Newbie Home Recording/Studio Advice

[drbabbers]

All,

I was after some advice on setting up a little studio to record my 3 piece band at rehearsal. I have basic experience with sequencers and have done a few amateur recordings using USB audio interfaces.

I want to get into the world of multitrack recording as I want to be able to record a 4 piece drum kit and cymbals.

I am using a Macbook Pro with Mac OSX Snow Leopard 10.6.6 and it has 2 USB interfaces.

Ideally I need recommendations on what hardware and software I should purchase. At this stage I am not too concerned by mics, I just want to secure the basics and build from there.

I have taken a look at this site: 'Tweak's Guide to the Home and Project Studio' which was very informative. It looks to me like I need to purchase a mixer with at least 4 or 5 inputs/simultaneous tracks. I would like the setup to be portal if possible!

Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks.
D

[drbabbers]

I have just had a browse on the web and have been comparing Computer Audio Interfaces vs Hard Disk Based Multitracks.. I don't have to use my Mac and at this level would be willing to start the basics on the multitrack as a standalone.. Once again any help is very welcome..

[gecko zzed]

If you already have a computer, have a look at multi-channel interfaces.

[mjbphotos]

1) Set your budget
2) How many tracks do you want to record at one time (maximum number)

[Dogbreath]

And just to throw some un-solicited goodz out there...

If it were me and I was gonna track my 3 piece, I'd get an interface with 8 inputs. 4 for drums, 1 guitar, 1 bass, 1 vox....

also...for tracking drums, check out these mic techniques...Glyn Johns...
Recording Drums: The Glyn Johns Method of Recording Drums

and Recorderman Technique.

Recorderman overhead drum mic technique - Hometracked

just a google of either one will get ya vids and pics on placement etc...

Simple yet effective.

[drbabbers]

If you already have a computer, have a look at multi-channel interfaces.

Any particular ones that you recommend for Mac?

[TeyshaBlue]

Any particular ones that you recommend for Mac?

I use a Zoom R16. It's an 8 channel interface that can also record as a standalone using SD Cards. It packs some decent onboard effects and the pre's are usable. It's been a pretty reliable piece of gear.
Zoom R16 | Sweetwater.com

[drbabbers]

I use a Zoom R16. It's an 8 channel interface that can also record as a standalone using SD Cards. It packs some decent onboard effects and the pre's are usable. It's been a pretty reliable piece of gear.
]

Thanks for the reply. What software do you use on the Mac in conjunction with it?

I have had a look on google and a popular match seems to be the Tascam family of USB audio interfaces. Ideally I want one with multiple XLR inputs. They seem pretty good value for money also.

D

[TeyshaBlue]

Thanks for the reply. What software do you use on the Mac in conjunction with it?

I have had a look on google and a popular match seems to be the Tascam family of USB audio interfaces. Ideally I want one with multiple XLR inputs. They seem pretty good value for money also.

D

The ZOOM has 8 XLR inputs with phantom power plus 2 built in condensors.
I run Sonar 8.5 on a PC laptop. I also run Reaper on a netbook. The Tascam M-164uf gets pretty good reveiws around here as well.
Product: M-164UF | TASCAM

[drbabbers]

I have used Reaper before on a Windows laptop and it was pretty awesome. I presume you can setup it up to talk to the 8 track?

My mate has a Zoom HD16 - 16 track hard disk multitrack for sale pretty cheap which looks really good. Anyone have any experience with one of these? It has 8 XLR inputs which will ideal for recording us live in the studio.