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anonymous 28 November 2006

Hey guys,

So I'm looking to be able to record all the instruments in a room onto different tracks on the computer. This would probably take around 8 inputs (2 Guitar, Bass, Drums, 2/3 Vocal).

I'm good with computers, so I'm thinking of either a card or firewire/USB 2 that would record into whichever software I'm thinking of using.

I figured using Shure 57/58s for most of the mics, couple condensers for singing, running bass direct, and maybe running a couple drum tracks to a mixer then to the recording device.

We've already had some modest results on a low-fi set-up and I'm really not looking for pro-quality. Just something for getting ideas down and modified for performance reference and demo quality things.

What is the best bang per buck device for doing this?

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anonymous Wed, 11/29/2006 - 08:18

Well that looks like what I'm looking for. Thank you very much.

Couple questions, again noobish, but I just want to make sure:

Are those mix and match XLR / 1/4" inputs on the front?
(Okay I'm sorry if I'm slaughtering technical terms there, I mean the three prong in the circle cable and the "normal" instrument cable)

Is there an on/off on the pre-amps?
Hows the quality?

Any other thoughts on it?

anonymous Wed, 11/29/2006 - 08:31

Well that looks like what I'm looking for. Thank you very much.

Couple questions, again noobish, but I just want to make sure:

Are those mix and match XLR / 1/4" inputs on the front?
(Okay I'm sorry if I'm slaughtering technical terms there, I mean the three prong in the circle cable and the "normal" instrument cable)

Is there an on/off on the pre-amps?
Hows the quality?

Any other thoughts on it?

anonymous Thu, 11/30/2006 - 18:12

Yes that connector is 1/4" instrument and XLR combination jack. So it excepts either a 1/4" or XLR plug. Real space saver. The preamp is software controlled. There is a software mixer that allows you to acess diferent parameters for the device. Pretty much all of these interfaces are "mixerless".
I don't have one but if you read some of the reviews they give it good ratings. There is the Mackie Onyx as mentioned before and also, Motu has some models like this.

anonymous Sat, 12/09/2006 - 02:30

8 Channels reply

WHOA,
There are numerous options! I use a ECHO Layla 24/06 unit with PCMCIA card interface (You can get a PCI card for desktop as well). I have been using this unit for 2 + years in heavy recording sessions. It has been awesome. It has 8 inputs (TRS) and 8 outputs as well as ADAT and Midi channels. There is a nice monitor output on the front with a volume control. It works real nice as another monitor while recording (Its handy). Additionally, it is a 2 space rack mount which is nice for space. The new one's have 2 (I think 2) XLR Phantom power capable inputs in the front for Vocals etc... Never had any problems. The PCMCIA card is nice for my laptop which I use behind the drums to engineer tracks when nobody else is around. If you get a nice 8 channel Preamp (with phantom power) you have a great little system for inputting up to 8 tracks simultaneously. Not to say that other types of units aren't good as previously posted, but there are other options. The 8 outputs are really nice for anologue boards (ie recording live as a throughput etc...) Echo makes great products. I run 7 mics simultaneously with my Kit and leave a channel open for guitars etc... Patching the inputs and outputs is pretty easy as well.
For whatever its worth,
Tom

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