How to separate multiple inputs in multiple tracks at a time??

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the_new_one

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Hi I'm a newbie and im planning of setting up my own home personal studio. I'm confused of how set up multiple inputs to multiple tracks in recording software.. for example I'm recording using vocals,guitar,bass,and keyboard at time? how can i set up those inputs to record on separate tracks?
can anyone give me a list of hardware and software to be use??thanks...
 
The FAQ that PRHunt linked to should be invaluable to you.

As you read it, watch for the section on audio interfaces. To work as you want, you'll need an interface with a sufficient number of channels to record the number of sources you want. Also, think about the relative number of mics and line level sources that you will need to record.

Finally, you can consider recording your various sources one at a time rather than all at once!
 
thanks for the links and replies..

.I find it usefull to me...but here in Riyadh, Yamaha,Mackie,Montabardo,Fender is the only products available here...
 
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Brand names are irrelevant.

Learn the basics and the techniques can be used on any brand gear.

First step: Get some basic recording books and read, read, read.

Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $16
Amazon.com: Home Recording For Musicians For Dummies (9780470385425): Jeff Strong: Books

PC Recording Studios for Dummies - $16
Amazon.com: PC Recording Studios For Dummies (9780764577079): Jeff Strong: Books

Recording Guitar and Bass by Huw Price
Amazon.com: Recording Guitar and Bass: Getting a Great Sound Every Time You Record (9780879307301): Huw Price: Books

Home Recording for Beginners by Geoffrey Francis
Amazon.com: Home Recording for Beginners (0082039538815): Geoffrey Francis: Books

When you get a bit into it, I highly recomend The Art of Mixing by David Gibson
Amazon.com: The Art of Mixing: A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production (9781931140454): David Gibson: Books

A MUST READ: Kim Lajoie's "Lifesigns from studio" - FREE - http://www.errepici.it/web/download/KLBD.asp

Good Newbie guides that also explains all the basics and have good tips:
Tweak's Guide to the Home and Project Studio
Free beginner PDFs | Computer Music | MusicRadar.com
The #1 online community for musicians | Harmony Central
Tips & Techniques - Gearslutz.com

Guitar Amp Recording: Guitar Amp Recording

21 Ways To Assemble a Recording Rig: How to Configure a Recording Studio Rig

Other recording books: Music Books Plus - Missing Page - 404 Errors
 
The short answer... The software you choose will probably record a large number of separate tracks with no problem, while the hardware (interface) you choose determines how many simultaneous inputs you get, and will generally cost more as you are given more available inputs. Hardware interfaces generally provide 2, 4, 6, or 8 simultaneous analog inputs of varying types and may also include 2 channel or multichannel digital inputs which can be nice for expansion.
So... first decide what instruments you would like to record, how many you would like to record at the same time. Then look for interfaces that have enough inputs of the right type (XLR mic inputs, 1/4" hi z instrument inputs, or 1/4 " line inputs). A recording program that supports your interface, and your good to go.
Some of the previous posters have provided some great links and I would recommend spending some time perusing them for details.
 
Fast Track Pro - 4 x 4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Preamps is this interface suit for starters?
 
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The Fast Track Pro is a good basic interface with two mic pre amps. However, read the spec carefully--even though it says "4 x 4" it's counting some digital inputs--it can only handle two analogue signals at a time and only has two mic pre amps.

In the M Audio range, the Fast Track Ultra increases this to 4 mic pre amps and some line level (which could, for example do keyboards) at the same time.

I've never shopped for audio stuff in Riyadh but another brand to look at might be Tascam. They've been offering some good deals lately on their US 800 and US 1800 interfaces, depending on how many inputs you need.

...and there are tons of others if you can find a specialist shop.
 
i really need to be sure on what i have to buy for starting my studio. cuz you now i'm not that rich,i a have small salary here in saudi i just want to build this..thats why i have to much asking..im noob here..this what i found here available in riyad,can you give me an advise about this? "Yamaha Audiogram6 USB Audio Interface (Mac and Windows)" and also this "Suggestions for mackie pro fx8: Mackie ProFX8 8-Channel USB Compact Mixer with Effects "

thanks
 
It would help if you'd let us know how many different simultaneous tracks you need--and how many of these are microphones and how many are line level sources like keyboards etc.

The two things you listed are quite different beasts.

The Yamaha Audiogram can send 2 mic channels and two stereo things (keyboards, electronic drums, etc.) to your computer at the same time.

The Mackie has up to 8 mic inputs and some line level stereo ones--but can only send to tracks to your computer at the same time.

Both have their uses but which is best for your (or if they're suitable at all) will depend on exactly what you want to record and how you want to work.

So...a few more details please!
 
i will be needing 4 inputs for 4 tracks recording simultaneous .1 track for vocal, 1 track for guitar, 1 track for electronic drums, 1 track for keyboard and 1 track for back up vocals or bass guitar.
 
i need 4 inputs for 4 tracks recording simultaneous , ex. 1 track for vocals, 1 track for guitar, 1 track keyboard, and for bass or electronic drums..
 
Yo,

I use a Phonic Helix Mk2 18 track firewire mixer/audio interface. (I think its 18 tracks in) - Which cost me about £300. There are M-Audio and Mackie alternatives, if you google phonic helix youl see the alternatives on most sites.

The mixer is your audio interface, connects to the PC/Mac via firewire (or USB) and has most of the features youl want for recording your band, at not a bad price. Zero latency recording, half decent pre amps, xlr and unbalanced inputs/outputs etc. The mixers are also available with 4, 12 and 24 inputs. If its quite a small set up and your just getting started, you should get away with 12 or 18 inputs - and ebay usually have tonnes of them cheap.

I use Mac OS and Cubase 6 - Once the mixer is installed (via firewire) each input appears as a seperate connection and is easily routed to each track within cubase. check levels, eq etc and your ready to go.

I know you didnt ask this but I also use mostly Shure SM57 mics which are excellent all rounders, cost about £100 new but usually amazing bargains to be had on ebay for them too.
 
andybhoy said:
Yo,

I know you didnt ask this but I also use mostly Shure SM57 mics which are excellent all rounders, cost about £100 new but usually amazing bargains to be had on ebay for them too.
Click to expand...

Be a bit careful. If the bargain is TOO amazing, it's probably a counterfeit. Both Shure and Sennheiser are having a LOT of problems with fakes hitting eBay these days.
 
the_new_one said:
i really need to be sure on what i have to buy for starting my studio. cuz you now i'm not that rich,i a have small salary here in saudi i just want to build this..thats why i have to much asking..im noob here..this what i found here available in riyad,can you give me an advise about this? "Yamaha Audiogram6 USB Audio Interface (Mac and Windows)" and also this "Suggestions for mackie pro fx8: Mackie ProFX8 8-Channel USB Compact Mixer with Effects "

thanks
Click to expand...

Those USB mixers will only let you record 2 separate tracks (left and right stereo track) at a time. Do all the reading suggested previously. You mention recording electronic drums - if you record them on one channel it will be a mono track, you will not be able to pan the 'drum set' across the stereo width of your project.
 
thank you guys for the answers..but i need to focus on what is available here in saudi arabia ,because i dont have credit card so i cannot buy from e bay or any online stores.
 
Roland QUAD-CAPTURE USB 2.0 Audio Interface , TRI-CAPTURE USB Audio Interface, OCTA-CAPTURE 10 x 10 24-bit/192kHz Hi-SPEED USB Audio Interface, UA-4FX USB Audio/MIDI Interface, "FA-66 24Bit/192kHz FireWire Audio Capture -6 IN/6-OUT 24 bit/96 kHz Simultaneous Performance, and 4-IN/4-OUT 24 bit/192 kHz Simultaneous Performance"

maybe can someone advice me what suits me here...thanks..
 
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