need some advice concerning recording gear…

  • Thread starter Thread starter robertm
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robertm

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Hi! It's my first post here at the HR BBs.

Anyway, I need some help.

Here's what I have: A decent mic, a ZOOM PS-02.

Here's my problem: the ZOOM PS-02 only has 3 Tracks. Now when I record Piano on Track 1, Vox on Track 2, and Rythym Guitar on Track 3 all my Tracks are full, I don't have any left. I can't lay down another track for backing Vox for example. Hence I always have to bounce tracks (join them). Now this is what I don't like, to merge them together, because I won't be able to manipulate single Instruments when I transfer them to my computer.

Here's the solution I've been thinking of: a HD-Recorder, provided that I understood it correctly what a HD Recorder is. As far as I understand, a HD Recorder only records, has about 8 or 16 Tracks, and can play them all back simultaneously. So: I'd just record each track on the HD Recorder (f.e. Guitar -> PS-02 -> HD-Recorder), and then transfer the tracks from the HD Recorder to my Computer using USB or something. In other words: I don't need a full-blown multitrack, since I alredy have an Amp Modeler etc, I just need more Tracks**! Is that possible? I mean, what products are out there that I could use? Does that what I want even exist or did I misconceive the concept behind a "HD Recorder"?

** = but not on the Computer. I need something more portable.


Thanks a bunch :)
Rob
 
only solution

if you want portability you could get a special rack mount case and put a pc motherboard plus drives into it. look on the net for rackmounts.
theONLY solution for lots of tracks is the computer to stop the merge problem.
my solution wouldbe an am2 2500 clone pc with 2 7200 rpm harddrives in a rackmount with say powertracks at 29 bucks which will give you 48 track multitrack recording.
then add your soundcard solution. firewire or pci or whatever.
depending on budget. you could use the mic preamps in the zoom
if you like thezooms preamps.
please read my other newbie posts back a bit on the bbs, to get more ideas. i dont want to retype same old !
 
hmm.. well, I should have mentioned that I don't have alot of money. I wanted to spent $500 maybe. Something like the Fostex VR800 seemed good at first, but it seems like that's not exactly what I need (I don't even know what ADAT is, etc... I'm just a hobby musician)


I'll read your older posts

btw, I have a small mixer that has phantom power for my mic.

I hope I'm getting my point across here...
 
problem with standalones i see

1. getting service down the road. i had this very problem afew
yrs back and swore i would never get another proprietary standalone solution.
2. for the 500 bucks you mention you should be able to get a pc clone in a rack mount if your willing to do some smart shopping.
 
I don't understand.. A complete PC (Motherboard, CPU, Soundcard, HD's, Monitor) in a rack?

I'd need watercooling since pc's are so loud usually...
 
some people

even build their own 19 inch wooden rack. the studio
rack standard is 19 inches wide. bit bulky but doable.
some people even put a handle on for transporting from recording site to recording site. like in a remote truck.
as to noise , a cheap solution is to locate the pc rack away from where you are recording and just get long cables for monitor etc.
if you want to spend a bit you can buy quitening solutions for the pc. like quiter running fans etc.
why do you need portability ?
 
I don't know why you'd need a rack.

The point is, if you buy a PC you won't need the Zoom, just a good quality sound card, maybe an M-Audio Audiophile or something similar
 
hmm....... ok, I'll think about it. A PC may be the only right solution in the long run..
 
You should heed to the info they are trying to share with you....

You will definitely outgrow the Zoom piece.

You can buy a cheap computer or find an older computer, purchase a soundcard, then download some freeware/shareware.

Heck, you can even download a free FULLY working demo of ProTools (from their site).

spin

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