8 channel digit. multitrack

  • Thread starter Thread starter nicolaad30
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nicolaad30

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hi, I've been recording for a while digitally on my computer, but...
not with multitracks but in stereo through an analog mixer. I was looking for a digital multitrack for computer, and I've found one that cought my attention. (It is the Terratec - EWS88MT Computer Based Digital Multitrack). The only thing is that I don't konw yet haw it performs or whether it is too expensive for what it offers.(400$). Also, I can't get to know even if it would record each sound source on a differnt track...

Well, I appreciate what you can explain to me and thanks...

nicolaad30
 
Hi! This post really belongs down in the Computer Recording and Soundcards forum; you'll get much more exposure there! I'm moving it now...

Slackmaster 2000
 
I thought...

I though this was "Computer soundcards and media". WEll ussually multitracks for computer come with a PCI slot, so I will keep this posted here...

If someone could help me I'll apreciate it

Nicolaad
 
You posted in the n-Track forum originally. n-Track is a multitracking program and only indirectly related to soundcards.

As far as the Terretec goes, yes you can record each channel to a different track. All multi I/0 soundcards can do this. As for the quality of that system, I'm not sure, but here's a positive review:

http://www.proaudioreview.com/par/july00/TerraTec-Web.shtml

Direct competition for this product at that price range ($400) would be the C-port:

http://www.staudio.com/products/dsp2000/info.html

I would definately look into the C-port before buying the Terretec! The C-port is absolutely spanked full of features, has better connectors (1/4" and XLR as opposed to RCA), has a couple mic pres, and has a headphone amp. Plus it's rack mountable and yada yada. Check into it.

And make sure that there are drivers for your operating system before making any decision.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Terratec has been good for me so far (I have the EWS88D). I like the fact that Terratec is on the ball with their drivers.
 
two great choices

Now i have to think...
Jitter, you said that the EWs88D does complete the recording work. But, do you think it lacks of something?.

I have seen the C-port and it seems to be a good multitracks, why don't you take a look at it and tell me if it is much better than the terratec you own.

The thing is that what i'm going to record are drums, so i need somethin good...

Thanks...

nicola
 
you should be looking at software equally as well...

the sound card will get the sound to the computer and out again, but you need something (software) that will save the recorded tracks and mix them with effects, etc.. and then do a mixdown to stereo file after you are done... but usually some stripped down version of a multitrack program comes with pro recording cards.
 
True. I have a C-Port, and it comes with a stripped-down version (16 track limit) of Emagic Logic (which is no longer supported since Mac bought them out).

For the money, the C-Port is fantastic. Good converters, very flexible routing (controlled via software), and a MIDI port to boot. There were bucoo problems with their first set of drivers, but the new drivers are excellent. The 2 mic pre's aren't very good, but you'll need a mixer (or an 8 channel pre) anyway if you're tracking drums.

Here's what mine sounds like...



(please excuse the vocals :D )
 
software matters

Ok, now that I kinda know the differences, I have got a question. I have been using Cakewalk for recording, but just one stereo channel. If I wanted to record drums with the C-port, do you think this software would work?. I don't know yet if it appears on the software all the eight channels and you choose which one to record, I'm concerned about that.

Another thing, these New drivers, are they available online?

Thanks again

Nicolaad

Sorry I haven't heard your music yet...
 
I didn't really use the bundled Emagic package very much, but I am pretty sure you can record all 8 tracks at once. I'm not sure if N-Track supports recording 8 tracks at once, but it might be worth a look (it's fairly inexpensive software that many people on this board are very happy with)

Keep in mind that the bundled Emagic software is limited to 16 tracks total, which can get used up pretty quickly if you're recording 8 tracks of drums. Also, you will definitely need mic preamps or a mixer.
 
Hey Slack & Sean, thanks for the info on the C-Port. I was not familiar with this product, it seems like everyone here has a love affair with the Delta familiy of products.

That C-Port looks an aweful lot like my beloved Gadget Labs Wave824 card. Since Gadget Labs tanked and there will be no support for Win 2000 or XP, I had been looking for a replacement. Perhaps you can answer this -

Does it have working WDM drivers for XP?
Does it REALLY record all 8 tracks at once? This is a MUST...
My Gadget Labs in Win98 is treated by the OS as 4 x stereo sound cards. I use Cakewalk 9, it sees the inputs and outputs as 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8. By panning you can treat these at 8 different sources / outputs. Does the C-Port work the same way?
I assume you can use it at 24 bits @ 44.1 / 48 / 96?
 
Does it have working WDM drivers for XP?
Click to expand...
yup. The first (beta) release of the WDM driver was flaky , but the one available now is great.

Does it REALLY record all 8 tracks at once? This is a MUST...
Click to expand...
8 analog and 2 digital at once, positively

I use Cakewalk 9, it sees the inputs and outputs as 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8. By panning you can treat these at 8 different sources / outputs. Does the C-Port work the same way?
Click to expand...
I use Nuendo, so I can't speak for CW9, but one of the C-Port's strengths is it's flexible routing, all done via the driver. With Nuendo, if I arm a stereo track, my options are 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. If I arm a mono track my options are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. In addition, I can route the inputs of 1&2 to the outputs of 7&8 so I don't have to swap cables for direct monitoring, regardless of the inputs I'm recording on.

I assume you can use it at 24 bits @ 44.1 / 48 / 96?
Click to expand...
yup. I usually record at 24/48, but I've tested 24/96 just fine.

The breakout box includes 2 rather crappy mic pres, so I recommend the use of external pres or a mixer.

There was a fairly glowing review in Electronic Musician a month or 2 ago - I'm sure it's still on their site.
 
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