Hey HD24 users. Have a couple of questions

[zbert]

So right now I'm using 3 Tascam DA38 recorders and I'm going to switch to a HD24. I have a couple of questions if anyone can help me out. I know the HD24 can sync to an old ADAT but can it hook up to a DA series machine? I have a Tascam version of the BRC remote. What is everyone using with the HD24 for a remote? How important is getting the Fireport? I don't plan to mix in the computer but it would be nice to use my Soundforge to edit and return a track to the HD24. I have a Studiomaster p7 24 channel board that has in line monitoring so I'm good on that end (plus plenty of pres and effects) so is there anything else you can suggest I need when I do this switch over? Thanks for your help.
Tom

[Track Rat]

If you could put a MOTU2408 in between them you could make a digital transfer.

[zbert]

Mike
I know from searching the old posts you have the HD24. Do you use the Fireport or the MOTU. Isn't the Fireport a lot cheaper? Also what do you use as a remote? BTW didn't you have a Studiomaster some time ago? I think I read your now using the 3500. How does it compare to the Studiomaster?
Thanks
Tom

[Adam P]

The HD24 comes with a basic remote with Play, Stop, Record, and FF/Rew functions, as well as some other stuff like locate points. No track arming on the remote, but that's not really a big deal anyways.

I use the FirePort (in fact, I'm using it right now)...it drops the files quite quickly. I just transferred eight 16 minute tracks in no time. The alternatives are using a digital interface and transferring in real time (as suggested by Track Rat), or transferring through the HD24's ultra-slow Ethernet port. If you're only going to be importing and exporting a track or two here and there, and not whole songs, the FirePort would probably be the best compromise between efficiency and cost.

[Track Rat]

I already had the MOTU when I got the HD24. I had been using it with ADATs. It's a real time transfer but I see that as no impediment. A fireport may make more sense if you intend on mixing in the box via software. The 2408 along with the HD24 functions as a 24 channel soundcard which I find REAL handy. As far as remote control, I use a BRC. It has some quirks to it as it was never meant to operate an HD24 but it does what you'd want from a remote. I clock the BRC (and the rest of the system) with a GenX6. I did run the StudioMaster but it was only 16 channels so when the HD24 came on the scene I got the M-3500. It's a decent enough board but I liked the sound of the StudioMaster a little better (the EQ). The routing possibilities on the Tascam however trumps that. This thing has gozintas/gozoutas out the ass. And don't get me wrong, the Tascam is quiet and has enough headroom for my purposes.

[Fishmed]

Originally Posted by zbert

So right now I'm using 3 Tascam DA38 recorders and I'm going to switch to a HD24. I have a couple of questions if anyone can help me out. I know the HD24 can sync to an old ADAT but can it hook up to a DA series machine? I have a Tascam version of the BRC remote. What is everyone using with the HD24 for a remote? How important is getting the Fireport? I don't plan to mix in the computer but it would be nice to use my Soundforge to edit and return a track to the HD24. I have a Studiomaster p7 24 channel board that has in line monitoring so I'm good on that end (plus plenty of pres and effects) so is there anything else you can suggest I need when I do this switch over? Thanks for your help.
Tom

The Fireport is a MUST in my book for transfering files back and forth to your PC for editing or DAW. I use it for my Sound Forge.

The MOTU 2408 is great for transfering ADAT or Tascam formats to each other or to the PC. If you are not going to use the 2408 as your main A/D -D/A converter, then I would check ebay for the orginal model of the 2408, it should run you only a couple hundred bucks. It would be well worth it if you want to migrate your tracks between your different systems.

[zbert]

Just wanted to thank you guys. I bought the HD24. I hope to hook it up this week. I have my eye on the BRC, and I think I'll get the fireport in the next couple of months. So anyone need a good deal on some used DA38's?

[Adam P]

Congrats on the purchase. Personally, I'd place the FirePort in higher priority than the BRC, but that's just me. Good luck!

[Fishmed]

Originally Posted by Adam P

Congrats on the purchase. Personally, I'd place the FirePort in higher priority than the BRC, but that's just me. Good luck!

I agree. I have a BRC, but the Fireport get's much more use.

[Track Rat]

Yup. The BRC's don't play completely nice with HD24s.

[cecerre]

I have had my hd24 for a couple weeks now. Nothing to complain about. I havent tried the 10Mb ethernet port but I can imagine its a pain being so slow. I did start to use the HD24's included remote, but I find myself using the front face if not only to get familiar. Plus you cannot arm the tracks from the remote so thus far it has just sat in the factory bag.

[chris-from-ky]

I always kept my beloved HD24 at arms reach. Remotes are nice but, I prefered working from the face as well. Hey Zbert, are you making any progress with it?

[zbert]

Well now I'm torn on getting the BRC. I've been using the Tascam 848 remote for close to 3 years. The remote is a huge help. What is it about the BRC you guys don't like. Being a drummer and many times engineering and playing at the same time I thought the BRC would be a big benefit. I'd love to know what you dilike and like about using the BRC with the HD24.

Chris - Still haven't used the 24. I just finished up a 12 song CD for someone. I have nothing booked till next week. I plan on using it for that session. Just piano and vocals.

BTW, on advice from here I plan on ordering the Fireport today.

[Gilliland]

While I don't own either a BRC or a Fireport, I can tell you that they've been widely discussed on the HD24 group over the past few years. Everyone likes the Fireport, while the BRC seems to be problematic with the HD24. For more info, read the archives:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hd24

[chris-from-ky]

Originally Posted by zbert

Chris - Still haven't used the 24. I just finished up a 12 song CD for someone. I have nothing booked till next week. I plan on using it for that session. Just piano and vocals.

Cool. Maybe later on you can let me know what you think of it.

[Track Rat]

Originally Posted by zbert

Well now I'm torn on getting the BRC. I've been using the Tascam 848 remote for close to 3 years. The remote is a huge help. What is it about the BRC you guys don't like. Being a drummer and many times engineering and playing at the same time I thought the BRC would be a big benefit. I'd love to know what you dilike and like about using the BRC with the HD24.

Chris - Still haven't used the 24. I just finished up a 12 song CD for someone. I have nothing booked till next week. I plan on using it for that session. Just piano and vocals.

BTW, on advice from here I plan on ordering the Fireport today.

I already had a BRC so that's why I use one. I would NOT go buy one just to use with an HD24 as there are some compatibility issues. I'd put that money into something to get in and out of a computer with, be that a Fireport or a Hammerfall or a MOTU or a.....

[zbert]

So I went for my lungs and bought the fireport and got a BRC off ebay. I'm tracking a good amount from behind the drums so if this remote works anything like by big Tascam remote it will be a big help. Today's question, does anyone know if the remote meter bridge works on the BRC/HD24 combo?
Thanks again for everyones help and advice.
Tom

Got the answer. The meter will not work with the 24.

[Fishmed]

Originally Posted by zbert

So I went for my lungs and bought the fireport and got a BRC off ebay. I'm tracking a good amount from behind the drums so if this remote works anything like by big Tascam remote it will be a big help. Today's question, does anyone know if the remote meter bridge works on the BRC/HD24 combo?
Thanks again for everyones help and advice.
Tom

Got the answer. The meter will not work with the 24.

Unforunately the meter bridge only worked with the black face ADAT's

I wish they allowed it to work with the machines that followed it.

[BigRay]

I just bought a HD24XR and a fireport as a backup to my sequoia/lynx aes 16/mytek setup..got a tascam DV-RA1000 as a backup to the Alesis, so hopefully I am covered!

The HD24XR is a nice machine. !