(Very) basic multi-track recording help needed!
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Posted on Dec 16, 2006 12:51 pm
Matt Webb
Member Since: Dec 16, 2006
Hi,
I play in a band that is hoping to record some moderately decent home demos (and eventually if possible to record some of a much higher quality), given that I know next to nothing about this subject I don't really know what I need to know, or know enough to know what to ask...if that makes sense! I think basically my question is where do we start? What we would like to be able to do is to simultaneously record at least 8 tracks (1 vox, 2 guitars, 1 bass and 4 for drums) but probably more eventually.
The problem we have had with recording things in the past, even though we have 8 mics (albeit all pretty crap) is that it all goes into one file on the computer so we have to do all the mixing there and then to try and get it perfect first time round, which I'm sure you all understand is quite a rubbish way to do it! So if we could have all 8 mics (or more) going onto completely seperate tracks on the computer then at least we could make a moderate attempt of some mixing.
Can anyone offer me some help? We would be able to spend a bit on equipment, maybe verging on £1000 in the short term - but if it's possible for less then that would be great. We are currently recording into a Mac Laptop running Garage Band, in the past we have used a Windows Laptop running Cakewalk Home Studio (which I preferred) but we no longer have, but would probably be able to get again if it was a better way to go. I know it's a bit general but I need some direction before I even know what I need to be asking specifically! If you need more info to be able to help me then fire away with the questions and I'll do my best to fill in the blanks. Cheers,
Matt
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Dec 16, 2006 12:55 pm The first thing you need is a sound device with 8 inputs...since it's a laptop you need an external device, USB or Firewire, which ever your computer supports and/or you prefer.
There are MANY to choose from, but that is your starting point.
You may need a mixer with 8 sub outs unless your device has mic preamps on it as well. Then there's mics.
Fill out your profile and let us know exactly what you have now.
Welcome to HRC.
Dec 16, 2006 01:10 pm Thanks for the info & welcome, it's much appreciated. I'll have a good look into those things and report back with any questions. There's not much equipment for me to fill in on my profile, 'junk' sums it up pretty well but I'll go and check the specifics of it in a mo - but I should warn you that our current arrangement is pretty useless and probably has a financial worth of about a tenner. ;)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 16, 2006 03:34 pm Hey Matt, another welcome to HRC from here as well.
Knowing what you have will indeed help get you going as cheap as we can. And you might be surprised to find out even your cheap mic's are capable of being used so don't discard them yet. I agree with you that Garage Band has its limits for upper level recording. I might be a little biased, but yes Sonar and Cakewalk products are a little easier to use and can give you more. If you are running a mixer that doesn't have the 8 sub outs as dB stated there are several audio interfaces out there that are all set with onboard pre amp and run 8 channels into your laptop via firewire or USB. IT will really depend on what exactly you want to get at with your recording, and if you have the need to be expandable in the future. I'll let you know now that expansion with a laptop is not as easy as with a PC system just in case that might sway your decision making.
Noize
Dec 17, 2006 08:33 am "If you are running a mixer that doesn't have the 8 sub outs as dB stated there are several audio interfaces out there that are all set with onboard pre amp and run 8 channels into your laptop via firewire or USB"
I don't know much about this at all unfortunately but I think the mixer has 6 sub-outs, which would suggest that we should be investing in something a little bigger. Could you suggest a couple of examples of the audio interfaces you mention? Thanks, this is really appreciated - I am reading up on the subject to try and make this easier for everyone...but I've got a long way to go!
By the way, I've added our gear onto my profile (I suggest you sit down to read it if you are not already, I think we will need to buy/replace most things!) if that is of any help.
"I'll let you know now that expansion with a laptop is not as easy as with a PC system just in case that might sway your decision making."
What might we be wanting to get in the future if that a laptop could not take? I would prefer to do it via a desktop anyway to be honest, but unfortunately we don't have one that we can use right now, do you think that would be a wise investment at some point? (... and then Mac/windows or other?!) Cheers. :)
"Here's a thread I typed out a few days ago. I think it covers some of your questions.
www.homerecordingconnecti...amp;frm=1"
Thanks, I'm reading it now. :)
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 17, 2006 11:28 am If your mixer has channel inserts, you can use those. But I'm looking at it, and it seems that there isn't. If you're looking for a new one, you can use inserts, like I do (yamaha mg16/4) This keeps you from needing more $$$ for a mixer with direct outs, or 8 sub outs.
I have a laptop, and a desktop system, I record onto both.
Laptop is great for recording 2 track stuff on location, but I have my hi-HP system in the basement for multiple tracks, or involved trackcounts.
Buying a Mac PC will incur a higher pricetag than building up a windows PC for yourself.
Also, if you get an audio device to work with for your laptop, then think that you might want to use it on a desktop system in the future. Probably a USB solution wouldn't be much use, as most of those will only push 2 channels to your PC, so firewire would be a better solution.
mac vs windows is a personal choice thing. I don't think someone could accurately (or easily) say one is better than another, as software fits some people better than others, so it's more like what you find that works well for you.
