pm
content: Yeah, as far as the software is concerned, Audacity seems to - kinda - support multiple input recording (more than 2), but can only output to mono or stereo.I would suggest REAPER as an alternative - a VERY capable DAW, available on Windows/MacOS/Linux. Not expensive, but you can get a free license (they say for 60 days, but IIRC, the software will still function after that - this may have changed though, I use it and bought a license years ago for $60.)An open-source alternative is Ardour:https://ardour.org/, also multi-platform and also very capable. Used it on Linux. Unfortunately, on Windows and MacOS, you need to register and pay a small fee to be able to download binaries. You can always try and build it from source (completely free), but apparently it's kind of a headache on Windows. On Linux, most distros have a package for it.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:47:41 pm
content: Audacity is great for freeware but it is not well setup for multichannel IO, you're going to want a proper DAW for that.I seem to remember doing some 8 channel input on an old freeware software, but I would look at a better option - some are expensive, but something like Reaper should give you very comprehensive multichannel IO support and tons of other DAW features for <$100. Then you need the audio device(s) for it, but they're fairly plentiful. Some mixers with digital connections will do multichannel in and out, but the most common devices to do it are going to be branded as audio interfaces. Not 100% sure on software support, but if you don't need everything to be aligned to exactly the same clock, a bunch of stereo soundcards could even be used. The limiting factor here is going to be the OS's handling of audio drivers and the DAW's handling of multiple devices.

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:50:04 pm
content: Thank you all!What if I also need a couple of analog and a couple of digital signals outputs which are perfectly synchronised with the audio signal? What software/hardware solution would you suggest/reccomend?Thank you again!

author: magic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:51:41 pm
content: Supposedly Audicity can export multichannel files. No idea if it's up to date or anything.https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/import_export_preferences.htmlFor hardware, literally any 7.1 surround soundcard. Or SOL if you need more than 8 channels.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 05:54:50 pm
content: Quote from: ricko_uk on July 26, 2020, 05:50:04 pmI have no idea what hardware to suggest, but all the interactive artists I know (and know of) who need audio and control synchronization seem to use Max by Cycling74. Might be worth a look.

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 07:50:48 pm
content: Thank you Tooki and Magic

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2020, 07:59:24 pm
content: So, software-wise, on Windows, I'd suggest REAPER. On Linux, either REAPER or Ardour.For the audio interface, it depends on your budget, which I don't know anything about. If you have a tight budget, I could suggest the Behringer interfaces: either the UMC404HD, or the UMC1820 for more inputs and outputs. Cheap stuff for the specs. Not all Behringer gear is good, but those two have good reviews.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2020, 12:27:39 am
content: One pitfall with multi channel audio cards is that not all the channels have the same quality, necessarily. Sometimes they skimp on the rear channels compared to main front ones, things like that.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2020, 01:43:22 am
content: If youve got the budgethttps://www.lynxstudio.com/make some rather nice gear.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2020, 03:21:30 am
content: Quote from: ricko_uk on July 26, 2020, 05:09:34 pmThere are dozens of multi-channel audio interfaces from MOTU, Mackie, Apollo, PreSonus, Focusrite, RME, Apogee, Avid and others. Each output channel can be individually assigned but they are all synchronized. Some of them ship with a DAW package, like Digital Performer, Audio Desk, ProTools First or Tracktion that support multichannel output. Apple Logic and Reaper are not free but they do support multichannel output.Basically, in the DAW you set up buses for each output. Then you assign a track to a bus, and hence an output. Load audio files into the tracks, off you go.

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2020, 05:39:52 am
content: Thank you all, plenty of very interesting and usefull infos!