Mixing to Computer. . .help?

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studiodrum

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Hey everyone,
I'm finally breaking down, and plan to use my computer to mix-down. . Especially, since I have this fairly adequate computer sitting around collecting dust. . . But, I'm totally illiterate when it comes to using the computer to mix down.

I can use some advise on a soundcard, . .and some editing software. I am mixing down from a 4 Track Tascam 424 mkII, and its used mostly for demos.

Right now, I have the standard 1/8" stereo plug soundcard that came with the computer, and I would like to upgrade my soundcard to something with at least (2) separate L & R Channels for mixing-- 4 INPUTS would be nice! But, 2 is adequate-- Do I need something like the 'MAudio Audiophile 2496', or is there something else out there that will work better? I don't need anything expensive,. just something to do the job, I want to keep this as SIMPLE as possible. . .

Also, I can use a recommendation for some mixing software programs. I know there is a lot of software, and free ware out there ,.But, I'm looking for as SIMPLE as possible .. . .Did I mention that I would like to keep it SIMPLE, .. LOL Anyway guys, if you can help me out here, I would certainly appreciate it. . . .
 
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Try your existing soundcard first with some two track recording software first to see if your card is adequate. Afterall, your only mixing from a cassette. Personally, I like Soundforge for this task but it might be a little expensive for your needs. Maybe something like nTrack would work for you.
 
if your 4 track cassette recorder has 4 distinct outs from the 4 tracks(ive forgotten!),
you could use a 4 input sound card like a delta 4 input to record all 4 tracks from the cassette to 4 seperate tracks on the computer using multitrack recording software. thus the tracks will line up properly. whereas bringing into
the pc in groups of one or two they might not. for example powertracks that i use (49 bucks..pgmusic.com for demo) has various editing features that would allow you to make the 4 tracks improve. for example hiss reduction(tape hiss !!).
you could then add 44 other midi or audio tracks to the original 4 tracks.
what i use will allow you to then mix down the tracks to stereo and you could produce a CD.
if you have anymore Q's - just ask. it would help to know your computer confign as well in detail so i can comment further. peace.
 
hi all. can someone drop a list of 4 input soundcards here for us. I'm in a similar situation with the 424Mkiii.

thankyou.
 
A.S. tracertek.com and zzounds.com have a list of multiple input sound cards. and many other on line retailers. one thing i forgot to mention is if you want to enhance your vocal tracks, the new version of powertracks
that just came out will let you pitch shift/correct and do vocal harmonies. so you could transfer your 4 tracks to pc then massage them. a intro video is at pgmusic.com. i wasnt aware how powerfull this new feature was until a pro tools user who is impressed with powertracks and uises it as well told me about it over the weekend.
 
g'day manning, thanks for the help, I'll look 'em up after I get some sleep!
Now, (no disrespect intended, just curiosity) what's with the push for powertracks!
I've seen a few of your posts and you do it alot.
 
AS. re,,,,push. just try it and youll see why. cant be beat for the bucks.
everybody ive turned onto it loves it like i do. in fact try the very expensive packages. then youll really see why. powertracks users are excited
by the new release because of the vocal pitch correction feature as well as the vocal harmonisation. nothing comes close for the money.
if there was - i would use THAT and recommend it.
just read the user forums at pg. theres a post there by a pro tools user
who also uses powertracks for its features. a very unbiased analysis of both.
heres the link. read 4 or 5 posts down in the link.
http://www.pgmusic.com/cgi-bin/Ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002042
 
nope. just an end user. with my own studio.
the problem or dilemma for me if you will there is nothing in its price range that is comparable. not free software. nothing.
so - what would you do in my position having tried everything on the market ? frankly i WOULD like an alternative for 50 bucks. christ - just
a simple effects plug in costs 50 bucks that doesnt do multitracking, midi, or anything else. powertracks has a slew of effects built in AS WELL thus saving folks buying plug ins !! the problem is its unique for the money with no competitor. so what the hell do i do ??
what would you do ? suggest something that doesnt do the job for the price ? this is why i always say...try everything else. and ONLY THEN will you realise ....and read the user references. and just try the demo.
 
If your cassette has MIDI sync, then you can use a 2 input card and do two
separate passes.
 
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