MR8 question

[rainbird]

Theoretically, let's say a song has four MIDI sources...three synths and a drum machine. These sound sources are controlled by a sequencer such as Cubase or Cakewalk. The MR8, alas, has only one input jack.

In order to get each sound source onto an isolated synced track on the MR-8, (to enable further processing and mixing of the separate synth sounds during mixdown) would it be necessary to "play" the sequencer four times and sync the tracks (somehow) within the MR8, muting the "unwanted" sounds from within the computer sequencer?

This sounds like a giant pain in the patootie. Is there an easier way to
accomplish this? (short of buying a
recorder with multiple input jacks?)

[Ed Dixon]

What software and/or hardware produces the actual MIDI synth/drum sound?

There are some short cuts based on what you use and how.

Ed

[rainbird]

Ed asks which sound sources and
software I'd be using for my (at this
point) hypothetical track. The drum
machine would either be a Boss DR-770
or an Electribe ER-1. The synths would
most likely be a Korg MS2000, a Kawai
K5000S, and a Korg X5DR. I'd probably
use my old faithful Cakewalk 3.0 at this
point (although I have purchased Cubase
VST and need to get off my rear end and
learn how to use it!) I'm running WIN98SE, and I do have the card reader
for schlepping files to and from the PC.
N-Track is installed but I haven't yet
used it. (see above note about rear
ends and new software.)

[bdbdbuck]

Taking a little closer look at the MR8, you'll notice it has Two inputs.... fwiw. Also, as long as you're using your computer as your MIDI sequencer, can you not just transfer your files to n-Track?


bd

[Ed Dixon]

Your setup is somewhat different from mine, but here is my initial thought.

I'd leave the MIDI tracks inside the PC as long as possible. Get a low cost mixer and feed each audio input into it. Feed the single output to track 1 on the MR8 with a mix of drums and the 3 synths. Record that as your sync track and then use MR8 to record other tracks on 2-8 as needed. Transfer result to PC using WaveManager. You can repeat this more than once as needed. All will stay in sync.

When done, you'll have 5-48 tracks on the PC. 4 will be MIDI based, and the others WAV tracks from the MR8. All will be in sync.

Then you can decide if you need to make any chagnes to the MIDI tracks based on the live tracks recorded. When done with MIDI tracks, record back into MR8 using both inputs and 2 passes. Send WAV result back to PC and mix down final result.

Ed

[rainbird]

thanks to both bdbuck (I feel WELL
beyond sheepish about my "one input"
comment) and the tips from both
you and Ed Dixon...I think I've really
got all the software and hardware I
need....I just need to learn how to use it
effectively. Thank you for saving me about
a thousand dollars!