Multitrack to interface?

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Unto The Sky

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Just wondering if I can take a lead from the stereo outs of my VF16 multitrack recorder to the input of an audio interface and record directly to my computer, if need be?
Only asking as otherwise I need to send stuff from the recorder to an external hard drive and then from the drive to my computer, which is a bit of a pain. No big really, it'd just be convenient if i could record directly from it to pc.

I dont have an interface yet, but I assume something with a single 1/4" input would be fine - like a Line 6 UX2 or something?

Sorry if this is really nooby stuff, I'm pretty new to this - fostex's customer support have been rubbish and the manual isnt much help either. thanks guys.
-Shaun
 
Sure can

I do it all the time with my Boss BR864 into my E-mu 1616. The BR 864 has optical out (SPDIF), so I could conceivably record 8 tracks simultaneously in my DAW from it. I rarely ever use the BR864 to record more than one or two stereo tracks. I like the input preamps and some of the COSM effects on the BR864. I also like to reamp from Sonar HS7 out to the Boss and back into Sonar, but I have to use the RCA inputs on the BR864 to do so.
Your VF16 has the advantage of optical in and out, so if your interface does too, I would use that. Optical doesn't introduce added RF interference associated with metal connections, so it's a cleaner signal. :cool:
Here's a link to a VF16 users group where you can get more info appropiate to your device: http://www.vf16.com/specs.php

Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun!

ralpheo :D
 
Thats great! Thanks a lot for your help! I dont have an interface yet, but i'm now in the market for one... :D
 
USB interfaces are cheapest and usually quickest to setup. But if you have alot of pieces running on usb, issues like latency and drivers, (among others) can be problematic.
PCI or PCIe have the fastest transfer rates from device to software, because they are connected directly to the motherboard. This is what my E-mu 1616 uses, although actually mine goes PCMCIA to adapter to PCI interface. Unfortunately, very few companies still make PCI(e)-based recording interfaces, (E-mu 1616 and 1616m are two). And they're more expensive--- $349 USD ($325 AUD?) than most usb or firewire interfaces.
One option that I keep suggesting to people is the Zoom R16: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/r16/

It can be used as an interface, a stand alone recording deck, or as control surface. It's a usb connection but in this case, I don't think that's a disadvantage. The stand-alone function records to SD cards, so you can have a few projects on one card. Check out the posts by Teyshablue on this forum if this interests you. The use of the R16 would kind of make your VF16 superfluous, but you might want settings/effects from the VF16 unavailable otherwise.

My last input here will be that unless you are recording on a Mac, please, stay away from M-audio's usb interfaces, they're junk. They are the McDonald's/Walmart of recording hardware. They were devised to get newbies to buy Protools and get sucked into the hype of the "industry standard". Note here that I speak of their recording interfaces, not of the 1x1 or 2x2 midi interfaces (I have two of the 1x1's and they word fine).
Protools, Cubase and MOTU's Digital Performer were written for Apple computers. Steinberg has ported Cubase and Nuendo very successfully to Windows. MOTU hasn't attempted it (which is cool, because they have one of the best DAW progams available because they have focused on only one platform). Avid, (who owns Protools and M-audio as well as Dazzle) on the other hand has their grubby mitts into virtually every area of music and video editing. They ported a shabby reconstruct of their great Apple-based DAW to get more mass-appeal and market-share. Every time Microsoft releases a new version of Windows, I hear and see complaints about drivers, hangs and other compatability problems.
Sorry to rant. My suggestions: Presonus, E-mu, Lexicon... anything that is not M-audio.

ralpheo
 
ahh cheers for that, else i'd have probably have gone ahead and got a fast track or an audiophile. I'm quite liking the idea of a Lexicon interface, I've looked at the Alpha and the Lambda, would either of these be good choices?
The lamba seems a bit much for what I need, it has quite a few inputs, but thats what I have a multi track for, but the Alpha seems a little more simple, but maybe it's a little low end and wouldn't be worth buying? I'm not sure.

Edit:

Hope this isn't too much to ask - With the optical outs, would it allow me to record through an interface to pc and get 8 seperate tracks recorded on the software? as oppose to recording them all into one track with the stereo outs?

If so, i assume i'll need an interface with optical ins? they seem very expensive, can anyone recommend one? Preferably one that wont annihilate my bank account, though i dont mind paying a lot if its gonna be worth it.
Cheers again!
 
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If the optical outs and the optical ins are ADAT then "Yes" you can transfer eight individual tracks.
If they are SPDIF then you are restricted to a L & R and would be much better off with a multi channel interface.
Have a quick read in here before you buy anything.... http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
When you're done, you should have a proper understanding of recording onto a computer DAW as well as discovering the advantages of Audio Interfaces over Mixers.
By mixing before you record you are depriving yourself of pretty well every advantage that a computer based DAW has to offer.
 
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