Question for n track users

[FAST&LOUD]

If I understand the process, you record on the MR8, then copy onto N tracks for mixing/mastering. If your in the process of recording a 16 track song, do you;
Record 6 tracks on MR 8 and then copy to N tracks?
If so, when you record the next 6 tracks how do you monitor the first 6 tracks? Can N tracks sync with the MR 8 during playback prior to final mix?

[gospel]

When you transfer files from MR-8 to pc they are still on the MR-8. You could, after transferring, mix the tracks that are still on the MR- 8 to 7/8, delete tracks 1-6, do delete unused , then use the stereo wav on 7/8 to monitor while recording to 1-6.
I have limited experience at recording more than 5 tracks so someone else will probably have a better idea, but for now this should get you started.
One more thing, when you transfer tracks to the pc you don't save them to n-track. Just save them to my documents and open them with n-track. I don't thing n-track will sync up with the MR-8 during playback.

[FAST&LOUD]

gospel,
Your answer is what I suspected. I am seriously considering moving up from the MR8 because I need more tracks and memory. I like the MR8, it's simplicity, it's on the fly recording. I'm somewhat intimidated by the PC based systems. I downloaded the N tracks manual, it's massive compared to the MR8. Looks like to much can go wrong. I don't like the idea of bouncing to 7/8. What if I don't want to hear all the tracks while I'm recording. Or if I want to increase or decrease the levels of certain tracks while recording. I wouldn't be able to do that if I keep bouncing to 7/8.
I'm thinking I may have to go for something like the Korg 1600 w/CD burner.

[gospel]

Originally posted by FAST&LOUD
gospel,
Your answer is what I suspected. I am seriously considering moving up from the MR8 because I need more tracks and memory. I like the MR8, it's simplicity, it's on the fly recording. I'm somewhat intimidated by the PC based systems. I downloaded the N tracks manual, it's massive compared to the MR8. Looks like to much can go wrong. I don't like the idea of bouncing to 7/8. What if I don't want to hear all the tracks while I'm recording. Or if I want to increase or decrease the levels of certain tracks while recording. I wouldn't be able to do that if I keep bouncing to 7/8.
I'm thinking I may have to go for something like the Korg 1600 w/CD burner.

In that case just keep what you need on the MR-8 and transfer everything else to the pc to be mixed in n-track. N-track is very easy to use also. The manual may be intimidating, but I've used n-track numerous times now and have never looked at the manual. Keep in mind also, if you didn't already know, that using the MR-8 and n-track together is a totally different thing than using n-track to record through your soundcard.
Basically you can have unlimited tracks with the MR-8 and n-track. Just keep what you need whether it is the bass, lead, rhythm guitars, or piano, etc. on the MR-8 for reference and transfer everything else to the pc.
Of course, if money is not a problem for you I'd look at the Fostex VF-160.

[morindae]

I have to agree with what Gospel has said, the amount of tracks is relavitely unlimited, and then you have all of the editing capabilities of the pc, which is utlimately going to be much more than you'll get in the average stand alone recorder. The other plus is that using the MR8 and N-track is so much cheaper. I hear good things about the Korg, but you will have much more room to grow using the pc to mix and edit.

[morindae]

By the way Gospel, the MR8 will sync up with N-track. There is one drawback though, when you press the play on the MR8 there a delay of a second or two before N-track responds. What this means is that if you want to use N-track as a reference backing track, your recorded tracks in the MR8 will not be in sync when they are transferred to the pc because there is a couple of seconds of dead time at the beginning of each track. It's such a shame because I was hoping to use this method to save me from keeping a bounced stereo reference track in the MR8. However, it works really well when recording midi files to the MR8 because when it is done that way around, everything is perfectly in sync when transferring back to the pc.

[bdbdbuck]

Morindae,
Man you really are the yoda of the MR8! That's some great information..........I'm pretty sure I'll probably never use it, but good to know just in case. How do you connect, light pipe or USB?


bd

[morindae]

bdbdbuck, I'm using a usb connection which is a little moody at times. Here's my setup:
MR8 midi out to the input of my midisport 2 by 2 and then from the midisport to the usb of the computer.
Go into N-track and set the midi input to whatever you are going to use as your midi input. In your case that may be the new soundcard that you intend to purchase, or you can try the midisport, which I highly recommend.
By the way, you're far too nice. You're contribution to this board is huge, and is appreciated by myself and a lot of other people. Thanks.

[bdbdbuck]

I have a Midiman Oxygen 8, I'm assuming I can use that....right? It doesn't have a midi in.....but it has two midi outs and a USB, one of the midi outs I think is supposed to be a midi thru. If that won't work, I'll have to get something to convert midi to USB.

Thanks for the props bud, but you know what they say......even a blind hog will find an acorn once in a while.


bd

[morindae]

You have nothing to lose, give it a try. If not, then you may have to get the midsport or get a soundcard with midi in. If you're using softsynths then this isn't really needed. However, if you get an external sound module and are planning on recording midifiles you created in your computer, then syncing up the MR8 and N-track is an absolute must. Good luck, and let me know if the Oxgen 8 works.