Maybe Stupid Q: Can I use my Fostex as an Interface?

[nervx]

Hi -- I've been using a Fostex Mr-8 mkII recorder, and have decided to get into computer recording. Just bought an M-Audio 49 keyboard controller. Have been checking out interfaces (I posted about that last week), and decided that within my price range, I will either buy the Lexicon Lambda or E-MU 0404 USB 2.0 (used price range, I should mention!). Then it occurred to me....before I buy the interface....would it be possibel to use my Fostex recorder as an interface? I noticed it has a USB connection on it, and it has all the inputs I need at the moment....so was wondering.....being as I'm on a super tight budget. Any port in a storm!

Sorry if it's a stupid question!

Oh...I'm using an older PC that I'm hoping to upgrade soon. It has Athlon 2200 with 1 gb ram, Running Windows XP. Plenty of external memory available. Hopefully this will suffice for now?

Thanks much!

Nervx

 

[garykliz]

You can use your fostex as an interface directly to your pc as long as you don't want to record more than 2 tracks at a time. I doubt the USB channel will allow you to send audio to the pc, but you never know (you will need to dig into that), but you can indeed send audio directly to your pc via the Fostex's main outs or spdif out (if it has one).

I used a similar setup for years where I used a Mackie 1402 mixer as my interface with my computer's sound card... But I could only input 2 channels maximum at a time.

 

[nervx]

Thanks for the input! I guess I still need to get an interface though....or a new soundcard, as my current soundcard is old and really really basic. No 1/4 inputs or anything like that. Just a card. :-(

Thanks again!

 

[johnnymegabyte]

For $30 US, look at the Behringer USB Audio interface. They have RCA connectors, and can get you started in the right direction. Sure, it's stereo, but will work. They are USB 1.1, which is adequate for stereo only.
For years, I was using my Yamaha 4 tracks with 6 inputs as my Mixer, stereo out to my PC (Soundblaster). Last year, I got a Behringer UFO202 for my laptop. (Paid $37 CAD)
This Xmas, a few days later, I got a TASCAM M-164UF which is 16 channel analog mixer, and USB 2.0 Interface, with channels 1 to 10 feeding the PC, 11-16 being FX1&2, Sub Mix & Stereo mix (paid $525 Canadian)

BTW, I had looked into Lambda and a few others ... but it's USB 1.1. If I were you, depending on route, consider USB 2.0 devices, which will give you higher resolutions of audio 24 bit/48 minimum, where as USB 1.1 is no more than 16/48.

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