PC vibrations, how to pre-amp mics?

[gordholio]

Hi everybody:

I'm the guy who's been posting like crazy this week trying to determine if I should go with a self-containted digital workstation or a PC for recording our R&R garage band. I just wanna say thanks to everyone who's offered advice. This site has been a great source of inspiration.

Having said that, I have yet another question. I have decided to go the PC route, but I need to know one thing first: Is it safe to place the PC in the same room in which the music is being played? We're a typical rock and roll band with a typically loud drummer, and I'm just worried about vibrations causing the inner workings of my PC to loosen, become agitated, etc. I definitely do not have the option of placing the PC box in another room. By the way, the PC I'll be using will be dedicated to audio recording.

Actually, I have one more question (and this one may sound pretty dumb to you veterans - sorry). I'll be using the Delta 66 sound card/breakout box so I can record 4 simultaneous tracks. From what I understand, I'll need some sort of pre-amp for the microphones. Question: What is a good and inexpensive method? I don't know anything about mixers, but I'm considering the Behringer MX 802A. Will it allow me to input and output four distinct pre-amped "channels"? I don't really want or need to do any actual mixing apart from the mixing I'll be doing in the software, but I do need pre-amped mics. Please excuse me if my terminology is not up to par...

Thanks again

 

[AlChuck]

The Behringer MX802A only has a pair of outputs. The next model , however, the MX1604A, has an extra pair of outputs labeled ALT 3-4. WIth this mixer you could send a separate channel to each of the Delta's inputs. Or get a Mackie, they all have this extra bus as well.

 

[Porter]

I don't think you will need to worry about the computer with vibrations, I've never heard of computers being effected like you mentioned. If you are worried about it, maybe put it on a pillow to have it 'cushioned' underneath....

The only down side of having a computer in the same room which you record is possible interference with the electrical equipment with recording (ie amps etc).... and the noise that the PC fan makes might make it onto the recording... depends on the size of the room.

FYI I've only heard of one of the new Mac's in the 'futuristic' caseing that was in a fire... the plastic melted, the computer booted fine ;-)

Porter