Digital Recording

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 5:38 pm

I'm still doing analog 4 track and then I mix it down on the computer ... it is good for getting ideas down ... and it works reasonably well for recording live ... I run 4 sends from the in-ear monitor system into a tascam 4 track recorder and it captures a reasonably good snapshot of a live performance ... it is inexpensive and midrange quality ... I built my own direct box to go between the in-ear system and the recorder ... the whole setup is not as good as digital but it is cheaper ...

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:49 pm

One of my clients has suggested a Fostex MR-8 digital recorder - says it's inexpensive, very easy to use and has USB output, 128mb of ram, effects, etc. He outputs single and multi tracks to his PC and uses software to mix and edit it. He also says it makes the quality of the sound card less of an issue because it's only being used for local playback.

Does any of the above make sense?

winston · Post by **winston** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 7:44 pm

Aitch,

Unless you have a slow computer with a motherboard that has an integrated sound card and video card etc. and it has a small HD and a small amount of RAM, I would go with an outboard sound card such as a Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2 Platinum Pro. This will be the first leg of your interface. The Audigy provides you with a number of input output options.

Here's a link for you.

http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=204&product=4925

This is a newer version of mine. You have heard the sound quality that I have been able to achieve with it. It's reasonably priced and easy to install.

I purchased another 80 Gig hard drive and partitioned my computer. I only store songs on the second "F" HD. My operating system and my recording software reside on "C" drive.

Only you can decide if this is the path forward. I can carry on with more information from this point, if that is what you choose to do.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:18 pm

I'll check out my PC tonight, Brian. I'm still very confused about outboard cards, recorders and mixers and software and I don't plan to make a decision on anything until I have sufficient info to get up to speed on the whole shebang.

I guess I'm struggling conceptually with how it would all hang together - both hardware and software.

Sounds stupid coming from somebody in the industry, I know, but hey - I'm a business consultant, project manager and programmer!

This 'techo' stuff usually gets thrown to our 'propellor head experts' rather than 'income generators' like me!!

Like many home users, I know enough to be dangerous.....

winston · Post by **winston** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:11 pm

It's OK I can help you to grasp the basics that you need to take a decision.

E-mail me the specs on your computer.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:33 am

Wow! The Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro card is $400!

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 5:32 pm

I reckon this lot will get me started......

winston · Post by **winston** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:46 am

Now you're cooking with gas.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:49 am

Trouble is, Brian, I've got no electricity! I don't have any spare power sources in the PC for the outboard hub. Another visit to the PC store....