Multi-Track PC Recording Hardware

2

2Kickdrums

New member
Hello all, it's my first post, and I did a search...but swamped with several aimless threads. :(

I'm wanting to record several tracks at once using my PC desktop computer.

I have several mics, a mixer with 1/4" outputs and a Creative Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 sound card with stereo RCA inputs, and Firewire. My computer also
has USB 2.0 capability.

At the moment, I'm pre-mixing channels into L/R stereo RCA inputs on the sound card
which makes editing kick, snare, toms, cymbals impossible on their own.

The software I'm using (DAW) is Cubasis 3.x; I don't mind upgrading software if needed [Cakewalk 7.0?].

My problem: locating hardware that will take at least 4 channels from my
mixer and address each channel to a separate track in Cubasis.

Is there anything out there that will do the trick?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

P.S. I'm not looking for a pre-amp! :cool:
 
This is the bit where I recommend the M-Audio Delta 44 again. I'm recommending it because it's what I use and I think it's great for the price.

4 ins, 4 outs, good converters, far less latency than an Audigy. I picked mine up for £90 (not sure what that is in dollars these days).

You will also notice a massive improvement in audio quality. I was using an Audigy 2 before I got that thing and the improvement was pretty staggering.

Of course, that's just one of many good options that would fit your needs. I have no experience with other interfaces so I can't comment, but I'm sure someone will be along soon to do so.
 
I suggest looking at the Phonic firewire mixers. They stream the audio signal right after the trim knob so it's raw audio going to the computer. Then you can use the rest of the mixer for playback and tracking monitors, including effects which won't get printed on the audio signal (which is a desireable feature!).
 
Great, thanks for the tip.

I've read about the Line 6, Tone Port UX8. Does this allow simultaneous, multi-track recording?

If so, does anyone have a breakdown of how it compares to other hardware
in the same price range?
 
My choice after some fairly extensive price comparison and research is the
Tone Port UX8.

I'm just learning how to configure separate tracks in the Cubasis software,
but it looks promising! The UX8 allows for 8 analog 1/4", or XLR inputs to
be tracked at once.

It has four separate stereo lineout pairs, and dual headphone outputs for
monitoring which is very cool. The software allows for subgroups direct
through the UX8 module and sounds very good at 24 bit!

drums_rack.jpg



So far I'm thinking I made the correct choice...we'll see.
 
Cool! A friend of mine, (guitar player) is asking me for a recommendation of easy to use hardware/software to record at home. So I am checking out things like this.

Does the USB keep all 8 channels separated into the computer?

Also, did the Pod Farm Platinum software come bundled with it?
 
Yes, the USB keeps everything separate as eight mono channels, or four
stereo channels.

You have the option of mixing up XLR, 1/4", and front panel instrument inputs
in any form.

If you have the system requirements, the setup is pretty simple. I had to
fight with an XP Pro, Service Pack 2 update, but once that was installed
everything configured quite quickly and easily. The software is very
intuitive using graphic interfaces.

I'm not sure what software comes bundled as I'm just getting it unpacked
and wired. I did have a chance to play with the "Gear Box" software which
has a bunch of amplifier head and cabinet emulators. Just plug in the
guitar, set the volume and click on your choice of amp head and cabinet.

It sounds pretty damn close to tubes - not that twangy solid state sound
I'm used to hearing with guitar pedals direct!

If you want to learn more, send me your e-mail via private message and
I'll send you the PDF file. YOu can show that to your friend and he can
make a decision based on that.

I'll say for certain from what I've learned thus far, this UX8 is going to be
a great hardware interface for 8 simultaneous, independent tracking and
a virtual guitar library to boot. The price isn't bad either; I paid just under
$490.00 CDN with tax included for the UX8.

You'll need some patch cords, but otherwise everything else is included to
get you started immediately.
 
RawDepth said:
Cool! A friend of mine, (guitar player) is asking me for a recommendation of easy to use hardware/software to record at home. So I am checking out things like this.

Does the USB keep all 8 channels separated into the computer?

Also, did the Pod Farm Platinum software come bundled with it?
Click to expand...

From a couple of reviews I read, it only feeds two channels into the computer, not eight separate channels.

This is fairly typical of USB boxes. For multiple channels to the computer you will probably need a Firewire interface box...
 
2Kickdrums said:
Yes, the USB keeps everything separate as eight mono channels, or four
stereo channels.

You have the option of mixing up XLR, 1/4", and front panel instrument inputs
in any form.
Click to expand...

It's all good for eight channels at once, and eight separate tracks of simultaneous recording.

EDIT: I have also just downloaded the POD Farm Application. First you need to register the UX8 on their web site,
input the serial number and then you get access to downloads (free). Now I have a bunch more amp/tones to select
from over the Gear Box menu!
 
Last edited:
bdenton said:
From a couple of reviews I read, it only feeds two channels into the computer, not eight separate channels.

This is fairly typical of USB boxes. For multiple channels to the computer you will probably need a Firewire interface box...
Click to expand...

see this quote:

"TonePort UX8 supports eight simultaneous channels of studio-quality 24-bit/96 kHz audio. It offers a comprehensive I/O including eight XLR inputs with high-quality mic pres, -20 dB pads and phantom power, eight 1/4-inch line-level inputs, eight 1/4-inch balanced line outputs, stereo RCA S/PDIF input and output, two super-quiet 1/4-inch instrument inputs and more."
 
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