basic setup of recording equip.

[drummersteve]

ok, im not too sure about somehting here...
now to you experts it maybe obvious, but being a newbie you know... i know how everything works..but i dont know how to set it up as ive never had my own setup
so this is my question... the outputs from a mixing desk, say with 16 tracks for example, then go into the computer... so if you had 16 outputs from the mixing desk, would that mean you need 16 inputs on a computer soundcard? this is what ive been stuck with! also, would anyone mind talking me through a set up.. i think its somethin like mics go into mixing desk, from mixing desk out into soundcard, into computer, out of computer again into some amplification unit and then to monitors... is that basically right? if those two ansers could be ansered id appreciate it! cheers, *newbie*

[Tim Brown]

Well, there are several Input modules (not a soundcard) that allow 8 or more inputs that sell for around $500

Most of these units have a at least 2 sets of "cue" outputs...a set of outputs to connect to an amplifier, and a set of headphone outputs.

Yes, you have the basics of it.

Actually, with a stereo mixingboard you could record a whole band live to stereo (just use the stereo mix out of the mixer) in a multitrck software such as Ntrack, and then go back and overdub vocals and guitar leads on other tracks.

You can record fairly decent demo's that way.
The key to this type of recording is mic placement, drum tuning, and paying attention to EQ.



Tim

[drummersteve]

i thought it was something like that, but i wanted to be sure 1st. thanks for that. so the input modules, are theye external from the computer? i remember having seen something like that whilst browsing the internet before... and this input module, im guessing, gets connected to the soundcard in someway so you can manipulate the seperate tracks with the software? (I use acid sound forgery) thanks for the help, steve

[Tim Brown]

Originally Posted by drummersteve

i thought it was something like that, but i wanted to be sure 1st. thanks for that. so the input modules, are theye external from the computer? i remember having seen something like that whilst browsing the internet before... and this input module, im guessing, gets connected to the soundcard in someway so you can manipulate the seperate tracks with the software? (I use acid sound forgery) thanks for the help, steve

yes and no. it depends upon the type. Some of them have a card that you install in the PC, and they have a special cable that connects between the rackmountable interface, and the PC.

Others use what's called a "Firewire" port. I believe Firewire ports are already installed in most Higher powered Apple computers, and they come on some PC's (I have a firewire port on my PC, but I built it it and I specifically bought a Mainboard with Firewire ports on it.)...but you can purchase a Firewire card/interface.

One thing you will definitely need, is a lot of PC speed ( the higher the better) and as much RAM as possible. I would say, from my own experience that 512K RAM is a minimum....also, a Videocard with a lot of RAM installed in it will help, because then the Video isn't using any of the PC's RAM.


Tim

[drummersteve]

Originally Posted by Tim Brown

yes and no. it depends upon the type. Some of them have a card that you install in the PC, and they have a special cable that connects between the rackmountable interface, and the PC.

Others use what's called a "Firewire" port. I believe Firewire ports are already installed in most Higher powered Apple computers, and they come on some PC's (I have a firewire port on my PC, but I built it it and I specifically bought a Mainboard with Firewire ports on it.)...but you can purchase a Firewire card/interface.

One thing you will definitely need, is a lot of PC speed ( the higher the better) and as much RAM as possible. I would say, from my own experience that 512K RAM is a minimum....also, a Videocard with a lot of RAM installed in it will help, because then the Video isn't using any of the PC's RAM.


Tim

I see. well, as the computer im planning on using is not a super duper computer as yet, i think the firewire port sounds a bit more confusing than the other. so the card you install into the pc connects to the input module, and it keeps all your trakc syou have recorded through the mixing desk seperate when going into the computer for manipulation with software? thats the main reason why im doing this, for things like drum tracking i need quite a few inputs.

a fast processor/ extra ROM/RAM will be seen to accordingly, my brohter is a computer wizz kid, not so much on audio side, but he knws whats best. i take it a new video card is not a nessesatey, it would just mean there is mroe ram available for the things in which i need it most for?

If the few questions in there could be answered tim id appreciate it, steve

[protein]

It can get slightly more complicated but pretty useful with a mixer that has groups. Lets say you have 8 group outputs you could attach them to the input of the computer - then you can assign any of your 16 mixer tracks to any one of those eight outputs. That way for example you could have three different mics on the snare but mix them to one input of your soundcard. Or you could use two overheads for the drums, a hi-hat mic and a room mic all mixed to a pair of inputs.

It's rather complicated to get your head around at first but it's really quite useful. Especially if you have a soundcard with only 8 inputs but you are recording a nine piece drum kit and a guide guitar track.