Multitrack Recording with the Midas M32

Before you start

Multitrack recording on the Midas M32 is handled through the console’s USB connection to a computer running recording software. The process is local: audio is sent from the console to the computer over USB, and the computer writes the files. You need a compatible USB cable and enough free storage space for the track count and recording length you plan to use.

Confirm which USB expansion card is fitted in the M32. The original DN32-USB card provides USB audio connectivity, while newer or replacement cards may have different channel counts or driver requirements. Check the card installed in your console and obtain the correct driver for your operating system before connecting the console to the computer.

Step-by-step instructions

Start by powering everything on in the right order. Connect the M32 to the computer with a USB cable, then install the USB driver for the card if it is not already installed. Launch your recording software and create a new project with the sample rate setting that matches the M32.

• 1. On the M32, press the Setup button and open the card page to confirm the USB routing mode and sample rate.\n2. Select the console as the audio input device in the recording software.\n3. Create enough empty tracks in the software for the number of M32 channels you want to record.\n4. Assign each M32 input channel to the corresponding USB return path so the routed channel arrives on the expected track.\n5. Set each software track to the correct input source from the M32.\n6. Arm the tracks you want to record and start recording.

The M32 can route local inputs, mixes, and other console points to USB depending on the card page configuration. Use the card routing page to choose the bank of signals being sent to the computer. If the software offers channel mapping presets for the M32, select the preset only when it matches the card page routing you configured.

Check the output

While recording, watch the software meters for each armed track. A channel that is receiving signal should show meter movement when audio is present at the corresponding M32 input. If a track stays silent while the console channel meter moves, the input assignment or card routing is likely wrong.

After stopping, play back a short section of each recorded track to confirm that the files contain the expected signals. Also check the recorded format and sample rate in the software’s project settings or file properties. Different recording applications may use different default file types and bit depths, so set these intentionally before the actual take.

Common problems and next steps

If the computer does not see the M32, reinstall or update the USB driver for the installed card and try a different USB port or cable. Avoid connecting through a hub unless it is known to work with high-channel-count audio devices, because unstable USB connections can cause dropouts or missing channels.

For software-related questions, use a multitrack recording application that supports the M32 USB interface and provides reliable input mapping. If your current software cannot address all needed channels, test the available channel count with a small project before the recording session and plan the track layout around that limit.