simplest multi-track recording - no editing ability needed on device

[timropp]

First, I'm not an audio guy, I work primarily with video (which obviously has significant audio needs). I'm not doing music mixing. Here's my dream device:

Standalone hard drive based recorder
4 or more XLR mic inputs (8 would sure be nice, but probably out of my price range)
Just a on/off switch for each input, plus level meter and control knob
USB2 or FW connection for moving recordings over to computer in wav format

That's all I need - no editing, no downmixing, no effects. I just want to go to a live event and hook several mics up to a box that'll record all of them so I can use them to edit alongside my video later (as opposed to trying to connect external mics to all the cameras)

Alternatively, a PCI/USB/FW device to give 4 or 8 XLR inputs to a computer so I could record directly would work. Again, as simple as possible - I don't need those other capabilities, so I don't wanna pay for them.

Does such a device exist? What would you recommend for me? I'd like to keep the cost into the few hundred range at most

 

[ragata]

I do not know what program you use for video editing, but if it's VEGAS, then you've got yerself a purty nice multitrack program right there (or so I'm told). In that case, go get yourself a delta 44 and a cheap Behringer 4 xlr 4-bus mixer and you're all set, except for the mics and cables.

 

[MadAudio]

ragata - you're right, Vegas is an excellent audio multitracker as well as being an excellent non-linear video editor, but timropp was asking for a standalone unit.

timropp - There are hard drive recorders out there like the Mackie HDR24 or the Alesis HD2424, but they may be more machine than you need, and they're not cheap (the ones I mentioned list for over 2 grand). For your budget, your probably better off going the computer route with something like the M-Audio Delta 1010 (an audio interface that has - correct me if I'm wrong here someone - 10 in's and 8-out's).

 

[timropp]

Thanks for the ideas... I use Premiere Pro, which I don't know how good the built in recording is (never used it).

So I'm guessing there's nothing out there that gives a computer 4+ XLR inputs directly? Looks like I'll have to get a mixer and input card then. If I'm going that route, how much difference would there be between using something like a 1010 or delta 44 over a couple "normal" pci sound cards, using their line inputs? Obviously it should work smoother being one card designed for that use, but is it really worth the price premium (200+ versus <50 for a couple cheap sound cards) for someone who doesn't use it a lot?

A third option I considered was getting several minidisc recorders, using a pair of mics on each. That'd require some preamps to use normal mics, right? The biggest drawback to that for me is the length of the discs. I wouldn't want to compress it, and I'm already changing tapes hourly so discs too would just be an added hassle (I mostly video live theater, so 2 hours at a straight shot is not out of the question - anything under an hour is an oddity!)

 

[MadAudio]

So I'm guessing there's nothing out there that gives a computer 4+ XLR inputs directly?

Oh, no, no. There are a few. Sorry if my answer was a little incomplete. I'm good at omitting stuff! One I know of is the Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96. I use this card at work and it performs very well. My co-worker uses it as well, and he is digitizing audio for the Save Our Sounds project. You can check it out here: http://www.aardvarkaudio.com/products/2496/

Using lots of MiniDiscs seems a little labor intensive, especially when it comes to assembling different elements. Easier to capture it all in one place, no? And yeah, you don't want to worry about changing discs all the time. I'd suggest a big external hard drive, like 120 or 160 GB, with a firewire interface. That'll give you hours and hours of recording time.

I'd also suggest giving Vegas a try. You can download a free demo version from them here: http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/
While I'm a notorious Sonic Foundry (now Sony) fan, I feel this program might be perfect for your needs. It's both a non-linear video editor and multitrack audio program, and it's very powerful in both respects. I've been using it for audio ever since it came out, but just recently began playing with video. For a total novice in that area, I managed to make a music video that wasn't half bad.

 

[Bulls Hit]

So I'm guessing there's nothing out there that gives a computer 4+ XLR inputs directly? Looks like I'll have to get a mixer and input card then. If I'm going that route, how much difference would there be between using something like a 1010 or delta 44 over a couple "normal" pci sound cards, using their line inputs? Obviously it should work smoother being one card designed for that use, but is it really worth the price premium (200+ versus <50 for a couple cheap sound cards) for someone who doesn't use it a lot?

That Aardvark is a nice unit, but its kinda pricey at $500.
You can get a Yamaha MG12/4 mixer (with 6 preamps) and a Delta 44 for under $350. Or if you need more than 4 tracks, get the delta 1010lt for another $80.

The problem with recording to several consumer soundcards, aside from the lower quality, would be synchronising between the cards. Then you'd run into issues irq conflicts etc, ugly