Rookie question for recording bands (I know)

Posted on Jun 09, 2011 02:10 pm
Indellable
Music Afficionado
Member Since: Aug 12, 2008

Bear with me - I have been recording vocalists and single instruments for a while and recently started recording (and fell in love with) bands. I want to do more of it.

My last band project, I was using a Tascam FW1884 controller/mixer/interface which had the 8 inputs directly in the back. Prior to and after a band session I had my studio instruments input in the back of the tascam - synths, turntables, etc. When recording a band, I just popped those out, and plugged in the 1/4" or TRS cables for the bands instruments and applied a scribble strip to the 1884. Worked just fine and was not much of a hassle at all.

Fast forward to now and I sold the 1884 and copped a Tascam US2400 which is a controller only. I use an M-Audio Ultra 8R as my interface which I have wired similar to how I had the 1884 previously - synths, turntables, etc input right into the back of it. However, the 8r is rack mounted so if a band were to record now (which one will be next week) I would have to remove the 8r from the rack and replace the inputs with the bands instruments.

There has got to be a better way. I have a Neutrik patchbay that I got so I could patch in outboard compression from my DBX166 but admittadely I never use this feature.

I also have a Focsurite Voicemaster Platinum pre that I have alwys had dedicated for vocals, before with the 1884 and now (not sure this would come into play at all).

So, my question....

Cant I use the patchbay so that when a band comes to record, I leave the 8r in the rack and then have them plug in to the front of the patch bay using 1/4" cables? Or do I need to use SPDIF, lightpipe, or a converter or something?

I know I am missing something and hoping it is pretty simple. Thanks for any insight.

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