Multi-track recording on a computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter dsanders3
  • Start date Start date
D

dsanders3

New member
Ok, this is probably a moron question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. I am a high school band director, and have talked my principal into buying me a screaming computer, including Cakewalk's Sonar XL, to record my bands. I am planning to use PZMs to record live to 2-track for my concert band, but I want to multi-track(at least 16 tracks) my jazz band. Is there a piece of hardware that goes between my Mackie 1604VLZ mixer and my computer to record more than 2 tracks at once? I know I can layer tracks one at a time, but I want to be able to record the whole band and be able to fix mistakes on the computer. Please, if you can answer this, do so. I only have about 2 weeks to spend money before the grant runs out.
Thanks!
 
Sounds like you need to get a sound card with Digital ins and outs,and a tascam tmd1000. then some sm57 mikes. the tascam mixer and the sound card that can get you there Is about 700.00 and each sm 57 mike Can be found as low as 69.00. And the M-audio audiophile may work for you. But Optical Is better.

You can also get marshall 603s for 60.00 they may be better because they are condensers.
 
Thanks for the help...the MOTU 24i is just what I'm looking for. Now all I have to do is find a vendor. You asked how much I had to spend...lots. I have @$20,000 available, but most of that will go towards the right mics.
 
This the computer I just bought for recording:
1GHz PIII, 512 MB 800MHz RIMMS, 2 x 36GB SCSI(10,000RPM) Hard Drives, 16x DVDROM, 16x8x32 External CDRW, 21" Flat Screen Monitor w/nVidia GeForce 2...going to add a second 1GHz PIII processor next month. So, you can see I have some serious hardware to start with...every other teacher got 7 new computers in their rooms. I took the money they had available for them and bought one for recording(Dell built it for $4,500).

I'm going to get a variety of mics depending on what instrument I'm recording. I already have a couple of 500' snakes, 16x4 each, so that's no problem.

My only concern with the motu 24i is support for Win2000. They have beta drivers available to download, and I'm sure they'll get it right eventually. I'm very good with setting equipment up, so I'm looking for the best price I can get.

Thanks for the advice!
 
You should also be able to use 2 Delta 1010 Soundcards. This would give you 16 balanced inputs and 16 balanced outputs (8 from each card).

From what I've been reading in the Sonar newsgroup, the Delta 1010's with WDM drivers and Win2000 are the way to go for the best performance in Sonar.

MOTU seems to have a good reputation, but I think they are more MAC oriented.

BTW, you can get the Delta 1010's anywhere. They run around $600 each.

Also, I think the 1604VLZ has Channel Inserts rather than Direct Outs on each channel strip. You, therefore, probably want to keep your cable run between the Mackie and your soundcard to a minimum, since these are unblanced connections.
 
If I knew you had 20,000 bucks I wouldnt have tried to get you there cheaply.

If I had 20,000 Iwould have 2 Yamaha o2r mixers and two makie 24 track adats, and a masterlink, a cd burning device that can do 4 at a time. and a mean set of mics.:cool:
 
MOTU Beta

The MOTU beta drivers are pretty good right now. I have been using them for a week and no crashes, no clicks, no pops.
 
Make sure you optimize Windows 2000 for recording. A number of tweak guides are available on the net to follow. In its default state, there is a lot of junk running eating up CPU cycles that doesn't need to be there.

<drool>
$20,000.00!
</drool>

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top