Multi-Track Recording

[CharlieH]

Hi guys

Before I start, sorry if this is a super-novice question, or if it has already been asked. I checked but couldn't find anything.

 

I do a fair bit of recording, and have a MacBook Pro, a Behringer mixer, a USB-audio interface (only 1 channel in and out) and all the necessary cabling. I would like to be able to do multi-track recording, as the software on my Mac (garageband and soon to be Logic :) ) can support it and it would be much easier and more convenient than multi-take recording.

 

I am aware that digital desks send out, via USB, Firewire or MIDI, each physical channel as a virtual channel. I would like this feature, but can't really afford a fully-digital desk. I was wondering if there was any semi-digital desks, or even analogue desks (although I doubt this! :) ) that could send out more than 1 channel of audio, simultaneously.

 

If anyone knows of anything, or even any other devices that could do this, then I would be very grateful.

 

Thanks, and I apologise again for the novice question :up:,

Charlie

[themadhippy]

if the desk youve got has insert points on the channels then a modified insert lead will give you an output from each channel,as will a direct out.

[CharlieH]

if the desk youve got has insert points on the channels then a modified insert lead will give you an output from each channel,as will a direct out.

 

No, it doesn't. I bought it a few years ago, and I wasn't sure if I would use it much, therefore I bought a pretty cheap one. It has the minimum of features, no inserts, no direct outs, 1 subgroup, no built in FX e.t.c.

[benweblight]

You can get desks with a usb interface built in

I.e http://www.studiospares.com/Mixers-Analogu...B-2/invt/385240 (will do 8 mic channels +line channels)

[JackBrienLX]

Allen and heath make an analogue range of consoles that supports stereo or bus output recording via USB or firewire into sonar.

 

http://www.allen-heath.com/zed/

 

Hope that helps,

 

Jack Brien

 

EDIT - On closer inspection it does not support multi track output, just stereo bus. changed post.

[CharlieH]

You can get desks with a usb interface built in

I.e http://www.studiospares.com/Mixers-Analogu...B-2/invt/385240 (will do 8 mic channels +line channels)

 

Brilliant, thanks. That's exactly what I want. So will it send all 8 mic channels as a separate signal?

[mervaka]

JackBrienLX: the Zed R16 can provide multi channel recording.

[benweblight]

You can get desks with a usb interface built in

I.e http://www.studiospares.com/Mixers-Analogu...B-2/invt/385240 (will do 8 mic channels +line channels)

 

Brilliant, thanks. That's exactly what I want. So will it send all 8 mic channels as a separate signal?

 

Yep....also similar things available from other manufacturers.

[laurencerussell2006]

I use a Phonic Helix 24 quite often, that gives you 16 channels of direct audio via Firewire (it was about £400 when I bought it a few years ago) however you can get smaller ones. The build quality is questionable but it does a good job of multi-track recording and didn't break the bank!

[CharlieH]

Brilliant, thanks to everyone that posted. I will research the different possibilities and see what I can afford! :)

Charlie

 

Edit: Also, what is the generic term for this type of desk (semi-digital, acoustic e.t.c.) so I can search it on ebay?

Thanks