3 inputs recording at once

[PDibby23]

does anyone know if this is possible? ex. 2 guitars and vocals recording simultaniously. im new at this and my buddy and i just want to make a simple recording but my lexicon lambda seems to only let you record 2 inputs at once. what should we use? thanks

 

[TimOBrien]

Each in requires a separate channel. So you are locked into 2 with the Lambda.

So you either need to get a new interface, or you can (if they don't have to be SEPARATE tracks) put a small mixer on one of your inputs and record multiple instruments to it. Yes, you will not be able to separate them. But that's your only choices.

It's a common mistake to get a 2-channel interface thinking 'that's all I'll ever need'
(the way to plan is to take the number of channels you THINK you'll need and add 2 or 4 to that number...)

Start saving your pennies and think about selling your Lambda for something with more i/o (Motu 8Pre is a spectacular bang-for-the-buck with 8 channels at $70 each...)

 

[PDibby23]

thanks alot dude, sounds like a may have to do that. Do you think you could explain what you mean about the mixer again? Maybe in even simpler terms? I know i must sound like an idiot, but like i said, im a newbie at this stuff haha. Thanks alot

 

[snellular5]

hes saying get a mixer that can take more than 2 inputs, then plug ur instuments in to that, line out from that into one of the lamba ins. that way u can have more instruments on that channel but once you have recorded it, u wont be able to change the levels of the instruments put through the mixer cause theyll all be on one track

 

[Terfyn]

You may be better to look at a new recording setup.
I have a Fostex MR16 - 4 inputs
The Zoom HD16 - 8 inputs
I looked at the HD8, the MR8, the Tascam and Boss machines (in the same price range!!!!) but rejected them because of the "limited" number of inputs.
The Fostex is not perfect but it does give that extra flexibility.
I suggest a review of the market to find a machine that will tick all the boxes.
I was looking to record choral work but presumed that I would record piano first (Tracks 9/10 - say) and overdub the choir on to Tracks 1,2 & 3 (or 3 & 4) depending on the choir size and layout. (both sides of the choir stalls for example.)

 

[The Green Hornet]

In turn, the Yam AW1600 can record on 8 tracks at once and accepts 1/4 inch or XLR input.

One feature on the 1600 is it has mastering algorithms which most other boxes in the same price range do not. [I'm not sure about the Boss units.]

The 1600 will also burn a 60 minutes CD in about 9 minutes or so; and if you use the Disc At Once button, it will repeat the burn if you need more copies.

Cost? Just under 1k. Manual? Not too bad. Learning curve? Well, if you have some PC "braimz," or other multi-track experience, a "short bend."

Modus Opporendi of the unit? Some strange functions but the overall sound is very good on the CD.

Green Hornet

 

[The Green Hornet]

In addition:

I just found some GREAT training videos on the Dijohn site, dedicated to the AW1600, and the earlier model too.

The "guy" speaks a bit fast; however, the videos open up all the facets of the box that the manual has trouble explaining.

A real asset.

Green Hornet