Recording without a PC?

[marknrox]

Objective: To purchase all equipment to close mic my drum kit for practicing and recording myself with play-along CD's. And to allow enough expansion capability for full-blown band recording.

I'm fixing-up my drumset (replacing broken and damaged parts) and I have a decent room for playing.CLICK HERE

I have experience with 4-track work, but want to move into quality sound with good equipment. I'm selling a small Yamaha PA setup (worth $600?) to get me started, plus I have several hundred in savings already. I'm giving myself an allowance of $100 per paycheck ($200/mo) to make these purchases over time.

I would rather not go the PC route. I think if I were running a recording business, that would be the way to go with the ability for constant updates. But I think I would prefer actual hardware. I just figure the PC and software will eventually be a worthless dinosaur that I can't sell.

Can I use my 8 ch Yamaha Powered EMX 860 and use the money I save for mics or shoud I just get a new board like the Onyx?
What other equipment do I need?

Hope this post makes sense, any help would be appreciated.

[Riverdog]

It depends on whether you like the sound that is recorded through your current mixer... If you like the sound, then use it... One way or another - You're going to need to have 'something' to put your music "ON", though...

It's fine if you don't want to use a computer to record your instrumentation...
However, you will need some type of "medium" to complete your work...
If you're going to record bands eventually - Then you'll probably need a better mixing board than the Yamaha...

I would say start looking at other types of recorders...
AND - Are you looking for setting up a "vintage" type recording house?
Or just "non-computer"? Your decisions will be determined by these answers as well...

Perhaps you just need a sub 1000.00 mixer and an older "Tascam DA88" or Alesis Recording deck... With some decent mics... I think if you're doing it for yourself, Then the sky is the limit - Choose what works best for you...

Hope this helps...

[Dogbreath]

Not sure if this'll fit your bill or your budget but I've been working with an Akai DPS 24, problem free , for about 3 years. No computer. It'll hook up and run great with one but I'm a bonehead when it comes to computers.
But outta the box is 12 good clean pres (and they are actually very useable pres), phantom power for 4 inputs, good fx with some tweaking, 100 mm touch sensitive faders, 4 ADC inputs, and overall a very solid intuitive unit. OS updates are still coming down the line so we see more goodies to work with. Worth checkin out, anyway.
I paid $2400 but have seen em going for $1800.
Just a little food for thought. Hope it helps.

Kel

[Dogbreath]

BTW...
NICE room!

[marknrox]

Thanks!

If I went with something like the Akai, or similer, would it have enough headroom for drum mics, or would I get better results running through the pre's of a good mixer like the Onyx? But I've heard you can't use the Onyx's EQ for recording anyway or do I have that wrong?

How is the sound of the older ADATs and 8track recorder's compared to the newer Roland/Akai type workstations?

[Dogbreath]

No exp with the Onyx or Roland but the DPS has lotsa headroom. I use a 4 mic setup on my drums. Kick n snare thru a couple of M Audio Tampas with comp and the OH's with the onboard pres. I've also recorded acoustic guitar with the onboards and run the bass guitar thru just the HI Z input on the front. Great sound and clarity. You can get some very good quality right outta the box. Sorry if this sounds like a sales pitch but I'm that impressed with it. 3 years and not one glitch.
fwiw...
Happy hunting, sir.
Peace......................
Kel