Setting Up Studio

[PatRock83]

Ok Here it goes...

First off I play drums, and will be tracking drums. Since I will be playing them and recording them I want to be able to adjust level and EQ for each mic for playback.

My band and I are planning on tracking our next CD ourselves. Then sending it out for mixing and mastering.

I originally wanted to get 2 M-audio Profire 2626 units and run them into a mixer (Mackie 1604-VLZ) for additional pre amps then into Sonor 8.

That ended being pretty pricey.

I still want to go the Mackie 1604 VLZ mixer for pre amp route.

I read that 96Khz vs 192Khz isn't really a big difference. Since CDs can't handle it. So i started looking for other less expensive routes.

So what I "think" will work, will it do what I want it to do, and sound good (other then the mics used)

I can score a M-Audio Delta 1010LT for $100, so I was going to get two of those and the mackie 1604 VLZ mixer.

Am I assuming right that I will be able to run all 16 inputs (8 per card) simultaneously if need be, and still be able to go back after the fact and do whatever I need to?

Because having a 16 channel studio that sounds good for about $500 sounds WAY too good to be true (not counting cable and mic cost)

 

[PatRock83]

Also if I am correct, should I get a patchbay to keep track of all the channels. If so can anyone recommend one?

 

[Georgy]

first of the Delta 1010 is a good occasion but have in mind that drivers suck most of the time. Especially with newer versions of windows. Plus sometimes it could have some stupid problems with Sonar. But other than that its a good buy.

Now, what i recommend is instead of buying the mackie and the delta, buy this one http://www.dv247.com/mixers/phonic-helix-board-18-firewire-mkii-mixer--46830.

The firewire interface is a grate deal and it will cost u 250-300 bucks less! with that money u can buy some good mics for drums and even an 8-track mic preamp in case u think the one is Phonic is not that great. Dont expect the mackie to be much better..No! It isnt. It has a better reputation indeed but as far as i am concerned Phonic is great considering the price--->abilities factor.

So that way u can record 16 track simultaneously (not all firewire interfaces do that) in Sonar with no problem, no latency and good quality plus it has all the other features like channel inserts (to plug some extra units in), dsp effects (24bit), many aux send-returns, groups (really helps with drums) and more!

Check it out n if u got more questions ask!

George

 

[Washburn100]

I don't think you can run 2 of the Delta 1010LT cards simultaneously. ASIO will only allow one sound device at a time.

PatRock83 has a good idea. A complete firewire mixer may be the better way to go, unless you already have the Mackie.

 

[PatRock83]

Well I'm going to be running it on a windows xp system. You can actually run up to 4 Deltas on 1 system for 32 analog and 4 stereo spdif i/os

I've never even heard of Phoenix before. I think I'm going with the 2 PC Cards, they may be "OLD" technology, but they've some how lasted.

With that being said, if ya'll think the mackie won't have decent pres. Any idea if there is a mixer or preamp that would? I'm def open to suggestions about the pre amp/mixer, I only wanted the mackie since it was used SO often in home studios. I can score one looks like for about $300.

Any info would help.

THANKS!