Q: data transfer vf16 to PC?

[dobro.732]

I’m considering to do my mixing on PC, instead of directly on my VF16.
My main reasons:
Recently I lost a lot of work due to harddisc failure on the vf 16.
Constant back-up on Fostex or Wav format is a drag. One song per CD-R on a SCSI Plextor writer only.
The low EQ on the fostex is lousy.

Still: I like the ‘transportability’ of the Fostex. And I will continue using it for on site recording.
(But I’ll be happy to know my data is still on a harddrive on my PC, if anything goes wrong).

On my PC I've got: SB audigy with (lightpipe)optical I/Out, SPDIF I/Out, aux stereo I/O, midi I/O.
Cubase SX 2.0 (or still to purchase Pro-Tools)

My questions:
How to transfer 16/(24) track data from the fostex vf16 to my PC?
By Wav via Plextor? By scsi via Plextor? (no compatible scsi card on my PC) By ADAT out of vf16?
What kind of (new) soundcard do I need to get all tracks simultaneously by either WAV or ADAT into my PC for mixing, EQ etc. track by track? And monitor them
What are the pro’s and con’s of mentioned formats/ways of transfer?
That was a lot of questions, I know...
Anybody want to fill in a non-too-technical musician??
Thanks!
Cas

[carelessorc]

It's a key question.
Different folks do it different. Some people like using ADAT to transfer 8 tracks at a time, sync'ing up to DAW software. Some folks just use the SPDIF and transfer 2 tracks at a time. Personally I prefer transferring as WAV files via CD. Before that I used a Zip drive on a VF16. Using this method the tracks all line up, and there are no sync issues, and you've got a back up if you need it (and you do need it, as you know).


Orc

[timboZ]

The best way is by CD wav files.
Like carelessorc then all your tracks will line up.
And no Unnecessary D/A A/D conversions.

[BentRabbit]

I do it via WAV files on CD from my Plextor as well...

It really doesn't take very long and it's comforting to know there's a redundancy fail-over if needed...

[treymonfauntre]

lightpipe. its faster and doesn't waste a cd

[dobro.732]

Thanks guys for the feedback!
So; if I understand this correctly:
If I transfer by WAV (from Plextor made CD-R on the PC CD player into f.i. Cubase) this kind of transfer is still all digital? No D/A, A/D converting in between? and is all in sync? And all tracks will playback simultaneously with
my PC SB Audigy card for monitoring/mixing?
By means of ADAT (8tracks per transfer) I may encounter sync. problems
and may have to do track exchanges and stuff? ADAT is all digital too?
New Q: Suppose I got the vf16 wav.tracks on my PC, fiddle some with mixing, adding tracks etc., and want to (re)transfer the seperate tracks back into the VF16 for additional onsite recording, can that be done the same way as mentioned above (though in reverse), and load the seperate tracks on my vf16?
(iow: record -Cubase- wav. as data on my PC burner, put it on the Plextor tray, load into the vf16 ?).
Thanks again! Appreciate it!

Cas Ian

[carelessorc]

dobro: Yes you can go from PC to VF. I would just transfer a stereo mix to provide a 'backing track' for additional recording (asssuming that existing tracks on the VF won't do). Once you've got PC mixing you may favour it for your finished product.
Treymonfauntre: I don't think light pipe is faster, especially if you want to transfer a lot of tracks. 17 to 24 tracks would take 3 realtime passes of a song (not to mention time establishing sync etc.). As regards 'wasted' CDs, how much are we talking, 20 pence (uk) ? If it's a problem use a rewritable.

Orc

[timboZ]

Use CDRW's

[BentRabbit]

I don't think the audigy is capable of ADAT input is it?
Using CDRW's means you won't 'waste' a CD, although, having a backup copy of your files on CD could hardly be considered a waste anyway...

Without ADAT, using the lightpipe transfer limits you to two tracks at a time... If you have 16 (or all 24) tracks recorded, that will be some time involved, not to mention setting up MIDI MTC to ensure the tracks line up when they get to the PC.

Transferring the wav's to CD and taking to the PC keeps you in the digital realm and the Plextor's are remarkable in regards to low error rates...

Just my .02

[treymonfauntre]

why do you say keeping it in the digital realm? the only thing that wouldn't keep it in the digital realm would be if you solod every track and recorded it from the headphones out or something. adat lightpipe is digital dammit!

[BentRabbit]

Originally Posted by treymonfauntre

why do you say keeping it in the digital realm? the only thing that wouldn't keep it in the digital realm would be if you solod every track and recorded it from the headphones out or something. adat lightpipe is digital dammit!

cause dobro asked if it would remain digital...

[dobro.732]

hey now guys, hang on! Don't quarrel over my stupidity!! That's my realm!:-)
Anyway; I understand now that optical in out/on the SB Audigy is not the same as ADAT at all! To ex/import by adat in/out of the fostex, I'll need a ADAT soundcard to transfer 8 channels at a time, right??
Thanks once more!
[B]
Cas Ian

[treymonfauntre]

yes. if you're patient you can find one on ebay for about $100 or less. i wasn't so i ended up with an echo gina card for $140 but i guess its alright since its got 2 inputs and 8 outputs.

[Nasty Critter]

I don't post much here, 'cause I learn more from other contributers questions.
It seems light pipes are the way to go, but;

a) There are, or aren't sync issues?

b) This will work with CEP2, and a SB PCI?

c) Am I just confusing myself by trying to make this harder that what it should be?
(I hope my therapist is available)