Help me use my equipment properly
Home > Home Recording Forum > Gear Gab > Help me use my equipment properly
Posted on Dec 26, 2006 11:57 pm
Bluesdues
Member Since: Apr 26, 2006
I'm a guy with a huge amount of equipment that I have accumulated over the years with the intent of setting up (the studio) its been 8-10 yeas getting to this point. And I finally have it all. Several guitars, amps, outboard processors, MOTU 896, presonus LT,KRK monitors, etc. And I just bought a new imac intel duo core to run things only to find out that tracktion 2 won't run on intel duo core, so I'm waiting on the new version rather that than transfer everything off of my older G4. I'm use to stomping pedals and playing guitar, and recording on an old tascam 238 8 track, so the digital world is like mars to me.. Is this a place that I can list my equipment and get some suggestions on the best ways to use it before its to old to be of benifit to me. I learn a lot in here just watching. I hope you can help me out.
[ Back to Top ]
LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Dec 27, 2006 12:32 am Welcome to HRC. We'll be glad to help ya out however we can, so if ya got specific problems fire away. It is better to be a little specific, because you get better answers like that, but we'll try to help out with general questions to.
So yeah, post your questions and we'll get on to answerin them.
Dec 27, 2006 09:04 am I'm guessing that some of this I may not need now.
Heres a list of equipment:
Tascasm 238 (what I was recording with a few years
ago)
MOTU 896
presonus digimax LT
ADAT Black Face
ADAT LX20
Mackie logic control
Mackie 24-4 mixer (should I sell and switch to
firewire)
Tascam CD D4000 MKII
several outboard processors
quadraverbs
midiverbs
compressorers
eq
BBE
Tracktion 2
Soundsoap 2
several mikes
Blue kiwi
Cad E100
AKG C 3000B
AT 4033 SE
Thank goodness for pawn shops
I recently got an intel duo core imac thinking I was finally ready to set up, and found out that trackion 2 won't run on the duo core chip. I have the option of taking everything off of my old imac and using that, or waiting for the new version of trackion.I'm not sure how much of this stuff will still be useful when I set up this time I have only done analog in the past. the whole deal is a learning cure for me. I chose traction because I'm told it easier to use. I have never even seen how this stuff works. 30+ years of stomping pedals I'm finally giving in to technology.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 27, 2006 09:23 am I'd guess that there's no real point of hooking much up without having the software working, and you're somewhat familiar with it.
You can hook up cables, but if the software isn't telling you it's working, you won't know if you've done it correctly or not.
This is meant as some basic advice too, as you've not done this type of thing (computer recording) before.
I'd advice to load traction on your old imac, to play around with it, while you wait for the new software. Plug the 896 into it, and start on a project, any project. Just something to get you started and trying things out.
I've found if you don't have an objective to chase after, you don't explore nearly as much. Also, this way you can make the mistakes (which we all do) on a test project, and not something important (i've done that, it sucks)
So starting with Mic -> 896 preamp -> firewire -> imac. Then in the imac, tell traction to use the 896 as inputs, and then start playing around.
Later, when you have better grasp of the processes, and your software is up to date, load the new imac, and then you can use the LT, and the 896 for a kicking 16 input system.
Hope that helps.
Dec 27, 2006 10:10 am Thanks, wow that sounded too easy but, but I like it. Should I be able to transfer some old recordings that I did on the tascam 238 cassette and work with some of those tracks.By the way I did recently receive the SWA tracktion DVD. I hoping that it will be a jumpstart.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 27, 2006 10:51 am I'm guessing that you'd have to 'play' on the tascam, and 'record' on your mac. Where the tascam has line out, for it's channels, you'd plug that connection into the 896 line input. There would be no easy way of just moving them over, like digital files. You'd have to convert the hard way, i'd think.
Actually, that would be a great way of getting in with traction: transfer existing projects over, and mix and play with them in the mac.
Course, you'd still want to expirement with setting up mics, tracking, etc. Starting a new project from scratch seems like a good way to go, to get the learning curve started.
Dec 27, 2006 11:08 am I guess I was still thinking the old way, so I won't need to hook up the mixer to transfer these, thats a plus. I have dozens of recordings that were done a few years ago that I can use. Once I trans fer them should I be able to save them in multitrack format to cd? And if I use sound soap on these old recordings, do I need to do it track by track or can it work just as well on the whole mix.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 27, 2006 01:03 pm first part: xfer them to digital, save them in multitrack format to CD
I'm not sure which way you mean. If you mean save them as data files that you can carry to other DAW workstations (computer), then yes. Each track would be it's own wave file. If you mean putting the songs onto CD so you can listen to them in a car, or home stereo, then no, you would have to first mix them down together as a stereo wave file, with 16bit depth, and 44.1khz sample rate (necessary to be read by cd players). So actually, that would be no, then yes, you can do that after a few steps.
course, you may want to add some effects first . . .
Now, the second part, soundsoap, I'd think you'd want to do this on each track. I haven't used soundsoap, but I've played around with a few cheap (free) noise reductions, and the ones I played with are finicky. Individual tracks would be my first guess. Maybe soundsoap is better, and can clean it all together. I'd try both, i guess, making sure I had backups of the data, lest I do a one-way change =/.
Personally, I don't think you'd need the mixer, in this situation. It may help to have more routing options, but you may not need it. The 896 has preamps, and the LT has preamps, and they're probably both better than the mackie's preamps, so I'd start with just the 896, and add the LT when you get up to speed. Not that the Mackie's are bad, they're probably better than my yamaha's, but the others may be a little better. dunno fer sure.
Dec 27, 2006 01:20 pm Thank this is a big help, and yes I was refering to data file for transfer, mainly to save drive space and since these were done on 8 track cassette I'm assuming soundsoap won't hurt. I've never used the ADAT's at one time I thought I would transfer them to ADAT 1st. But it sounds like thats not needed.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 27, 2006 09:25 pm Well the MOTU 896 and the DigiMax LT are keepers. They can be hooked in via firewire through the 896 and you can tap the DigiMax with the ADAT lightpipe on the 896. That will give you 16 channels of some pretty highend pre amping. And the 896 will go directly into the Intel Mac.
As for software, have you looked at the GarageBand software made for the Mac. I'm not really sure if it is ported to the I Mac yet but I would imagine it must be.
Dec 28, 2006 12:36 am I have to admit to having tunnel vision when it comes to software. I guess I had convinced myself that Tracktion 2 was going to easier for me to learn and didn't really consider anything else. But GarageBand is on the new mac, and that does offer me an alternative.
Dec 28, 2006 01:02 am Its coming across that I can do this with a lot less than I thought, from what I'm seeing in here neither the mixer or the logic control are that vital to my set up.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 28, 2006 06:46 pm From my perspective (way over . . .here) i'd think the mixer is extra.
I would certainly give the control surface a shot though. It might work better for you to control on a board, coming from an analog background. If it's not any faster, or easier, then you can sell it for some big monitors (of either kind) =).
uh oh, i've got monitor envy.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 28, 2006 07:36 pm OH the Mackie control is something I would hang onto for the future. You will still be able to use it, not sure if GarageBand can use it but many other app's can. The mixer is nice to have as it has the 4 sub outputs as well and can come in handy if you ever need to do a drum kit and just want to sub-mix it down to 4 tracks while recording other instruments as well.
Dec 28, 2006 08:29 pm The good thing about the mixer is that I can always use it for live playing, (its been a few years since Ive been out live, but once this starts I'm sure it will be back)most of this gear and more I have picked up in pawn shops over the years, and I figured the logic control might help me cross the digital bridge. I was always afraid that going to digital might lose some of the feel but now I think I was just putting off learning these software programs. So I have labeled the the logic control as a keeper, thanks.
Dec 28, 2006 08:34 pm I have 2 macs, on the G4 I have 10.3.9, and on the G5 its intel duo core. Do I just down load the drivers and install them on my computers or do I need the MOTU 896 connected when I install drivers.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 28, 2006 11:12 pm I am not sure on the firewire drivers. I know with USB it usually requires a driver to be installed before plugging in the device, then windows can locate them once the device is plugged in. I am guessing it might be the same with the firewire as well.
Dec 29, 2006 12:26 am Well I'm going to be loading trackiton up and taking a look at it it. But but first I'll have to get past authorizing it. Which shouldn't be a problem. I can't believe how much I have learned from this forum in such a short time. I felt as though I had at least graduated high school with the analog side and now its like I'm back in 1st grade. I thank you all for your help, and welcome all you have to offer.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 29, 2006 12:47 am heh, just think how much you can help when someone asks questions about a 896 in the future =).
you'll be an expert in short time!
Dec 29, 2006 09:43 am I'm looking forward to the time I'm returning the deed in here.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 30, 2006 12:00 am Bluesdues, I felt that way when I first dove in. I came from the die hard analog side of things and digital had been out for about 6 months when I took my first plunge. I thought I would have a heart attack. But it didn't really take that long wonce I figured the similar things, and found my inner geek on the PC. From there it was full steam ahead as I dove in with the idea I would not be content to just have digital, I wanted it to sound as close to analog as I could get it. And that is that part that led me into learning the software from head to toe. Now I don't even remember being the least bit wary of it at all.
I've been playing for over 40 years and involved with recording in one way or another for almost 40 and I don't regret making the switch to digital at all.
Dec 30, 2006 01:37 am Well Noize I turned 47 years old at the moment your last post was made according to the time stamp and I will take that as an good omen of things to come. I've been playing about 31-32 years now and I coming off of a 5 year break from playing and its time to get back to things. I've finally built a 2 room studio in my basement(that I said I would one day build when I was 16 or 17) so I guess its time to get this stuff up and running. I did get a chance to play around with the demos in tracktion tonight and it didn't hurt at all. So I'm looking forward to switching some old tracks over and working on those once I figure out the 896. I've learned a lot here in short time.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 30, 2006 05:55 pm So what kind of media are your older tracks on, ADAT, analog Tape? IF you have them on ADAT tranfer's will be a pretty easy task. Even coming off of tape it wont be too bad either. One thing I would definitely suggest if coming off tape is if at all possible put a marker tone before each track so you have something to line them up with in case there is any drift when transfering them to the computer.
And congrats on making 47 as well. Happy Birthday!
Noize
Dec 30, 2006 08:01 pm The older tracks are on 8 track cassette, Tascam 238. But I do have ADAT's, that I've never used. I'm not familiar with placing marker tones. Does that mean that it might be better for me to transfer these to ADAT first. I haven't set any equipment up yet so its very easy to place the needed things as I go. Thanks for the B-day wishes, I'm taking it real easy, I learned in my earlier years(especially the Air Force years) that when your birthday is the day before New Years eve, that it can all too easily become a 3 day blur. But I think it was fun! So from my youthful years of playing out and trying to get the most out of those days, I now enjoy quiet nights at home for those 3 days.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 30, 2006 09:55 pm IF the 238 has the ability to do 8 outputs then you can dump them all at once through the 896. Otherwise, indeed it might not be a bad idea to go to ADAT first then dump that as it will allow all 8 tracks to go in sync to the computer.
Dec 30, 2006 10:03 pm Great I' have 8 outs on the 238, so I can go either route.I'm starting to feel the drive to see what this stuff can do. I've always used drum machines or real drums in the past so that will most likely be my next brick wall once I get past this stuff. But I'm looking forward.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 30, 2006 11:22 pm Programming midi drums is a breeze compared to some stuff. If you have even the slightest clue on writing tab or anything then step writing a sequanced drum part will be a smooth sail for you. It is all done on a simple grid that can be divided up into anything from whole to 64th notes and I believe now in P5 and Sonar 6 PE I can go out to 128th if I wish. I don't think there is a drummer on the planet who can play that kind of beat.
But I digress. It is good to hear that the 238 has 8 outs, you will have those tracks flown over in no time then without any hassle.
I personally can't wait to hear some of this music.
Noize
Dec 31, 2006 12:08 am Thanks, I'm leaps and bounds ahead of where I was when this thread started. I hope to be productive soon.
