Transferring tracks to computer

[brunob]

Hey all, I have a quick question. Do you use any of the effects or mastering effects before transferring the files to the computer?Or, do you just record tracks 1-4, 5/6,no effects, and then transfer those tracks and do all the rest of the work, including final mixdown in the computer. I have recorded and mixed down all of the tracks to 7/8, then into the computer for some editing. Removing lead in noise at beginning, but thats about it.Not sure if this is the best way to go. For the computer program, I use Cool Edit Pro. I am trying to figure out the best use of both the Mr-8 and computer, to get me the best recording possible.
Also, when I record more than 2 tracks on the Mr-8, the next few tracks seem to have reduced quality. Guitar might sound weak or distorted, vocals weaker than the first few tracks etc. Thanks for any help.

[pjh6467]

I use fx after importing to pc. Gives me more control for final mix especially for individual tracks. Don't know why you lose quality after 2 tracks. Are your recording levels under 0db? Someone in here can help you I'm sure. Or Fostex tech support. I've never had that problem with even with 5 full tracks recorded. Good luck, Pj

[Kramer]

Send your individual "dry" tracks to your pc and mix them in Cool Edit.Cool Edit is loaded with top of the line effects processing/EQ etc.

[dave in toledo]

send individual dry tracks to pc, add effects, and eq there, i like n track try the free version at fastsoft.com
only cost 49.00
dont forget to download the wave manager from fostex so you can import the mixed tracks from computer, back to a track on the mr 8 for adding more tracks

[Kramer]

Originally posted by dave in toledo
send individual dry tracks to pc, add effects, and eq there, i like n track try the free version at fastsoft.com
only cost 49.00

He already mentioned in his original post that he uses Cool Edit Pro which is light years beyond N-Track.

btw/I own N-track and thinks is a gret product for the money,but if he's got Cool Edit Pro he has no use for N-Tracks.

[dave in toledo]

yes light years, but, sometimes my eyes skip overstuff when i read, sorry bout that ....

[brunob]

Thanks for the help . I think I have a pretty good idea of what I need to do.

Im beginning to wonder if it would just be easier to line my mixer./preamp directly to the laptopwith one of those 24 bit USB or Firewire converters, useCool Edit pro for recording and editing , and bypass the MR-8 completely. Although,on the other hand, it is nice having real hardware with real knobs at you disposal.

[mrx]

Originally posted by brunob
Thanks for the help . I think I have a pretty good idea of what I need to do.

Im beginning to wonder if it would just be easier to line my mixer./preamp directly to the laptopwith one of those 24 bit USB or Firewire converters, useCool Edit pro for recording and editing , and bypass the MR-8 completely. Although,on the other hand, it is nice having real hardware with real knobs at you disposal.

Many people who use an MR-8 (or other flash/USB recorder) have experienced recording problems with PC's. You'll hear of many who claim to get great results, but there can be quite a bit of upgrades and tweaking along the way (plus, some folks just love tinkering, so losing a performance provides another excuse to open the computer case!)

Most of us seem to use the MR-8 as a rock-solid "front end" to a computer. Recording always works, always captures what you put in, always staying in sync, and allows everything to be moved to a PC for mixing, where an occasional skip or glitch doesn't kill a great performance.

(As for a laptop, see my experience in the Cakewalk forum -
m-Audio decided that a 500MHz machine with Windows 2K was unsuitable for reliably recording a single track of 22KHz audio!!!)