Raw Newbie- Needs mixing / mastering suggestions

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fingerpicker22

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Hi- I'm a acoustic guitarist / singer and I invested about 8 months ago in a Zoom MRS 1044 Cd multitrack machine. I've actually become quite adept at using it, and have some solid tracks, but have not mixed down, mastered or pressed anything.

I'm at that point though and am trying to figure out how to go about it. I'm also considering doing it on my PC, so I just got the USB interface for the 1044. I figure even if I do the mixing / mastering on the 1044 it will be good to back up my tracks on the PC anyway.

Here's what I've got:

1044 CD w/ USB
A couple of good acoustic guitars
AKG 414 B-ULS mic (1)

Enough stereo equipment to function as a monitor system, (Yamaha receiver and 20 band Yamaha EQ, Polk shelf speakers).

On PC: Lousy Sound blaster sound card and no multitrack software. 512 DRAM, 80 GB HD, Firewire, USB 1.1, and the rest of standard Dell stuff.

My question: Which way should I go? Mix and master on the 1044 or go the PC route? If I do the latter, what do I need at a minimum? I suppose it would be of use to know what my goals are- I'd like to make a reasonably professional quality recording for demo / potential distribution locally. I'm not aspiring to do much beyond that.

Thanks for your help,
 
If you can swing it,....a better sound card(perhaps and m-audio audiophile 2496) and a multitrack software program maybe a freebee or one that wont break the bank just to see if you like going the PC route. There is certainly more editing power using the PC.
 
Thanks Stealth

Can you recommend a sound card or two and an adequate commercial software package?

Thanks again.
 
You should probably give some thought to purchasing a dedicated set of nearfield monitors. You can mix with the equipment you mention but most folks around here would argue that, ultimately, you can't get great mixes out of standard stereo equipment or headphones.

As far as the computer setup is concerned, I believe that the Zoom 1044 has a SPDIF optical out that could be used with a new soundcard or interface. But I would try using the built-in USB interface first. You probably just paid $79 for it, so give it a chance. The key is to find some recording software that will work with the interface. Did Zoom provide a USB driver with the USB card or can you download one from their website? Does Zoom have any advice or suggestions as to what software will work with its card?

You might also look into the possibility of transfering files from the Zoom to your computer as opposed to simply mixing down multiple tracks to a single stereo track. If you transfer files and load tracks independently, you will be able to edit each track instead of just toughing up a stereo mix. Then, after you edit each track, you could mix "inside the box" (inside the computer) using the mixer in your software.
 
Thanks D,

Having read several posts and still not found the answer, what precisely is the advantage to "Nearfield Monitors". Everyone here is pretty religious about monitor equipment so I suppose I should take heed. Thanks. What kind of investment should I be looking at? Or should I be looking elsewhere on the bb?

My intent in transferring to Computer, if I do so, is to do all of the mixing and mastering on the computer. I would not transfer a single stereo file- I totally agree.

I'm trying to find the path of least resistance in terms of getting a quality product, but have decided that the PC would be the best means of doing so, rather than being limited by the 1044's send /return effects and mastering capabilities.

Yes, the 1044 does have a USB driver that comes with the card on a cd. I haven't checked but assume it's available at the website as well. Great point in suggesting that I look to Zoom to recommend a software package.

Any additional help is appreciated- ie what freeware is out there?

One last note- I noticed in spite of the quality of the AKG 414, a fair amount of sibilance (sp?) on my vocal tracks, anything I can do about that without getting a compressor or pre?

Thanks again, you guys have been great help.
 
fingerpicker22 said:
Thanks D,

One last note- I noticed in spite of the quality of the AKG 414, a fair amount of sibilance (sp?) on my vocal tracks, anything I can do about that without getting a compressor or pre?

Click to expand...

You can de-ess in certain software programs.....it is digital so it is not "real time" and there is some hit or miss associated with the process....

just remember to save your original track "as is"....always....

good luck man,
Joe
 
Thanks Joe. Another reason to go with the PC, right? I'm getting excited about this.

Do you know of any freeware or low to moderately priced software I should look at?

Thanks,

Mark
 
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