make my mac into a fourtrack - help!

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fourtracter

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hi.

i am planning on buying a new mac (either a g4 powerbook or an ibook). i will be primarily using this computer for things other than recording, but i want to get into digital recording.

i'm a fourtracker at heart, so here's my situation:
i only want to record up to four inputs simultaniously.
i want to be able to have good editing options.
i'll only be using about 8 tracks total (with very few plugins).
i'll mostly be recording pop/punk/noise stuff.

i really have no clue what to get.
software, hardware, etc.

i already have gear (mics, comps, instruments, mixer, preamps, etc.)

i'm assuming that i'll be able to record what i want to (about 8 tracks varying length - pretty hight quality) and still be able to easily use my computer for other things, am i correct?

any info helps.

thanks so much.
 
i don't know

i don't have a super strict budget, but i would like to stay fairly cheap. several hundred dollars would be alright (hopefully, well under $1000). i want hardware that is fairly simple to use - i don't think i need a lot of features (think of a tascam 424). as for software, i have no idea. i'm very computer literate, but i've never recorded digitally before.

thanks.
 
If you have a mac...

Why not just get a Digi 001 ($799)or something from MOTU? This stuff comes with great software but just make sure you get an interface with preamps.
$1000 is plenty for a good interface/software combo, look around.

If you want the best quality go for theLynx22 ($700)and a good four channel preamp.

Four tracks is a bit of an undershot for that pricerange,
 
Pipin In...

I just got a Quattro USB external interface that records up to 4 tracks in and 4 tracks out...

I'm using Logic Audio 5 with the Quattro on a G3 400 (Pizmo) laptop and OSX (10.2)...

I was worried at first about this interface at first because it was USB... (I've had some crappy experiences with USB audio so I was expecting the worst)...

But, I got it home... Loaded the drivers into OSX and the computer picked it up immediately... I mean IMMEDIATELY.... I chose the recording function and in/outs I wanted to use... And was recording digital in Logic Audio within 5 minutes...

The best part is it only cost me 249.00 dollars... I can record 2 tracks in at 96kHz if I want... But, I'm currently recording 4 in and playing 4 out at 24bit 44.1kHz...

And I'm sure with your newely selected setup, you'd have no problem running it...

To be sure it would run good, I picked up an Adaptec USB 2.0 PCMCIA card...

If you have 1,000.00 Go with jake-owa's suggestion... The "Digi" stuff is definitely good... But, you can only use "Digi" stuff with "Digi" software (Am I wrong?)...

But, at 249.00 I'm immediately an "M-Audio" convert... I think it's worth it...
 
quatro

thanks. i think something like quatro may be the way i will go.

by well under $1000, i meant more along the lines of about $500 or less, but i wanted to leave it open just in case (gathering as more information as possible).

it seems like no one makes what i want. i want something that sounds really good, but is simple.
here (along with what i mentioned before) is what i want:

four inputs (don't have to be mic preamps as i already have a mixing board and outboard pres)

that's about it. i would love it if a company would cut out everything except what i want (i'm sure we all do).
i'm trying to "create" a really good quality fourtrack (you know, cassettes and reels) on a mac.

any more suggestions?

i don't know if i am being very clear, but i'd be glad to try and answer any questions if someone would be so kind to inquire.
 
I would be very cautious with the Quattro, while some people have been able to get it to work well, many people have had nothing but problems.

One of the reasons is that USB is not really ideal for audio, and 4 tracks in/4 out is really beyond its limits.

I would suggest the MOTU 828. It would be a much better choice for a Mac.

I would check Ebay, they have a few for between $300-$600.
 
hey. Why don't you try Protools Free? It has 8 tracks and the mac version works fine. Just to start it's a good device, albeit you use the mac's input. Then you also have the mBox as an alternative, with it's Focusrite pres it's a nice option.
Cheers, Andrés
 
cordura21 said:
hey. Why don't you try Protools Free? It has 8 tracks and the mac version works fine. Just to start it's a good device, albeit you use the mac's input. Then you also have the mBox as an alternative, with it's Focusrite pres it's a nice option.
Cheers, Andrés
Click to expand...

The MBox is sweet, but he said he wanted to record 4 tracks at a time, which it only does 2.

Digidesign wisely realized the limitations of USB and only allows the MBox 2 in/2 out at 24/48.
 
you're right, I assumed that since he's a four tracker he also got caught with those cheap Fostex 4 trackers but just 2 inputs. Like me :-).

Then I recommend (besides the Digi 001) a Firewire device like those from Motu and the one from Presonus (http://www.presonus.com/html/products/firestation.html). I don't know but I guess USB is a little slim for 4 tracks at a time.

Cheers Andrés
 
hmmm

thanks for the input guys.

but i still don't think i've found what i'm looking for.

i mean on everything i've looked at, there's so many features that i just don't need. i mean things like built in mic preamps, adat pipe things, 8 inputs and outputs (4 inputs and a stereo output would be ideal), even midi. i think i would rather have the money be placed into quality rather than features (you know what i mean?).

are there any independent/mom and pop type companies making any audio hardware (not even what i'm describing)?


thanks again.
 
It sounds like you want the M-Audio Delta 44. It can be had for around $225, and it's just four analog line-level ins and four analog line-level outs. That's what i use. The converters sound good to my ears, and it's never given me any problems. It's also PCI, not USB.
 
heh...

Kind of hard to use when he's looking for a LAPTOP...

And Yes, I realize that some people say they have trouble with the Quattro...

But, in my experience the Quattro has performed flawlessly in the very system he's looking at buying... OSX's new Core Audio Drivers and ASIO drivers have no problems picking up USB hardware...

Also, the Quattro is a very well made USB box... They appropriately limit the recording channels that can be used as the sample rate gets higher...

With a straight 4 channels in and 4 out...
This is about as simple as it gets...

AND I agree... If you want to spend more.... Get the 828 Firewire... (Heck, even "I" want one of those...) But, they cost money... The Quattro provides a great price point with fidelity to boot....
 
For what it's worth...

fourtracter said:
hi.

i am planning on buying a new mac (either a g4 powerbook or an ibook). i will be primarily using this computer for things other than recording, but i want to get into digital recording.

i'm a fourtracker at heart, so here's my situation:
i only want to record up to four inputs simultaniously.
i want to be able to have good editing options.
i'll only be using about 8 tracks total (with very few plugins).
i'll mostly be recording pop/punk/noise stuff.

i really have no clue what to get.
software, hardware, etc.

i already have gear (mics, comps, instruments, mixer, preamps, etc.)

i'm assuming that i'll be able to record what i want to (about 8 tracks varying length - pretty hight quality) and still be able to easily use my computer for other things, am i correct?

any info helps.

thanks so much.
Click to expand...

I think if I were in your shoes. I would definitely go with the MOTU 828. It's a little more audio interface than what you said you needed 8ins/8outs, But in my opinion, for $700 you won't beat the quality anywhere. It's got everything you'll need except for the MIDI.(You can pick up a pretty decent Midi Interface for $50-$60.) But it comes with a pretty cool program called "Audio Desk". Plus you'll be able to do a little more if you so desire down the road. Even if your doing some heavy pro quality stuff with a PowerBook or an Imac, I would want the 828.

If I were you and really wanted to save some bucks. I would go download Protools free, and checkout the Emagic EMI 6/2 m $299, or like you said earlier the Quattro. That is providing they work with Protools. The EMI works with ASIO, so it should work with Protools. The Tascam US-428 looks cool but for $500 you'll still need some software and you said you already have a mixer, and most of the software has a mixer built in. But in my opinion, the real "bang for the buck" is MOTU. Besides firewire is "WAY" faster than USB so things like latency will be minimized.

Either way, whatever interface you choose, If you want to be picky about the Software, I can tell you as a mac user, I've used damn near all of the recording programs: Bias Deck, Cubase, Cakewalks Metro, Protools, Logic Platinum, and Motu's Digital Performer remains to be my favorite.
They all have a stiff learning curve if you've never used anything like them. But MOTU's DP and Audio Desk are pretty easy to use. Cakewalks Metro is pretty good for a Beginner.(That's what I started on). Being new to this sort of thing as you are, I would stay away from Logic Audio. It has a pretty high learning curve. More Than likely you'll go through a few different programs until you find the one you like. I Hope I helped!

Goodluck,
T.J.Hooker:cool:
 
No Problem

Didn't mean to sound condescending!!!
I think the Delta is exactly like the Quattro, too... Except for the connection...

The Quattro has the same configuration:
4 audio ins and outs...
It also has a 1x1 Midi Interface as well... (Don't know what I'd use that for - I've got an AMT8)...

I really like the sound, too... And I've been very impressed with the flexibility when using Logic Audio, as well... You can configure it to record a number of ways...

Although I thought it was interesting that you can record 2 inputs at 24bit 96khz... (That's with No outputs) - But the capability is there... Even in USB... And it sounds very good... Good for use with critical material...

Anyway - this has been a great thread...

Thanks all...
 
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