still LOVE my 4-track!

[kesterdevine]

4 tracks simultaneously??

I totally agree that fewer mics on the kit is usually best. I've just been limited to one track for drums for a long time. I'm pretty sure I can only record two simultaneous tracks with my tascam!? It's the standard 414. But I've been wanting to try using it as you described. I'll give it a try asap, thanks.

Have you actually used that technique??? What software do you use for mixing??

I also agree that the analog preamp has a lot to do with the sound quality.

I got a decent computer, so I'm happy with that. I really needed my own PC, but I am definitely not a computer nerd at all.

This should be fun!

Thanks.

 

[kesterdevine]

4 tracks simultaneously??

I totally agree that fewer mics on the kit is usually best. I've just been limited to one track for drums for a long time. I'm pretty sure I can only record two simultaneous tracks with my tascam!? It's the standard 414. But I've been wanting to try using it as you described. I'll give it a try asap, thanks.

Have you actually used that technique??? What software do you use for mixing??

I also agree that the analog preamp has a lot to do with the sound quality.

I got a decent computer, so I'm happy with that. I really needed my own PC, but I am definitely not a computer nerd at all.

This should be fun!

Thanks.

 

[dejacky]

The overhead mic on the snare trick has really helped me get more detailed and precise sounds on a budget . And I've seen people use the one described on www.prorec.com with great results...it just sounds right?! hehe. Currently I use Sonic Foundry Vegas for mixing, but you can get specific versions of N-track Studio for free and it's VERY easy to use and intuitive. I've recorded some very nice sounding tracks with it when I first started recording. What are your computer specifications if you don't mind me asking?

How much memory?
What cpu and what speed do you have?
How much hard drive space do you have? (is it 7200rpm ?)

Those are really the basic performance determining factors.

 

[kesterdevine]

my specs:

I have an Intel Pentium 4 Processor at 2.66 GHz, 512 MB of active memory at 333Mhz , 70 GB of storage. It is 7200rpm. I tried to do my homework on this and it seemed it would serve my purposes just fine.

I just downloaded the trial version of nTrack and look forward to trying it. Intuitive is good. And since I'm mostly into multi-tracking and acoustic instruments. I don't need the midi stuff quite yet. Just a good basic recording/mixing program.

Cheers!

 

[dejacky]

Nice system specs <geek wink>.

If it were me, I'd get a 2.4Ghz at most and spend the leftover money on 768MB-1GB of memory. The upgrade from 512MB to 1GB of memory is noticeable and helpful for editing/mixing in audio, especially in the 24bit/96khz realm. But if you're mixing in 24bit/48khz or 24bit/44.1khz, you're system shall perform more than great . And it will still perform fine on 24bit/96khz stuff, it's just that you'll have slightly less wait time with insane #'s of tracks and more memory. So you could be fine for now but just using your mic input or your line-in input on your soundcard

-dejacky

 

[kesterdevine]

upgrade memory later??

hey dejacky,

This question will show what a newbie I am to PC's, but...is upgrading to 1 GB of memory from the 512 something that I can do in the future? How difficult/expensive will it be?

Chances are I will be using only maybe 8-12 total tracks most of the time, but I like to plan ahead ;-)

Don't wanna stray too much from the original subject here (I feel like this belongs in the computer recording forum all of a sudden) because I do "still love my 4-track!"

 

[A Reel Person]

Y'know, they made analog formats above 4-track cassettes,...

back in the day, and if you're not averse to buying used equipment, there's still a good variety of analog recorders and mixers to be had, that go above 4-tracks. Search Ebay/Tascam.

4-track cassette Portastudios are cool, anyway.

I still love my 4-tracks!

 

[A Reel Person]

In case you wondered what the Tascam 388 looked like,...

Tascam 388:
>8-tracks onto 1/4" tape, 7" reels
>8x8x2 integrated mixer, Portastudio style, self contained unit.
>3-band EQ, w/2-bands sweepable & 1-band fixed
>Records up to 8-tracks simultaneously

... can often be purchased, used, for ~$400-$500, more or less, depending on the day.

The 388 looks good and sounds good too.


Also, pls see this thread:https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=99254

 

[A Reel Person]

Kind of makes the MR-8 look like a toy.

 

[kesterdevine]

Wow...

... so many options. Don't know how I'm ever going to decide which way to go.

What I really wanna do is hook four 414's together, rig them up so that they send 16 separate tracks to a CD-R, and then mix down to my CD burner. Voila! My dream system! If only it were that easy...

Thanks to everybody for the input and encouragement.

It's very much appreciated.

 

[dejacky]

Upgrading memory is as easy as saying "1 2 3." You just add a memory board into a slot on your motherboard or replace the memory board with a higher capacity one. You simply take the board and push down until it clicks into place...it's really that simple. You don't need to upgrade now though, your specifications are fine.