Mic preamps with DAWs

[Zinc]

I am thinking about plunging and getting a DAW, something like the Tascam 788. My question is about mic preamps, and what I need them for. Do I still need a mic preamp with a DAW as opposed to just a recorder? The 788 doesn't seem to have any XLR inputs, so would a mic preamp be able to take an XLR input and go out through a 1/4 jack?

 

[PapillonIrl]

I am thinking about plunging and getting a DAW, something like the Tascam 788.

I always associated the term 'DAW' with computer based workstations...maybe I'm wrong.

My question is about mic preamps, and what I need them for. Do I still need a mic preamp with a DAW as opposed to just a recorder?

I think the 788 accepts a line-level signal only, a mic preamp is used to boost the signal to line-level. So, yes.

The 788 doesn't seem to have any XLR inputs, so would a mic preamp be able to take an XLR input and go out through a 1/4 jack?

Yep.

pAp

 

[TexRoadkill]

DAW's are computer based. HDD's are the stand alone recorders.

Does that unit have a mixer? If not you will need a preamp.

 

[Zinc]

Cool. I thought DAWs were mobile/all in one digital recorders. A computer usually isn't too mobile, thats why I thought the 788 was one, sorry about that.

 

[atomictoyz]

Lets get Picky here, DAW= Digital Audio Workstation.

Which covers PC, MAC, 788's BR535, Yamaha MD8 and AW4416 just to start. But DAW also covers Sadie, Sonic Solutions, ProTools and RADAR systems. Oh and before I forget, some of the Mackie, Tascam and Fostex hardisk recorders are also DAW's because they offer editing features accessible by hooking up a PC monitor. Some have preamps, some don't. Mine did until last friday...oops, left the phantom power on during power up with an unbalanced line plugged in....So much for that RNC I was saving for...


Peace,
Dennis

 

[TexRoadkill]

The key word is workstation. If you can do all of your production on it then it is a DAW. If it is just a mult track recorder than it's just that.

I wouldnt call a digital portastudio a DAW but they probably do. Just dont go telling clients you have a DAW and show up with a MD 4track. They will probably be pissed

I'm too lazy to look up exactly what a 788 is so sorry if I added to the confusion.

 

[atomictoyz]

The key word is workstation.

Workstation, implies work. :0)

I'm too lazy to look up exactly what a 788 is so sorry if I added to the confusion.

Me To! Im always adding to the confusion. Especially when it comes to hard and fast definitions in the recording industry.

What portable mean anyhow? Did ya ever see Steve Vai's
DAW he used for recording "Alive in an Ultra World"...Yeah, you can put wheels on a house. Portastudio, is kinda of misleading to. Hey whats the definition of studio? I think some sort of triple redundancy naming convention should be used, like what the military uses.


Peace,
Dennis

 

[darrin_h2000]

If you can record digital audio on it its a daw. Although the term is loosely used on computer based gear. Those mic pres are for boosting mic signal and providing power for condencer mics.

I dont reccomend the Tascam at this point when you can get a 12 track from akai for 500.00, a 16 for 900.00. with no real advantage or difference in quality.

 

[TexRoadkill]

"If you can record digital audio on it its a daw"

Uhh, no. That is a HDD. If you think the terms dont matter go talk to a pro studio about your DAW with no mixing capablility and they will laugh you out of the studio.

A HDD and a mixer is a DAW.

 

[spinballa]

I feel much better now. Thanks! My confusion must be accepted for it may never be overcome.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Hell tex Ill take your word for that, Sometimes you need to have the full chain. No use getting silly with specifics here. Who the hell is going to use a HDD without a mixer of some sort.

I guess the masterlink could be argued the same way.