Kick a$$ DAW vs. antiquated ADATs

  • Thread starter Thread starter ElDangeroso
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ElDangeroso

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Here is my delema. I have recently acquired a kick ass DAW:

Intel Pentium 4 CPU, 3.4Ghz, on ASUS P4C800DEL motherboard
1GB PC3200 DDR Memory by Corsair
2x 120GB Seagate 7200RPM SATA drive
Lite-On 16x DVD-RW drive
ATI Radeon 9550 dual-head video card
Aardvark q10
Sonar 3.11
Waves Diamond bundle
KRK Rokkit 8's

The singer has some old blackface ADATs that have never been serviced, a 24x8 tascam console, some cheap 266 compressors and COMPUTER SPEAKERS for monitors.
He is bent on using his ADATs/cheap O/B gear.

How can I convince him that using my gear will yeild better results? He contends that since a CD is 16bit, that is all you need. He is computer ignorant. I have offered to let him have at the mixing using my sys, but he insist on routing what we have recorded to his ADATs to finish the project.

I really like jamming with this guy, but I cant seem to convince him that the DAW is the way to go.

Whatcha think??

Peace.

Chad
 
Make a recording that SHOWS how good your system is.

16 bit... shudder... I remember those days. Let's just say that I was really happy to move off the 16 bit format to 24 bit.
 
I suppose I am looking for the limitations of his system compared to mine. He wants to take my drum tracks and finish at home in his unfinished basement recording the guitar and vox.
 
One of the most important features of using a computer/software based DAW is the full mixer and effects patching/settings recall, and with the automation abilities of any good DAW software, the absolute repeatability of even the most complex mixes, no more needing 2 or even 4 people to orchestrate and execute a complex mix for hours on end until the mixdown "perfomance" was as good of a keeper as the basic tracks. I could never afford a high end, automated console, the best I have ever used was a Mackie 24x8, so I do not miss analog mixing at all.

I personally hated drawing mix-sheets, I also hated needing to reset the console for each different song, it was a tedious and time consuming task just to start working on a different song, usually requiring the zeroing and resetting of the console and the resetting of the patchbays and outboard effects units, so normally I would only work on one song from start to finish, without being able to work on something else just to break up the monotony of an overdubbing or mixing session.

You can have several version of the same mix at the same time, either refining and/or being more experimental with the different versions.

24 bit recording is a MUST in my book.

I just saw your latest post, It's too bad you don't have a more portable rig, then you could be there for his overdub sessions and use a mult to capture his overdubs at the same time as he's recording them to his ADATs, then you could actually have yourselves a "mix contest".

:)
 
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Who is doing the mixing? If he is more comfortable mixing on his gear then he's going to mix on his gear. If you can create a better mix than his, show him how easy it was with the computer, maybe he'll be willing to learn. Just telling him it's better isn't going to convince him.
 
ez_willis said:
Who is doing the mixing? If he is more comfortable mixing on his gear then he's going to mix on his gear. If you can create a better mix than his, show him how easy it was with the computer, maybe he'll be willing to learn. Just telling him it's better isn't going to convince him.
Click to expand...

I agree with this 100%, the first thing to do IMO, would be to upgrade his monitors so that the differences will be more easily heard.
 
He has more mixing experience. I have no problem letting him mix. He just seems bent on using his ADATs and mastering to DAT-which he has no way of interfacing with a CD-R. I am looking for benifits versus limitations.
 
Well, you both need to relax.

You, because lots of "kickass" recordings have been done on DATs and it's quite possible that the results will be great doing it his way. You have a great new toy and you can't wait to use it, but if he has lots of experience with his gear he may get good results.

He, because his stubbornly sticking to what he knows is a lot like the person who maintains that the 1955 Chevy is the pinnacle of automotive excellence.

I agree with others that the only way you're going to convince him is to show him.
 
The computer speakers gotta go as the main monitors, but I see nothing wrong with his setup. It is highly possible that he could get a much better product than you, even at 16 bit and his Tascam, than you and your DAW. DAW are nice for sure...(my personal pref.), but a lot great stuff has been done with the equipment he has. You can always SPDIF his DAT into the computer for CDs, ya know...Infact I still do that if I wanna mix thru a board out of my computer (for hardware use, for instance), and usually go into a DAT myself.

I'd see it as an (unmentioned) challange to see who could do a better job, providing you both can have access to all the tracks. Or ...or try one format first, then the other, if working together. I'll bet once he sees what you can do on a computer, he will probably not turn back, but if he has the best experience, let him fly. Remember, it's not the equipment that makes the recording, ...it's the monkey behind it....and the old Blackface/Tascam setup still has an ability to smoke.
 
The Mic, the pre, the Room, and the converters are all important in recording a vocal, you've got better converters, but what about the rest? And let's not forget the most important part: The vocalist needs to feel comfortable and confident. If he's out of his element and feels it, it doesn't matter if you record him 48 bit, he's going to sound bad.

Sounds to me like this is more about battling for control of the recording more than it is about old gear vs new gear. He wants to track his parts on his own turf in his own time, where he's comfortable. I do the same thing when I do keybd tracks for people.

I could be totally misreading your situation. Just remember, don't lose emotional depth for bit depth.
 
While I'd agree that computer speakers for monitors is probably not a great choice, great recordings are made by talented performers and skilled engineers, not by any particular piece(s) of gear.

I would keep an open mind through the process and remember that the most important part of the recording is the performance captured therein. I did a lot of good work on blackface adats before moving up to a higher bit format. If he has put in a lot of hours working with them, the results just might surprise you.
 
Just thought I'd chime in.

I to have a nice DAW system, yet my singer/guitarist handles the bands recordings using 20 bit Adats, Mackie boards and pre's, and a standalone Cd burner. And I am always amazed by the quality of stuff he turns out. For one, he has had his gear for a long time and is comfortable with it. And secondly, he just has great ears and ability. I could try lugging my computer over to our rehearsal place and let him use it, but I don't bother.
 
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