Choosing PC vs ADAT vs DWS w/existing Gear

[Fishmed]

I would use the gear that you have - Very good start! I would buy a MOTU 2408 ($875)for your PC interface. The reason why I suggest this interface over others is that it can connect up to three Alesis ADAT machines or three Tascam MultiTrack recorders (24 tracks). The 2408 has 8 unbalanced analog I/O built into it. The cheapest way to add more tracks for recording is buying an Alesis AI3 ($400) which will connect to the 2408 via the ADAT lightpipes. The AI3 has 8 balanced I/O channels.

As far as your software goes, there is wide variety to select from. You will need to read the post here on the BBS to find the one that is right for you. I personally use Cakewalk Pro Audio because it supports MIDI.

One thing I did not see on your list of gear are microphones. If you do not have any, check out the microphone forum for various reviews.

This should get you started and hopefully well under your budget.

Good Luck.

[flashback]

I want to record my Rock band in my basement for <$5K equipment. The goal is to record jams,demo's, pre-prod & CD's. Equipment in the basement - Mackie 1604(old one w/o 4 subs), Mackie 1202(old one), SPX90, comprsr. Equipment upstairs (long haul to the basement) is a PIII 500mz, 20gb, w/DVD,CD-R, Jazz, SBlaster 128. I have looked at Alesis LX, DWS by Roland, Fostex, Akai, Korg, etc. I am confused.Help?!

[Dom Franco]

If I had another 5K I'd buy two more ADATS!

More tracks, and they all sync up. You can make backup copies digitally (No worries about a hard drive crash!)

ADAT's are standard in most professional studios, so you will be able to share and re-mix and finish projects almost any where!

Sincerely;

Dom Franco