More mic inputs

[c.timmy84301]

I am using an Mbox 2 which has only 2 mic inputs and I wanna record drums. How can I add more mic inputs without having to buy a mixing board? Is that even possible? I was gonna mic 2 drums at a time but that would take too damn long. Any advise?

 

[adamvelvetu]

I don't really think there is a good way to do it without getting the mixing board, that would be the best way. However, there are splitters. For example, while I was waiting for my headphone to arrive I had a 1/4" splitter that would split from one 1/4" to two 1/4" females. There are similar things for XLR or get some XLR to 1/4" converters. You may run into some quality issues though and it seems like in the long run you might want a mixing board anyhow.

 

[c.timmy84301]

Thanks Adam. I did try that and, like you said, there were quality issues. In that case, what kind of mixers would be good, or even compatible with my system? I didn't know if anything will work. Plus money is an issue so what would be a good cheap mixer?

 

[12milluz]

Yes-the splitters are a bad idea. Never force two signals into one, only split one into two. You must use a mixer for this job. Price depends on how many channels you need.

 

[shortymcsteve]

First off, recrding 2 drums at once would be impossible really.. unless your a robot who can play the exact same thing, with the exact same timing (to the millisecond) and never make one little mistake + there is more reasons but it doesn't matter.

Anyway, do you realize that you can record a full kit with only 2 mics? and actually sometimes even one!
Ive done this a good few times and it works great, and im talking about with bands who come into the studio recording for an EP they put out.
I hear some of the bigger producers do this too sometimes.

And don't go with the split cable, that would be stupid, especially if your using condensers with need phantom power.

Second option would be to buy a mixer with the amount of spaces you need and then plug it into your mbox using the left and right (stereo channels) of the mixer, this will give you a live mix but wont leave much room for edits in protools (im guessing thats what your using) only with the 2 channels.

Other method would be to buy an interface that accepts more inputs, i guess a presonus FP10 or maybe something smaller, say another interface with 2 channels running at the same time as the mbox.

Really, it depends on what your going to be recording in the long run.. there is no point buying something to do the job just now and then in 5 months you need an even bigger or different interface/mixer costing more money.


What is your current mic situation anyway?

 

[TimOBrien]

You really really really need a soundcard or interface with more inputs; there's no way around it.

Here's a good guide and tested suggestions that WORK: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm
(you'll want to bookmark and read through all of Tweak's Guide while you're there...)

Another good article: Choosing an audio interface - http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep08/articles/audiointerfaces.htm

 

[JOEFACE]

building my own studio

i use to record at my brothers using mixcraft a mic n soundcard but i want better sound so what should i use besides mixcraft and do i need a sound card? i also just purchased a mic which is a shure pg48 dynamic mic is that good sound qaulity?

 

[shortymcsteve]

Look, read what i wrote please.

I think you should FIRST buy two suitable microphones that you will need no mater what and try recording drums with only 2 channels.
If you dont like the sound after a good time experimenting and trying out different positions then i guess your looking for more mics for a different sound.
THIS is when you buy something with more channels!
Like i suggested a presonus FP10 would do the job no problem.

Also that sure mic you bought... i hope you dont plan to record drums with it because you wont get this great sound your thinking your going to get!
If you dont need it for anything then take it back if you ust bought it and get a better mic for the job.
Get a stereo pair of condensers, those are eventual for recording drums.



Did you even read my post first time round?

 

[Ponch]

Have you thought about trying the "Recorderman" method? I have an Mbox 2 also, and I use it on a regular basis with either LDCs or SDCs depending on my mood. Another suggestion would be looking at the dbx dual mic pre with S/PDIF or the ART Digital MPA II mic pre. My wife got me the ART for Christmas, and I've loved, even with the stock tubes, even though I plan on changing those out.