Beginner Question

[sir_rockaby4]

I am trying to setup an affordable home recording system able to produce decent demos. I am piecing together a pc-based setup that will utilize a digital audio soundcard w/breakout box and a mixer. I have researched several pci-based soundcards and usb/firewire audio interfaces. I already have a mixer w/10 i/o (xlr & 1/4" combined). I will be using n-Track for multitrack recording.

My question is this: Is it possible using the above scenario to record multiple (2 vocals, 2-3 guitars, 3 drum) tracks simultaneously?

I know I can record each track one by one. I also know I can record all instruments onto a single track. Recording each track one by one is good for me because I can then edit each track individually. But it is bad because it takes forever and the players can't really get into the song like when everyone plays at the same time. Recording all instruments onto a single track is good because the rhythm and overall feel of the song is tight. However, it is bad because I cannot edit each track individually. I like to add delay to vocals sparringly, a little compression here and there, etc. Having only one track means whatever effects I use during editing will affect all instruments.

I am not really interested in specific models of audio interfaces, etc., because my budget will determine that. But general features to look for in soundcards and recording software that will help me accomplish my goals. But mostly, can what I described be accomplished.

Thanks to all and sundry!!

 

[wjgypsy]

read the info in your software. it should say how maybe track can be recorded at one. And look at your sound card info to and make sure it can handle "X" amount of simultaneously inputs.


zeke

 

[OnTheBlackRock]

ok here we go

This is gonna be long but believe me it'll help. First off. you do NOT want to record a whole band on just one track unless they are very uncoorinated and cannot play separately. And when you do record them live at least record just the music and have another track for the vocals even though it'll sound shitty b/c you'll have one track of raw music and then another going over that (the vocals) which will sound hopefully good and have compression etc while the other track does not.

Here's my suggestion to you-
Take the guitarist and DI him (or her) into a line in on the mixer. but mute that from going into the sound card (there should be a mute button on your mixer on the channel). This will help the drummer hear the guitar to go along with but will not be recorded. and using the DI box will keep his strumming from bleeding into the mics miking the drums.

2. after the drums are laid down on track one put on the head phones to the rythem guitarist so he can hear the drums and play his guitar over them...put this on track two

3. after the drums and rythem guitar tracks are laid put the bassist on another track while he's listening to the drums and guitar. this will be track three

4. now you should have the basic song down... now use another track for the lead guitar (if there is one) or just throw some cool octaves and shit in there if you find a spot where there is something missing. (or gun shots if you recording a rap artist) haha

5. Last but not least. vocals. This will be the main track which you will need to sound good... I reccomend you recording it dry (with out effects) unless you absolutely KNOW you want that effect in there.

6. now add compression or reverb or whatever you want to each track. (i like to add a little reverb to the vocals and compression to the guitars etc.)

7. mis them all together and there's your song

WELL thats my advice for you... I hope it helps you a little cuz it took me a while to write this all haha. I am somewhat of a newbie at home recording so I think that my advice will help you since you seem to be one too. Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.

 

[dafduc]

there are a number of 8 or 10 I/O cards. They can be had in PCI form, or in FiWi (but perhaps only MOTU has that many in FiWi). It's all moving pretty fast right now.

Seems like as soon as mfrs catch up with the USB 2.0 spec, we should be seeing that kind of I/O from them, too.

Caution on the MOTUs - they have a rep for being "designed for Apples, kluged for PCs". I was real disappointed when the recent Keyboard mag review ONLY tried the MOTU in a MAC, given the rep...

Daf