Mar 20, 2010 09:32 pm No, you can't use the BR-532 as a digital interface, but you certainly can use it to record and then put the tracks into the computer--in real time, just like in the old days when copying an LP record to tape. I have a BR-532, and you can only input the stereo signal out--that is, two channels at a time. The resolution is only 16 bit as well (You want 24 bit, if at all possible. The BR-532 is ancient, by today's digital audio standards). What I do is use the BR-532 as a field recorder; I recently recorded a fellow band member's acoustic guitar and voice. I then went home and dumped the tracks into my computer in real time--from the BR-532's analogue outs (the stereo outs, that is), where my sound card converts any audio in into 48khz, 24 bit digital. In other words, you won't be able to input anything until you get some kind of sound card for the computer
Your ability to record, say, more than two signals at a time depends on the sound card. I'm assuming you want to record a band live, as well as maybe a couple of tracks at a time (or more--like drums miked up with 5 mikes) in a "studio" kind of way. For this you need a decent sound card. Keep the Peavey as a way to manage inputs (and outputs) to and from the sound card. Use the BR-532 (always record in "HI-FI" mode; you set this in the preferences in the machine's internal software; it's explained in the manual) as a separate recorder, and for field work. You can of course record many tracks and mix four simultaneously on the BR-532, but you can only output two at a time--a stereo mix, say, or two discrete mono signals.
Google "sound card" to get more info. I use an E-mu 0404 PCI card--a great place to start, for less than a hundred US. Be prepared to spend more and more for each discrete input you get--the 0404 can record 4 tracks simultaneously. That's two analogue in, and two digital in. I don't mean to confuse you--read up on the sound card stuff, but go ahead and plunge in and get a card ASAP. If you have questions, come here. The folks here will need to know more stuff--the type of computer you have, the recording software you have, etc. Good luck . . .