Multiple Mics

[AeRo]

Hi all!
I'm must write an PC-application that *MUST* record from multiple mics that are connected at the same PC.
The problem is that i need medium quality ( just speech ) from 6-10 sources at time,and i don't know any hardware at reasonable price that can allow me to connet the mics ( i don't need output ).

Sorry for my poor english skills.

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by AeRo

Hi all!
I'm must write an PC-application that *MUST* record from multiple mics that are connected at the same PC.
The problem is that i need medium quality ( just speech ) from 6-10 sources at time,and i don't know any hardware at reasonable price that can allow me to connet the mics ( i don't need output ).

Sorry for my poor english skills.

Yeah, that many inputs is costly. Do you need the microphones to record on separate tracks in your software? If not, you can get a stereo mix into your computer with a $200 mixer and the computer's soundcard.

[Richard Monroe]

Yo Aero! All you need is a computer with a a decent sound card, a cheap mixer, and several dynamic mics. Remember 7 Samurai? You need a rock band. "But we have no money." Find hungry rock bands (usually easy). They'll have a bunch of cheap usable mics. and some kind of mixer- Also check with DJ's. You can probably rent a mixer. mics > mixer channels "mic in" > main outs > soundcard with "line in" > almost any audio software (hell it's 2 channels) > PC.- Good luck-Richie

P.S.- It's not clear to me whether you have to record these voices on separate channels. It might be as simple as one stereo mic or a pair of mics. into a mixer or preamp, if these speakers are good performers. I know it is hard in English, but tell us more about the project. And tell us what languages you really speak, so we will have a point of reference.

[AeRo]

Sadly,i must record them as individual tracks, so i was thinking about an USB device, but i don't know how good they are. Any hints ? Price should be around 200-750$ and i need also some ideas about a good mic for voice.
If there is a way to record them using something that is inside the computer ( i know it's kind of crazy to have 10 mic input on one PCI card...) rather via an USB device?

[Richard Monroe]

No Aero, USB will not permit that many simultaneous tracks. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to get 10 simultaneous tracks on your budget. Eight might be possible with firewire. Check out Firepod. You are waaaay underbudgeted, so, you will be forced to either change the rules (10 tracks mixed down to 2), or pay a recording studio (much cheaper than building one) or get more money.-Richie

[NYMorningstar]

You could pick up one of these probably for around $600
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...1010-main.html

[AeRo]

Thx NYMorningstar ,
this seems to be the best solution so far. I think i will give it a try.

[moinho]

A suggestion I'd like to add would be the combo of a Marian A ADAT interface card (goes for ~$100 if I remember correctly) and a Behringer ADA8000 (which retails for ~$230).

With that, you get 8 channels input (mic w/ phantom or line), 8 channels output, and a computer interface hardware with extremely low latency and load on your computer. Can be cascaded nicely if you ever need more than the eight channels.

Rainer