Recording drums with a suitable interface.

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CoryandTrevor

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Hello all, I'm sure this question has been asked many times (Yes I have read the stickies) but it still seems overly-complicated to get an affordable interface suitable for recording drums (At least 6 outputs). I read a forum thread in which someone suggested an Alesis Multimx16 USB as a budget friendly interface, and the official description stated it was great for recording drums and it is a mixer that doubles as an interface, so I purchased it. This was the multimix16 FX, my fault but wrong choice, only stereo outputs. I got it for a great deal so I am hoping to return/sell for a minimum loss and move on.

In the sticky posted Intro to multitrack computer interfaces, it lists a Tascam Us-1800 as 16/16 I/O

"Tascam US 1800 ($299) *best deal for 16 track interface- just ask Jimmy*
Interface: USB2 I/O: 16x16 DAW: Cubase LE5
Connections: 4/8 - XLR/1/4” combo with Phantom Power and Preamp, 4/8- ¼” (4/8 mono/2/4stereo), phones
Tascam US 1800 "

When I click on the link it states "Up to 16 inputs and 4 outputs" suggesting I wouldn't be able to record more than 4 outputs. Very confusing here as this seemed like a great deal.

I am thinking to just settle and get the PreSonus FireStudio Project. Any suggestions?
 
4 outputs just means that you can run 4 individual line outs. This is used for mixing with rack gear. You can record onto 16 separate tracks with a US-1800.
 
That Presonus link shows "product no longer available"! Not surprised since Firewire is generally thought to be on the way out, few new PCs have it (even fewer low to mid priced machines ever did over here!).

The Tascam 1800 has enjoyed a very good rep as perhaps the cheapest/best way to get 8 mic channels* into a computer. I am not sure why just 4 outputs is a problem? Most of us cope very happily with just two!

I have no experience of recording a drum kit but my reading over the years tells me that 8 mics would be ample, even overkill?

*Leave us not to debate the adpuff man's way to calculate up to 16 inputs!

Dave.
 
JG96 said:
4 outputs just means that you can run 4 individual line outs. This is used for mixing with rack gear. You can record onto 16 separate tracks with a US-1800.
Click to expand...

Okay, so the Tascam is back on the table then as I understand I can record up to 16 separate tracks. Anyone have any input on deciding between the Tascam and the FireStudio? The Tascam Us-1800 seems almost too good to be true, I can pick it up at a local store in Ontario for $300, substantially cheaper than any other interface I have seen, is there a reason for that?

And Ecc83 I am looking to record individual drums, I have 6 Shure microphones. Eight is a perfect number for most because micing individual drums on a standard kit would use about 7 (Kick, Snare, 2 overheads, and 3 Toms) and no interface is going to have 7 XLR inputs. I only use one rack tom and a floor tom so I am using a Kick Snare two overheads and two toms.
 
The Tascam US1800 has 8 mic preamps, 8 separate track capability. Hard to beat for the money. I have a US-800 (thanks to jimmy69) and think the preamps and use are faultless.
 
MJB I did you mean 16 separate tracks? I know the Us-1800 has 8 pres but it also has 2 line/instrument inputs along with 4 line inputs. I have the US-1800 and I used to own a US-800. Both are very solid interfaces.
 
Just to add, you can actually record 10 mics out of the box with the 1800. There is plenty of preamp gain on the instrument/line inputs to run 57's with XLR to 1/4" cables. I used to use them for HH and Ride before I bought preamps for the other line inputs and Spdif.

All of the tracks on my website were recorded with the US1800 or it's predecessor the US1641 if you want samples of what I was able to do with it.
 
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