Transfering tracks from digital 8-track to mixing software

[Mike BL]

Okay, here's the deal: If I were to use a Fostex MR-8 for tracking purposes, then connect it via USB to my computer with the intention of mixing in Cakewalk or N-tracks or something similar, does each track show up separately? I know it's possible, but I'm not really sure what steps you have to take.

Thanks a ton.

[Chris Shaeffer]

I'm not famliar with the Fostex, but I know a bit about USB.

USB is just *barely* capable of passing 8 tracks of audio at a time. If the fostex driver is set up to support that, your fostex's 8 channels will show up as 8 audio inputs in the multitracking program. You'll have to check with the multitracking software to see how to set up multiple inputs.

My guess is that it might not be set up that way. If, say, you only have 2 inputs, you'd mute all but 2 tracks at a time in the fostex and play them into the computer 2 at a time. Then, when all 8 are in the multitracker, you'd slide them around until they all line up.

That's my best guess at, any rate. My guess is that the Fostex manual will have some helpful advice on the matter, at least I would hope!

Take care,
Chris

[cyclejim]

Im new to learning about the MR-8 but Fostex has a pretty good FAQ on their web site and they have software called wav manager that I think helps to facilitate what you want to do.

[Trumpspade]

I too am not familiar with the Fostex, but I am assuming that most of the hardware out there works similar. (Basically the same technique, maybe different knobs,button, etc...)
I use a Digital 10 track, and I do basically what your described. I transfer my projects to Sonar/Calkwalk to tweak/adjust because it is easier for me to see what each track is doing .(As opposed to just hearing it)
Anyway, I transfer via USB. Once I have laid Drum Tracks, I transfer it. Bass Track, Transfer it to a seperate track, and so on and so on.
When I get to the vocals I do the same thing.
I guess my answer to your question is my setup won't allow me to transfer tracks as a whole, and it copies in Cakewalk as individual tracks. I have to transfer each Track to an individual track via USB to be able to control/adjust tracks on PC.
I hope I didn't confuse you, but I find that way of recording more fun and easier to control. Although some may say it is time consuming, I enjoy it!

One Love

Trizza