Got A Major Delema! HELP!!! Pro Tools/Mic Question

[PJJames]

Hey guys...I'm a drummer...and currently...ive been recording with my Powerbook, Mbox, and Pro Tools 6.9.2. I run a Beta 52 for my kick drum mic, and some cheapy condenser I bought for like $130.00. Well I've been getting decent recordings with just those two mics but I need more...and I dont know if I can get more out of the set up I have. I know I need to get a snare mic....probably an SM57. And then I'd wanna do two overheads instead of one. But obviously I would need to replace my interface...what should I get that'll work with Pro Tools 6.9.2? Also, can I record more then two tracks in Pro Tools at a time??? I'm sure I can...but a week or so ago I almost bought a mixer from Guitar Center and then guy told me I'd be wasting my money cause you can't record more then two tracks at a time. Hope I can get some answers...thanks!

[daveparker]

Hi

The MBox has only two inputs so thats the most you can have with that hardware.

The next interface up is the Digi002R which gives you 8 inputs, but 4 of them are
line level so you would need pre-amplifiers to drive them. The 002R also has an
ADAT interface so you could use one of the 8 way ADAT pre-amps with it
(Focusrite Octopre, Presonus Digimax, etc). This is all going to cost money though.

M-Audio also have some interfaces that work with Protools, though I don't know
much about those.

Protools will allow you to record as many tracks as you have inputs.

Your other option is to use a mixer to create a stereo mix of your drums and record
that with your two mbox inputs. You won't be able to adjust the volume of each drum
after the fact doing it this way though. This is your cheapest option.

Hope this helps.

Dave

[reshp1]

The M-Audio interfaces only work with Protools M-Powered, not LE. So you'd have to buy that separately. If you must record into protools, then the 002R is the best way to go without having to buy another (virtually identical) version of Protools, which is IMO a complete waste of money. Actually part of the cost of any LE interface includes the cost of the software that comes with it, so again, kinda a waste. I think Digi still has a hardware upgrade program, but it isn't really that stellar of a deal. Anyway, my suggestion is to get a nice cheap interface that comes with some sort of LE version of Cubase or whatever, or download one of the free DAW programs, record in that and import the files into protools for editing and mixing.

[PJJames]

So youre saying I could buy a small Yamaha 4 channel USB mixer...take the audio I record with it...and import it into Pro Tools to edit???

[reshp1]

Originally Posted by PJJames

So youre saying I could buy a small Yamaha 4 channel USB mixer...take the audio I record with it...and import it into Pro Tools to edit???

I'm not familiar with the Yamaha mixer, but yeah if it comes with some recording software to get you going and gives you enough inputs for drums. That way, you don't have to pay 1100 bucks for the 002R when you can get a very similar interface for $500 bucks. You still get to use Protools, thanks to your mBox. Yeah, having to transfer files from one program to another is a pain, but it's not the end of the world. I'm not saying getting the Digi002R is a terrible idea, just offering an cheaper alternative that comes with it's own set of drawbacks.
I was thinking something like this
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Firepod/
or
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FW1804/
Although I have no experience with either.

[charger]

My favorite current option for affordable Pro Tools is to buy the M-Audio ProjectMix I/O and Pro Tools M-Powered. That way you get a box that is pretty much a 002, but has 8 preamps instead of 4, and includes the same number of motorized faders, and the ADAT I/O, and two headphone outputs, which is actually pretty darn handy. The only reduction in features is that the ProjectMix has 4 analog audio outputs instead of the 002's 8. it's sweet hardware if you don't need all 8 analog outputs (and you still have 2 S/PDIF I/O, plus 8 ADAT I/O). The ProjectMix runs $1000 everywhere (e.g. zzounds). Then buy M-Powered software to go with it, for $250 (zzounds or other places). M-Powered IS Pro Tools, minus exactly 1 feature as far as I can tell.

At the end, for $850 less, you have a better 002. This is a system I have been considering for some time. If you like Pro Tools and want to stay with it, this is the best deal out there, and seriously beats using something else and then moving your tracks over. And, there are also a number of other very affordable M-Audio interfaces that will get you more inputs for cheaper, even with the cost of PT M-Powered.

[peritus]

Originally Posted by charger

My favorite current option for affordable Pro Tools is to buy the M-Audio ProjectMix I/O and Pro Tools M-Powered. That way you get a box that is pretty much a 002, but has 8 preamps instead of 4, and includes the same number of motorized faders, and the ADAT I/O, and two headphone outputs, which is actually pretty darn handy. The only reduction in features is that the ProjectMix has 4 analog audio outputs instead of the 002's 8. it's sweet hardware if you don't need all 8 analog outputs (and you still have 2 S/PDIF I/O, plus 8 ADAT I/O). The ProjectMix runs $1000 everywhere (e.g. zzounds). Then buy M-Powered software to go with it, for $250 (zzounds or other places). M-Powered IS Pro Tools, minus exactly 1 feature as far as I can tell.

At the end, for $850 less, you have a better 002. This is a system I have been considering for some time. If you like Pro Tools and want to stay with it, this is the best deal out there, and seriously beats using something else and then moving your tracks over. And, there are also a number of other very affordable M-Audio interfaces that will get you more inputs for cheaper, even with the cost of PT M-Powered.

VERY INTERESTING!

Thanks... Now I have a direction for my future buying.... I already have Firewire 410 and M-Powered...

[Pro Tooler]

or try the 002rack... cheaper than the 002 but the exact same thing!.... do u really need the eye candy of the 002 for about a grand more than the rack... IMO no... you can do the same things with the rack accept watch faders move.and FYI... when u want to upgrade in the future... Digidesign gives you the retail value that you paid for ANY digidesign product even 10 years from now on you trade in upgrade... NO other company does that!!!