Recording Console Question

[fibes]

I am interested in purchasing an Allen and Heath WZ16:2DX mixer. I will be using this mostly for fun and for recording drum tracks to a multitrack recorder. My question is how many inputs are needed to record 16 tracks? I thought since there are 16 inputs on this mixer I could record using the direct outs and therefore get 16 tracks on tape. I keep hearing about tape returns. I'm not sure what these are. Do I need more than 16 inputs on my mixer to get 16 tracks on tape? Thanks.

[Gidge]

16 inputs is fine, but you need 16 outputs on a mixer and 16 inputs on your recorder to record 16 tracks simultaneously.....

[mixsit]

You would need 16 outputs of some kind to record 16 at once, or you could use (or need) a few at a time. 16 would come in handy if your doing a whole band at once for example.
Tape returns are simply dedicated line inputs. Usually you would have a switch on the chanel to select line/mic or tape ret. Saves having to re-patch.

[ausrock]

What multi-track recorder are you using?

[fibes]

I don't have a recorder yet.

[ausrock]

Ahha........if you go with "analogue" tape machines you can record up to 16 trks similtaneously. Most affordable digital recorders don't give you that luxury.........well not easily or without some compromises. And at a cost.

[Shazukura]

http://www.proaudioreview.com/par/ja...4416-web.shtml
Yamaha AW4416 CD HD

I see a couple of them on ebay right now for around a grand, and it looks like you could get one new for about 3x that.

-Shaz

[Gidge]

or the Yamaha 2816...under $2000....nice unit.....

for what you want to do, there are MANY,MANY good options...dont make a decision until you find what option will satisfy all or most of your needs, and youve had some hands on expereince with all your options (PC,standalone,ADAT,etc)....