ADAT to CD--cheap lightpipe option?

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Traitorous Usurper
I'm going to be doing all of my tracking on one of my ADATs and then mix all the goods down to my other ADAT. I don't have a DAW, but I'm figuring that the cheapest way to throw this on a CD is transfer the files via lightpipe into a computer, and then burn myself a CD using whatever shitty software is available at the time. I realize that there are certainly more professional options (obviously), but right now I'm kinda pressed for time and cash. Theoretically, I'm hoping that I can decently track some acoustic guitar music (with no vocals, so that's a plus), mix it up as best as I can, and get a CD out by Christmas. (this isn't something to send out to record execs--it's basically an excuse to get by with cheap Christmas presents!)

So...here's the question: is something along the lines of a Mackie OPT-8 for around 80 bucks a viable option here? Is this gonna get me by, or is this just a completely suck plan? Keep in mind that if I'm figuring this correctly, I'm not really needing a badass soundcard because I'm going to be doing all of my mixing externally. I just need something to transfer files and then plop out some CDs.

As always, thanks for your help in answering my stupid questions.
 
Probably the cheapest way is the Emu 1212m soundcard with ADAT or just released the Berry BCA2000 USB audio unit which also has lightpipe.
 
The thing is, though, I don't really need all the converters and extras if I'm figuring this correctly. Both of those options are around 200 bucks and that Mackie card is only 80. Will that do what I need?
 
If you transfer the tracks via lightpipe to the computer, how will you mix them? Just a thought, you didn't mention any recording software.
 
I'm going to mix them externally. I've got a Yamaha MG16/6fx, as well as my rack of compressors and what-not. My theoretical plan was to just take all my tracks from the first ADAT and mix it through all of the hardware onto the second ADAT. So once I want to get all of the crap from the 2nd ADAT to the computer, I won't need to do any sound tweaking.

I have a huge suspicion that I must be asking the dumbest question to ever hit this website. Maybe I should go with "what's the best mic for under $200" instead...
 
oh ok so your just mixing your final stereo mix down to 2 tracks on the adat? I've never actually used the light pipe send on my adats but im guessing your still going to need some type of software to "dump" the tracks into.
I don't know if its any better but another option would be to get a soundcard that will accept a stereo input and just send your mixdown into the computer. Either way your going to need to record the stereo mix into some type of software.
 
Yeah, I was kinda afraid of that, if that's the case. Guess I'm just looking for the magic button that says "blammo, make me a wav file." Why does nothing in the world work the way I think it should?

Thanks for the suggestions and the reality check, Wireneck.


Man, I really need a fucking Masterlink....
 
I think I'm getting a headache from my own stupidity. The OPT-8 isn't even for a computer is it?
 
Im not sure what the opt-8 is, got a link or something? If your not already using a DAW the masterlink is probably your best bet. I've had one for about 4 years now and its definitely worth owning. Im sure you can pick one up used for not too much cash. I bought mine used for around $800 and thats back when they were still sellling for over $1000.
Otherwise if you already have a cd burner in your computer and your computer is half way ok. Pick up something like a $99 EMU card or the M-audio Audiophile that has a stereo in and mix down into the computer. Theres plenty of cheap software you can capture your final mix with in Wav format. There are even a few free programs but im not sure what they are right off hand. This will probably be the cheapest option.
 
Wireneck, you're the man. Thanks for your help. Yeah, after pulling my head out of my ass, I realized that the Mackie OPT-8 is basically a lightpipe in/out card that goes with Mackie digital mixers. Looked kinda like a soundcard at first glance. Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated.
 
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