NRR-Recording advice needed

[pflash4001]

I know this is a bass forum and this question isn't necessarily bass related, but I've always found a wealth of information here and was wondering if I could get some input here. A few years ago I bought an Alesis HD24 Digital Multi-track recorder. I also have a Mackie Onyx 4 bus console that does great for recording live, but is a pain in the neck to do much else with because in order to playback and overdub I need to re-patch everything because it isn't a double bussed board. My intent was to buy a Mackie 8 bus unit (a few years ago) but then that band split up and the recording gear has pretty much sitting around not getting much use. I've since been playing with some guys and we really want to get some recording done. My question is is it still a good idea to get a used 8 bus or go another route. We're not looking to get really fancy and we would be spending much more than the used 8-bus just by getting an interface, computer capable of handling recording, and software. I already have all the mics I would need. I have outboard compressors, f/x, stands, cables, etc. The only thing that seems to be lacking is the proper console. What are your thoughts on getting this used console or any other options. Thanks for your help!

[johnhall]

Get a good software package, like Pro Tools or Sonar or Logic and use the Mackie's Firewire to make it your audio interface. You will then have everything you need to record, as well as Mackie's really excellent VLZ preamps for mics, phantom power for good mics, and the analog part of the board for latency-free monitoring. The Onyz also has a great aux setup for all those outboard effects to have.

Even though I have MOTU HD192 interfaces in the studio, I often use the Mackie Onyx alongside them and is permanently wired in the studio for all mic and DI inputs. Works like a charm, until the cat decides to reconfigure things by pressing a few buttons!

[Benjamin]

Second all that. If you're just starting/learning and budget is a concern, try Reaper. It is "free" unlimited. Doesn't cost much if you pay for it and get support. I love it very much, very powerful and easy to use.

[T28]

Also Presonus Studio One, cubase and Harrison Mixbus is an interesting DAW.

[pflash4001]

Thanks for the reply. The console I have is the 24-4 Bus. That console does not have a FireWire connection. It has 24 direct outs on DB-25 connectors which is how I'm connecting to the HD-24 recorder. I would have considered doing as Mr. Hall suggested, but I don't have that option available on my console. I don't know why they didn't include it on these boards, but did on some of their smaller consoles.

[johnhall]

I guess this must be an older model I'm not familiar with, as I've personally never seen an Onyx that didn't have Firewire or at least a Firewire add-on slot. (I've owned both types.)

Presumably, then, you have the Tascam style breakout cables already that would allow you to go into any number of external interfaces. However, a MOTU 2408 Core MkIII would plug right in giving you 24 in-24 out capability for under $1000. Add software and you'd have a killer system. Since you could use the board for live monitoring, you'd be working latency free.

[pflash4001]

It's the current Onyx 24-4 Bus. Neither this one or the 32 channel console have FireWire ports. Yes, I'm using the DB-25 connectors to get into my Alesis HD-24 hard disk recorder. I know, it's not the newest gear out there. The issue I have with the mentioned solutions are the computer. I don't currently have a computer capable of handling recording; nor do I have the money to purchase a powerful Mac or PC. On top of the cost of a new computer, I also need to figure in
The cost of the audio interface as well as the cost of he software itself. All in all, it adds up to quite a bit that I don't have. As I mentioned before, the HD-24's recording quality is great, and if necessary, I can still dump the data from the HD-24 into a computer to run through a DAW. I'm an analog kind of person and am most comfortable with my hands on knobs and faders, so I don't have a problem working this way. Looking through my options, it has looked like the most cost effective method to record is to use the triple bused console system that I have with the equipment that I already have. I have ~$1200 ish to work with; and don't think I could purchase a computer for my audio needs with that budget whereas I could get the console, any other suggestions?