Multi tracking on a pc

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noob60

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Hi all, am new to recording as my name suggets, but I was thinking and without a USB or a soundcard with multi channel inputs, how do you multitrack on a pc??? any help would be appreciated, for example, do I need a USB interface. I was hoping to use a mixing desk I already have for live playing and just input it into my pc, but that wouldn't allow for multi tracking, but then I shouldn't need to should I, because I can adjust everything on the mixer. sorry this has just got me al confused!! thanks for any help
Jamie
 
i was thinking about 8, although if i can use the desk I've got that isnt a problem.
 
noob60 said:
i was thinking about 8, although if i can use the desk I've got that isnt a problem.
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what mixer to you currently have? what are you wanting to record?
 
I have an oldish H/H mixing desk that i bought second hand. my band have used it for about a year live, playing mainly covers. but we have started to write our own material and want to make our own cd, mainly indie rock songs. I thought that the easiest (and chepest) way to do it would be to put everything into our board, and then put the board into the computer, then using an editing program, well edit it. but it all goes wrong when i want to put the board into the computer. well theoretically, i've never actually tried it yet. will i only get one track recording on the computer using this board or will i be able to split the channels somehow. or to be able to do this, do i have to use a specialised USB board.
 
sorry, I should have been more specific. Tell me about your board. Does it have direct outs for each input channel?
 
Sorry, it's just because i haven't really got a clue. yes it does, it also has master outputs, which were what i was planning on using, before i actually thought it through and decided i better find some help!
 
I would suggest then, getting the Delta 1010lt for about $200. Then check out some Cakewalk Home Studio or something along that line. That will get you 8 input tracks at a time.
 
Thanks alot. I'm sure I'll have hours of fun now trying to make my masterpeice album. Once again thanks,
Jamie
 
noob60 said:
Thanks alot. I'm sure I'll have hours of fun now trying to make my masterpeice album. Once again thanks,
Jamie
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no problem. If I have more time, I would offer up more info but I am kinda multi tasking right now. :)
 
Is there something similar to that for about the same price that i can get for my laptop cos i dont have pci? I was just gonna get a firepod but im thinking i might want to get something like the delta and a mixer instead
 
Get a multi track software for your pc (i use vegas 4) and then you can first of all hook up all the drum mics into your mixer, set up all the levels etc.. and then get a few adaptors(if the main out is xlr left xlr right which is normal then you can get adaptors that go from female xlr to a male phono. get two of them and then get a normal phono lead with two females to two female phonos. Then get a lead that turns two phonos into one jack. then plug that into your PC (line in)
Then you may have to make adjustments to your input levels in your pc and then record the drums onto your multitracking software.
Then record bass in another track on the software etc..
I know this isnt obviously ideal but it works and if everything is set up right it works well! ;)
Ofcours you wont have one track for the floor tom, another track for the snare etc.. like you would if it was done profesionaly so you have to set all the levels on the mixer to the sound you want.
This will work. i use it and it does do it very well after alot of temperment. :)
 
Youd have to be pretty sure you get the mix right though...cos you aint changin it once its done
 
mx_mx said:
Youd have to be pretty sure you get the mix right though...cos you aint changin it once its done
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only with drums or when you are using more than one mic. With soundforge or an editing software you can compress it, noise gate it afterwards etc. But you can adjust the colume levels of each track once in the software and pan it etc.. you can even edit each track seperatly.
but yes with drums you have to set it all perfect but with guitar and everything else if you use one mic then it should be fine.
 
TimOBrien said:
Immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
(Wish I'd had that when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)

Good Newbie guide that also explains all the basics:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
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this place is better than a book. You just have to learn to weed out the nitwits.
 
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