Low-cost 4 simultaneous digital tracks?

[Man Mountain]

Hello there,

I have been recording my band's rehearsals using my Zoom H4 which gives clear results but I'd like to mix the recordings a bit better.

I'm looking for a cheap and easy way to get 4 tracks recorded simultaneously.
I have a Toshiba NB100 Netbook and wonder if there is a cheap USB mixer that I could plug 4 microphones into to record guitars, bass and drums individually.

Or is there something I could do with my H4 to record 4 tracks (maybe by using another digital recorder at the same time?)

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

cheers

MM

 

[johnnymegabyte]

once you go past 2 tracks / Stereo ... prices increase, based on Quality and brand.

I picked up a Tascam M-164UF just after Xmas ... 16 channel mixer / 16 channel USB Audio Interface, 6 Mic ins, 10 Line In (some 1/4", some RCA) with builtin FX, 2 Bus, and driver is very stable
I needed both, so this baby does the trick on so many levels. Paid $525 Cdn ($500US)
I was thinking about the Zoom R16. D@mn it looked flimsy. And I just read 2 posts about H4 with headphone jack, and 1/4" input jack issues.​

My advice if to get what you need, with a few extra inputs, because one day, you'll need them.
Does you music store have financing ? You'd might be able to get something far superior to an entry-level 4 input interface.

 

[TeyshaBlue]

The Lexicon Omega might work for you and is pretty cheap. $179.00

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...245505&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26020287

 

[Washburn100]

There are several out there, as mentioned the Lexicon Omega and also from Lexicon, I like the Ionix stuff. They have a 2,4 and 8 channel USB interface. Also look at Presonus and even Roland

 

[Front End Audio]

Check this interface out

The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8x8 has four mic pre's that can be used to stream tracks right into ProTools M-Powered. It sounds very nice for the price and it is very flexible as far as routing is concerned for the money this is a great bargain.

Cheers,
Nicholas

 

[stevefried]

I've been using a Fostex MR8hd to record my band. 4 simultaneous inputs, very simple. 16 bit though if that matters to you.

 

[Robo 5-0]

I've just picked up a Presonus Firestudio Project which has been working beautifully... however it uses firewire and not USB.

I'd agree with the Tascam 1641 suggested by an earlier poster. It has a good number of pres which will give you room to grow, and it uses the USB 2.0 interface.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I seriously doubt your netbook is firewire capable, and it is also quite possible that it does not meet the minimum specs to run ProTools M-powered. Check the minimum specs on this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=43340&Category=Audio_Interfaces

There's a pretty good chance your netbook can support it, and it'll give you all the I/O's you need, and a few more. If your netbook has trouple with ProTools M-powered, you can run the tracks into Reaper, Cubase, or whatever.-Richie