Recording multiple inputs?

[Borguy]

Can N-Track record multiple inputs at once on separate tracks each? I have Sound Blaster Platinum with the Live Drive. Can I assign different inputs from my sound card to different tracks simultaneously? I would like to do 4 tracks at once from direct outs on my mixer, to inputs on the live drive. Anyone out there been able to do this? If so, how do I assign each input to separate tracks? Thanks for the help.

 

[Slackmaster2K]

The SB Live can only record from a single stereo pair (e.g. 2 channels).

Yes, n-Track can record from multiple channels onto multiple tracks. You can also route tracks to different outputs. Setup your recording preferences using the Recording VU Meter. In this case you'll be selecting Stereo->Two Mono Tracks for the stereo pair representing the line in on your Live.

Slackmaster 2000

 

[DaveO]

n-Track will let you record multiple channels onto multiple tracks. I believe your SB sound card has just a single stereo line in, so you would be limited to just two individual tracks at a time.

All you have to do is go into the recording VU meter and click on Settings. Set it to "Two Mono Tracks" (or something like that, I'm going from memory since I'm at work). When you record, you'll get two separate mono tracks that come from the left and right inputs in your soundcard.

What I've done is get a cable that has a 1/8" stereo plug on one end and two 1/4" mono jacks on the other. I plug that into my sound card and then two mono outs from two PODs (mine and my friends) and we've recorded simulataneously. I've also taken the stereo outs from my POD and recorded them as two mono tracks. Then I can process them separately within n-Track (EQ, compression, delay, reverb, etc).

 

[DaveO]

OK, Slackmaster typed faster than me. So how does a newly married man have energy left to type so fast?

 

[timandjes]

I'm new to NTrack. I logged in here to get some info and this thread seems to be talking about it... I'm not sure what sound card I have as my pc was given to me used. It has a mic in, a line in, and a line out. Someone recommended I get a "4 in" Delta card. Before I spend the cash, I'm wondering what all it will allow me to do that my "single in" card won't?

If I record a stereo track with my present card, I can split that into two mono tracks with Ntrack, so that's pretty much recording two tracks at a time, right? The 4 in card will allow me to record 4 (or more... if I use the stereo splitting feature) tracks at a time?

What other advantages would I get from a fancier card?

 

[DaveO]

Though these might depend heavily on the card you choose, some advantages are :

- Like you said, you get more individual inputs

- Depending on the card, you may also get more outputs. You could use these for routing to an external mixer or effects box and then back into your inputs as a new track or tracks.

- Better D/A or A/D converters

- Higher signal to noise ratio

- Possibly a digital input, which you could use if a processor or DI has a digital output (for example, a J-Station has a digital output)

- a breakout box that lets you manage your connections from your desk rather than reaching around behind your PC

- Some recording interfaces connect via USB or USB 2.0, so you don't have to open up your PC to connect it.