digital multi-tracking

  • Thread starter Thread starter o-ron
  • Start date Start date
O

o-ron

New member
Is there any way I can get simultaneous multitrack digital recording on my laptop for under $500? (up to 4 track simult. record would be great)
Right now I'm stuck with mixing everything "on-the-fly" and sending the 2 channel mix-down to my laptop for recording.

Ideas, suggestions, welcome.

Thanks!
 
yeah, somebody else recommended this one as well.

I have a couple questions, tho:

1. Does it really record 4 channels simultaneously on your computer?

2. I notice it uses 1/4" TRS inputs - which for me would be not as good as I'm using condensor mics almost exclusively (most of which require phantom power, although some run on batteries, but also the conversion from XLR to 1/4" trs I've heard degredates the sound)
 
1) Yes, but only if you are recording @ 16-bit. Here's how it works:

* 16-bit/44.1 khz: 4-in/4-out.

* 24-bit/44.1 khz: 4-in/2-out or 2-in/4-out.

* 24-bit/48 khz: 4-in/2-out or 2-in/4-out.

* 24-bit/96 khz: 2-in or 2-out.


2) As long as your chords and signal are balanced, I don't think it should be a problem.
 
so you also need preamps...you could get 2 Midiman Audio Buddy's ($79/each)...that would give you 4 preamps with phantom power.....

youll probably be recording no higher than 24bit 48khz so the 4 in will be no problem....
 
ok, I have another question.

So to get 4 channel digital multitracking I'm looking at spending $300 for the Quattro plus ($80x2) $160 for the preamps, which comes to $460.

Now granted this will be much higher quality sound than what I'm currently doing (using the laptop soundcard's adac) and will give me the wonderful flexebility of multi-track recording.

However, I could also just spend $300 on a good 12 channel mixer and then I could do what I normally do (I've usually borrowed a 16 channel mackie) and mix all the channels "on-the-fly" which usually works out ok for non-live recordings (because I can get a lot of good test signals while they are practicing). This is a lot cheaper, and allows me to use much more than just 4 mics and also gives me (most likely) better preamps.

Just out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on this? Which would you choose?

Of course, in either case, it is only temporary until I get enough jobs/money down that I can afford more/better equipment.

THANKS!
 
perhaps there is a way I could just get some kind of AD/DA converter and then also buy a mixer and use 2 sub-mix channels.

Maybe something like this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...4166840633/search/g=home/detail/base_id/56692

only with 4 channel (instead of 2 channel)

and then I could run 4 unique channels out of a mixer or 2 stereo sub-mixes out of a mixer to the unit, then via usb to the laptop.

Would that work?

seems like it would be the best/most flexible option.

Thanks!
 
$1000 is out of my price range


No,,, the mia is under $250.00 and beats any under $500.00 sound card for everything.
 
right, but unfortunately I need the one that works wtih my *laptop*
 
Scott Tansley said:
$1000 is out of my price range


No,,, the mia is under $250.00 and beats any under $500.00 sound card for everything.
Click to expand...

you are dillusional......
 
Roland U8

I just saw this thread and followed with interest because I am doing similar research.
I looked at Roland before....it has only one mic input. I thought you needed atleast 4...like I do. What happened to that requirement?
 
i know, it's hard to tell on these things at first, you have to hunt them down at the company's web site, and even then they dont' always give you the specs up front.

Why can't they just list everything?

Anyways, I'm still looking too...
 
Hi, O-ron.

I have a laptop setup using Tascam's US-428. USB based 4 in/ 2 out setup. Has 2 XLR inputs but no phantom power. Bummer. Not too many folks around here will sing praises to it, but I'm happy enough with it.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020111171807066130132063195542/search/g=home?q=us-428

Probably not the best choice given your budget.

I'm curious what equiptment you already have at your disposal and what laptop. Does it have firewire? I take it you have a stereo line in on it?

If you are using condensor mics that require phantom power don't you already have something to provide it? If you are borrowing mics can you also borrow some pres? If you are mixing into your computer already what are you using to mix?
 
i can use an outboard mixer w/ xlrs & phantom power no problem, it's just that it doesn't allow me to do multi-track recording. I have to just hope that i get it right the first time
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top