Recording software question

[Ken Williams]

I've done home recording for years using tape or a stand alone 24 track hard drive recorder. However, I don't know anything about computer recording, so this is a pretty ignorant question for you pros out there.

The sound card has a line and mic input, which would be fine for recording one item at a time. But if you were recording a whole band using, let's say, 12 tracks at a time, how would you get separation for each track when you mix down? Is there some type of multi-track preamp that goes to the computer by way of a USB or similar connection then is separated again by the computer software such as protools, etc.

Hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Ken

[Mark van Allen]

Hi, Ken, not an ignorant question at all. While the different software DAW's use various kinds of interfaces, ProTools for instance, has changed over time. Up until version 10 you had to use a (Digidesign or Avid) proprietary interface, that come in various configurations from 2 up to multiple channels. From 10 onward ProTools can use any manufacturer's interface, so there are loads of options.
I am using ProTools 8 though an old Digidesign LE interface that works so well I don't need to upgrade. It provides up to 18 simultaneous inputs and outputs spread between analog, ADAT lightpipe connector, and digital SPDIF. With just a few inexpensive additions I can track with all 18 inputs simultaneously, and have up to 18 simultaneous outputs. (There are however many more available internal tracks, so you can build up sessions and mixes of many tracks.)

The interface communicates with the host computer via Firewire.
Most of the popular DAWs have similar functionality.

[Jack Stoner]

There are many multiple channel recording interface devices available. Most interfaces, today, are USB connected. At one time Firewire was THE interface but Firewire is not as prevalent as it used to be.

I us a Roland Octa-Capture, 8 analog channel USB device. 8 channels seems to be very popular among audio interface units. There are less channel units such as two channel, four channel, etc but the eight channel units seem to be very common. I also have a backup unit, an MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R (8 channels, too). My main recording program is Sonar (I have the new X3 Producer version) but I also have ProTools MP9 version which requires proprietary hardware and I use the MAudio unit with ProTools.

The PC sound card, which is stereo and you can record two channels at a time with some recording software, does not make a "good" recording device. One of the problems is "Latency" and PC sound cards are poor in that area.

[mtulbert]

Ken,

Here is another option for you. I use a Presonus 24-4-4 Board in the studio and on gigs.

The nice thing about this board is that you can use it as your PA system and it has a Firewire output into your computer which will interface with just about any software that is available.

You can also mix the recordings from Pro Tools through the Presonus as well. It is very versatile and very flexible. To sum it up, it gives you an analog feel in the digital world.

Regards,

[John RJ Wilson]

My friend bought a 2nd hand macbook pro and uses Logic

He uses Mackie Onyx 1220 mixer with the firewire card - allows him to record up to 12 inputs simultaniously.
Currently.

1. Vocals
2. Guitar
3. Bass (DI)
4. Keys (DI)
5. Kick
6. O/H L
7. O/H R

It produces a really natural tone, perfect for demos of his wedding/hospitality band.

[Rick Schacter]

if you were recording a whole band using, let's say, 12 tracks at a time, how would you get separation for each track when you mix down? Is there some type of multi-track preamp that goes to the computer by way of a USB or similar connection then is separated again by the computer software such as protools, etc.

Hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Ken

There are many interface devices to choose from these days.
Whichever one you choose depends on your budget as well as your own personal preference.

The Presonus gear and software has caught my attention recently.

I downloaded the free version of Presonus Studio One and so far I really like it.
I'll probably be getting the Professional version soon.

Since I'm not recording an entire band, I just use a Line 6 UX2 to record tracks into my laptop.
The virtual mixer that's in the recording software (DAW) works just fine for me.

You can check out Studio One software right here:

http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one

Another way possible to record your band would be to get a Zoom R-16 or R-24.
You can transfer the tracks from the Zoom to your computer via usb and use whatever DAW you like. It's easy.
I own a Zoom R-16 and like it very much.
The Zoom units only have 8 xlr inputs, but it is possible to connect two of them together to get 16 inputs.

Rick

[John RJ Wilson]

if you were recording a whole band using, let's say, 12 tracks at a time, how would you get separation for each track when you mix down? Is there some type of multi-track preamp that goes to the computer by way of a USB or similar connection then is separated again by the computer software such as protools, etc.

Hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Ken

There are many interface devices to choose from these days.
Whichever one you choose depends on your budget as well as your own personal preference.

The Presonus gear and software has caught my attention recently.

I downloaded the free version of Presonus Studio One and so far I really like it.
I'll probably be getting the Professional version soon.

Since I'm not recording an entire band, I just use a Line 6 UX2 to record tracks into my laptop.
The virtual mixer that's in the recording software (DAW) works just fine for me.

You can check out Studio One software right here:

http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one

Another way possible to record your band would be to get a Zoom R-16 or R-24.
You can transfer the tracks from the Zoom to your computer via usb and use whatever DAW you like. It's easy.
I own a Zoom R-16 and like it very much.
The Zoom units only have 8 xlr inputs, but it is possible to connect two of them together to get 16 inputs.

Rick

I used to have the previous zoom series 16 channel with a cd drive instead of a memory card. I liked it lots. You can mix down to 2 tracks in the zoom if you want, and If Rick will confirm, I presume you can also remove the memory card and just insert it into your laptop or pc card reader and upload to your software Cubase or whatever. You can even use it as a simple mixer and output to a power amp and PA speakers, and record and play a small gig with it.

[Rick Schacter]

If Rick will confirm, I presume you can also remove the memory card and just insert it into your laptop or pc card reader and upload to your software Cubase or whatever. You can even use it as a simple mixer and output to a power amp and PA speakers, and record and play a small gig with it.

I haven't transferred tracks by using the sd card, but I wouldn't be surprised that it's possible to do.
It is handy to be able to store your tracks on an sd card though.

I've been able to simply connect the Zoom R16 to my laptop with a usb cable.
My laptop sees the R16 as another drive.
It's a simple drag and drop operation into whatever DAW you'd like to use to clean up your tracks.

I've been using Sonar X2 producer, but I'm seriously considering crossing over to Studio One professional.

Rick

[Ken Williams]

Thanks guys for all the helpful info, much appreciated.
Ken

[Daryl Thisdelle]

Ken I use an Imac if I want to record to digital. My Sound card interface is an Apogee I/O Symphony. I can do 8 tracks no problem at a time. I also have an 8 track reel to reel and a 4 track reel to reel. I like to have both digital and analog to record with and mix down to. Its the best of both works. I use Logic Pro X as my recording program. I like sticking with one manufactures programs as it all works like streaming audio. More fun recording and less time trying to make things work with each other. The Apogee is made for a Mac, Pro X is made by Apple and it all mates perfectly with the Imac, also Apple.

Daryl