Recording 3 simultaneous voice tracks using XLR Inputs?

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euphrates19

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Does anybody know if there is:
First, a sound card that has 3 XLR Inputs

Second, a software that would be best to handle making these simultaneous recordings and then putting them on three separate tracks?

We are trying to be innovative but at a low cost, you know how it goes.

Thank you in advance for your help!!! :cool:
 
multiple input sound cards range anywhere from $100 up.
You could probably get a 4 input card for under $200

I have tried a handfull of software titles and have settled on Cool Edit Pro. You can get it for around $300
 
Software-wise I would recommend Cakewalk Home Studio at about $80 street.
 
Do you think Cakewalk is pretty user friendly or is it pretty technical? Is Cool Edit Pro any more user friendly?
 
I think Cakewalk Home Studio gives you more and is just as user friendly, and cheaper. You get midi, and I think Acid style looping features...could be wrong on that though. Cool Edit is great though, as an audio editor. Check out demos of each before you buy. My 2 cents.

mike
 
The only problem is that I HAVE to have 3 XLR (mic) inputs at least. I really don't want to have to switch to a RCA connection or any other for that matter. I really don't want a full board either.
 
Well...you can always buy adapters that will change almost any connector to fit any application.

I guess it all comes down to what kind of budget you are working with AND what kind of finished product you will settle with. If you would rather spend an extra $200 for a card with XLR inputs then go for the ardvark. Or you can save your $200 and buy a few adapters and a cheap mixer and have 8 inputs vs. only 4. Your call...
 
I think he needs mic pres, assuming that the xlrs are to connect mics to the computer.
 
Is there any signal degredation when going from an XLR connection to a 1/4" or RCA connection that most of these cards require?
 
What is a Mic Pres? Forgive my ignorance. I am trying to connect three mics to a computer to do immediate burns onto CD.
 
You need pres to boost the signal to a level that can be recorded easily.

You need either a mixer, or a unit like that Aardvark
 
Sorry man...its just not as easy as plugging a mic into a computer and recording.
 
euphrates19 said:
What is a Mic Pres?
Click to expand...
He was using the plural. The signal that comes from a microphone is small in strength and has to be boosted before it can be manipulated any further. Tha's where a mic pre-amplifier, or pre for short, comes in. The quality of mic pres vary from mixer to mixer, and many people use pre-amps that are external of their mixers. If you do a search here on this term, you'll find some really good info on these boards.
 
Thank you for the clarification. I believe I have been looking at the correct cards to make this happen that have the Pre Amps already built into the card. I was looking at the Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 that has 4 Pre-Amps built in and has interchangable XLR and 1/4" inputs built in with having to use a separate connector.
 
It also has phantom power, which would be necessary to run condensor mics. That's an excellent card. I use one at work, and yeah those inputs are cool.
 
Wow I am getting a lot of ideas, Thank you!! I downloaded a trial version of Adobe Audition which formerly was called Cool Edit (They got bought out by Adobe). Now I would like to try out Home Studio by Cakewalk but I cannot find a trial version and I don't want to buy the whole software just to find out it won't work the way I want it to or it is too complicated for the people that need to use it. It has to be pretty simple. Does anyone know where I can find a trial version of Cakewalk Home Studio.
 
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