desire: more recorded tracks. need more inputs?

[skip ransom]

i just cant think out of the box on this one.



ive got my standard dell computer no upgrades.
any software i could need.

what kind of equiptment could i use to get say 5 drum tracks into my computer onto 5 different tracks. for example snare tom tom bass cymbals.


i figured an m-box, which has 2 inputs...and i assume the usb sends those two into protools back into two tracks thats just fine.
but that doesnt seem to get me more than a left and right mixdown if i hook it up accordingly. and plus its still two inputs...and even if i mixdown alot of mics before sending it through mbox its still only two tracks in the end.

what kind of stuff could i go about looking into for multiple tracks...?

 

[gvdv]

I'm in the middle of deciding on components for a DAW, and one of the things that I have decided on is the soundcard.

You didn't talk about your budget for this, so I'll just tell you what comes to mind.

I'm going for a Presonus Firepod (look on the website, and do a google for reviews). The opinions are universally positive and the advantages many, as far as I'm concerned: 8 inputs, 8 wonderful preamps, which can record SIMULTANEOUSLY (I actually heard a 'test' recording online of them), and MIDI functionaility, too.

The firepod is firewire, as the names implies, and I understand that the firewire interface is to be much preferred to a USB one (although a PCI card has the fastest throughput).

The unit also comes bundled with a version of Cubase - LE - although it's compatible with Sonar, which I intend to use.

Hope this helps.

GVDV

 

[sonnylarsen]

You need a soundcard that has a least that number of inputs, and software that supports it as well. The software shouldn' be much of a problem, as most DAW software supports at least 8 tracks simultaneous recording. I would recommend the M-Audio Delta 1010lt. It has 8/8 analog I/O and will handle 5 drum tracks easily. It also has 2/2 digital I/O if you need it. I think musicians friend is selling them for $199 right now.

 

[punkin]

I second the 1010LT...it also sports 2 mic pres on inputs #1 & #2(No phantom power though) and a midi I/O. At $200 its a good buy.