TASCAM 2488 and MIDI

[rdachowski]

Hi all:

I just purchased a Tascam 2488. So far so good.


A couple of questions about the MIDI capabilities:

If I import a SMF and play it, I can drive external synthesizers (using the 2488 as the MIDI master?) and hook their audio outs to the recorder. Since I have one synthesizer, but MIDI pieces that play on mulitple MIDI channels/tracks, is it possible to set up the recorder so that I could record the audio from the synthesizer a track at a time? If so, how would I sync everything up. For example, say I have a MIDI file that has the following layout:

Channel / Instrument

1 - Bass

2 - Piano

5 - Strings

10 - Drums (multiple tracks of drums, 1 for cymbals, 1 for snare, 1 for tambourine, 1 for kick drum and fills.)


If I wanted to record just the cymbals first on recorder track 1 (RT1), then record the snare drum (RT2), then record the tambourine(RT3), then the kickdrum (RT4), then the piano (RT5), etc., how could I sync everything up?


Thanks,

 

[ssscientist]

As I understand it, the SMF is for the internal GM sound module only and cannot be used to drive external synths.

As far as syncing up the tracks as you have laid them out, it is theoretically possible to do this by soloing the desired instrument, doing a recording pass, then going back and repeating the process with the 2488 and PC sequencer locked to a midi clock. But it is a royal pain in the butt, because to insure a stable clock it's a good idea to record 4 or 8 blank bars before the start of the song. You'd probably be much better off to plan to track the drums as they play back from whatever sound module you're using.

 

[rdachowski]

Followup

After I posted my original note, I went and played for awhile. It turns out that the 2488 will indeed drive external MIDI devices. On my synth, I can turn on/off channels individually so that I can record each on a seperate 2488 track. Also, since the 2488 is driving the MIDI devices, there is no sync problem because it starts/stops playing the MIDI file/recorded tracks simultaneously (lucky for me!).

On a seperate note, I wasn't that impressed with the internal sounds that come on board - kinda cheesy sounding...

Thanks for your response.

 

[bilyum]

Hi ssscientist! What is an SMF?

Sorry to appear so uninformed. But I AM. So, can't help but appear that way pretty much

Actually, I wanted to ask you all about exporting several tracks at a time from the tascam 2488 to a PC with SONAR.

Long story short (but equally agonizing) 4 freinds and myself have teamed up to form a songwriting demo recording workshop sort of thing.

One of the fellas has actually made a living for some 20 years now in royalties from songs. But, he's gotten away with quick and 'move em out' demos on a tascam 8trk reel to reel machine. Till now. All his clients/Publishers want state of the art demos. The guy went and bought a decked out PC and loaded the newest version of SONAR on it.

Then, he decided he wanted something he could actually have a 'hands on' relationship with. Enter the Tascam 2488. I think it's overkill to have SONAR and a 2488.....but maybe I'm wrong.

Can you record tracks on the 2488 and then import them to SONAR, say 14 to 16..maybe 20 at a time? My friend who owns the machine says NO. I think he hasn't read the manual enough.

I can tell after making it thru ONE completed song demo that SONAR looks far and away easier to eq/compress/effect/etc.. each track seperately.

The 2488 seems like more trouble than it's worth. What say you?

Thanks for any feedback. I appreciate it, and NEED it. Thanks

Billy