PreAmp question

[cramer21]

I have had some issues keeping in Sync with the drums when I am laying down the rhythem. I believe if i record both at the same time, that would help matters.
But, of course the sound card has only one input...How do i record 2,3,4 trax at the same time (although i see myself only using 2)...is that where the Preamp comes in?
does the preamp have multiple inputs, then a single output that goes to the card?
I guess i could go look at preamps, but want to bounce it around in this forum...and, if so, which middle of the road preamp is recommended, and about how much?
At this time, i mic my Crate for guitars,bass and vocals.
Drums are a keyboard/synth. W/ built in drum loops, and I run that straight to the sound card.


Thanks in advance!

 

[tdukex]

A basic sound card will allow you to record two tracks at once. A mixer with four preamps will allow you to record four sources at once, which you can submix down to your sound card as two tracks.

 

[distortedrumble]

well first thing you'll need is to get a sound card that can do 2,3, or 4 tracks at a time...for instance the delta 44.. it doesnt have preamps though...thats usually by itself or on a mixer.

 

[cramer21]

Thanks for the replies!
I understand my Sound card can handle it, as i do have a USB,24 bit Soundblaster...but there are 2 inputs, well 3...mic, line in, and that SPDIF thing...
So, it sounds like what i need is a Mixer, more so than a preamp.
So I can then record the drum line and guitar together, both running to the mixer (2 inputs), and then run the mixer (1 output) to the card (line in input). as i have been told and read everywhere to use the line in on the card, which is what I do.

Correct?

 

[distortedrumble]

well your mixer can have preamps on it.....the Behringer UB802 has 2 preamps

yeah you should use line in.....never stopped me from using the mic in though..

 

[minofifa]

just to clarify, if you get a mixer, it will usually have several preamps in it, one for each xlr mic in. As far as recording the drums and everthing in one take and mixing it down to two tracks for the sound card, you can do this but it may not be the best way. true it may solve your timing problems but once your tracks are all mixed to one stereo track, you can't edit each instrument individually. Say you want to compress the drums or add some reverb to the vocals, you would have to do this to everything which may sound like jumk.
As mentioned before you can get soundcards that have multiple imputs so you can hook up all your stuff, record everything at once, and edit each individually. The Q10 for example by ardark or the delta 66

 

[cramer21]

i would love to upgrade my sound card to one of the ones you mentioned, but they are around $400, a bit above my budget at this time.
the only issue i am having at this time is the latency/time sync problem.
i have CEP ver 1.1 (very old) and i believe THAT is my problem.
Most everyone i have spoken to says my hardware should handle the recording fine, and i have not tried any other software yet.
Any suggestions? Remember, i am on a budget!
Thanks!