can computers do it all?

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jimmyjames9

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i keep on reading all this stuff about dat and four track recorders. i was just wondering the purpose of these assuming you don't really need them. why use that stuff when you can do it all on the computer? is there anything you can do with these recorders that a computer can't do?

[This message has been edited by jimmyjames9 (edited 01-14-2000).]
 
The sort answer is: the computer can do anything that the ADAT or analog recorders can do.

The longer answer is that you're not considering a lot of little, though important, variables. For instance, the AD converters on your Soundblaster aren't going to be NEARLY as good as the converters on an ADAT machine. However, there are soundcards out there that are very high quality and high priced that will give you comparable results. As far as analog goes...there are things you can do with tape that you can't just "do" on a computer...natural tape compression, etc. Though you probably won't WANT to do them anyway.

And then there's the matter of personal taste. Some people like to physically rewind and whatnot...they perfer a real machine instead of some abstract interface controlled with the mouse and keyboard. There are a lot of things to consider in this realm.

If you're just starting then it would be well worth your while to go the computer route. You can still use analog effects and processors if you want to, and you'll gain the added advantage of DSP effects and extremely simple track editing that would be a bitch on a standalone machine. Then consider cost...you can use your computer for next to nothing and start producing some pretty decent recordings until you really know what it is you need to fork over the big bucks for.

Slackmaster 2000
 
I must bring up a point about computers.
I have a 450 PII with 192 meg of ram and 2 ultra wide scsi II disk drives. This is more powerful than almost everyone I talk to. (no replies please about your 384mb pII600mhz, I know you are out there). But I am telling you about my gear to prove a point. (Also have the Layla and Lexicon core2 soundcards).
When recording in the computer, after getting a lot of tracks, for me...lets say 16 with effects/eq, the sound starts to change.
It can only be described as not being so big and the channels not so seperate. This is not something I am making up or is not a problem with my mixing skills. I have always felt this way and then, later saw quite a topic on another forum with everyone agreeing to this. Its not the same as ADAT. I think, as far as sound goes for lots of tracks, 2 inch tape or ADATs are superior to hard drives. This dosn't mean you shouldn't go the computer route. Rewinding SUCKS! Buying tape sucks. And being limited to 16 tracks sucks! I believe you can get outstanding music out of the computer, but there is that one dynamic I wanted to mention.
 
Sorry I don't have an ADAT to make such comparisons. But I've yet to hear what you're describing.
And I just have a quarter of a Layla... :)
BTW- What are you using for multitrack SW?
And: Where did you pull out that 16 track limitation spec? Aren't ADAT machines 8 track by definition with the ability to chain multiple ADATs to get more (I've only heard of 24 track systems)? And how can you even mention a 2" tape machine (eg. Studer) in the same sentence with a sub-$1000 soundcard and $3000 computer? Didn't the PII's max out at 450MHz?
 
thanks slackmaster2k and rj! i have another question. can you record on to an adat or 2" and then put that to cd without losing sound quality? the reason i want to know this is my computer sucks! my brother has the more powerful one that i want to record on, but i'm not always able to use it. so i was thinking about getting something that i can always use. how are those tascam 4 trackers i always see around for about 300$?
 
Hey Jimmy,
I do both, record on a Alesis lx20 and 8 tracks on computer via Ark 20/20. Let me tell ya one of the biggest advantages to using an ADAT is the ability to record any where you like. For example, if I need to go to a bar and record a band all I have to move is my mixer and the ADAT and a bag full of mics and cords. If I want to do the same thing with my computer I'm looking at five trips to load the gear and five more to unload. Plus set up and tear down. That's a lot of work. If you record to ADAT you and index more quickly Than on a computer. You can transfer the original to computer and do your editing thus keeping the originals unscathed untill you want to erase the tapes. Personally like both each for it's own attributes. As far as sound goes I tend to thing I can't tell any difference.

Hope this helps

Griz
 
Well- there's some equipment I can critique, 'cause there's a couple of 'em right here in front of me. The tape section just can't compete with even a $300 soundcard, but they
offer the convenience that Grizzly was talking about. I hate carrying crap back and forth between my studio and a gig. All it takes is one moment of letting your guard down and all your shit is GONE.
 
The 16 track limitations I was referring to, we linked to the limitations of funds, assuming comparable budgets for ADAT/ANALOG systems, versus computer systems.
If you go buy a couple of ADATS, you will always need more gear, never have enuf different reverbs for mixdown, and have to wait for the ADATS to rw/ff plus sometimes they keep you waiting to sync up. (I cant imaging what would happen with 3 or 4 ADATS trying to sync up) Not to mention limitations on undo,redo,wave editing, etc.
Spend the same amount on a computer/soundcard/software and you will have way more flexiblity and less limitations.
 
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