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Technology of the Trade: PC Recording |
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Recording Interface This is the heart of your studio, where the analog electrical impulse is converted to a digital code via the recording interface's A/D (analog/digital) converters. Each manufacturers are different so make sure you try before you buy. PCI Soundcard (ex. M-Audio Audiophile, Event EZ8) 2-8 channels of 24-bit/96khz recording that is easily plugged into the PCI slot of a computer. Various features include Midi in/out, wordclock sync, digital in/out. Excellent, high-quality choice for a beginner/solo artist. Audiophile2496 Dual channel w/ midi in/out PCI Soundcard w/ external breakout box (ex. M-Audio Delta 1010, MOTU 2408mk3) 8 channels of digital multitracking boasting a host of features including: 24-bit 96khz recording, wordclock, low latency and compatability with almost every multitracking software out there today. Delta 1010 8 channels of 24bit/96khz recording Digital Multitrack Workstations (ex. Tascam US-122, Yamaha, AW 16G) Convenient, cost efficient, portable and easy to use, our last category is Digital Multitrack Workstations. Combining preamps and a recorder all in one box, these units offer as many if not more features than the higher end rackmount recorders. From onboard CD burners and digital displays to dynamics and a vast array of digital/analog connectivity options (USB, FireWire, S/PDIF). AW16G 16-bit 16 track Digital Multitrack Recommendation This is the heart of your studio here, so choose wisely!! Every manufacturers A/D converters are different and may color the sound of recordings so shop around to find a manufacturer that you like according to sound, quality, construction, functionality, etc. Single and double channels recorders are a good choice for those who plan on recording tracks individually. Combine it with a dual channel pre-amp and you've got a killer combo. An external mixing board will be needed to fully mic a drum kit, but these cards are an excellent place to start. If you plan on recording drums frequently, or wish to record your entire band simultaneously, the eight channel rack mount units are the way to go. Most units in this category offer expansion cards that will give you the ability to connect multiple units together adding even more channels. The M-Audio Delta 1010 has been getting rave reviews ever since it was introduced. Even better it's available without the breakout box for cheap, securing itself within everyones price bracket. Keeping a studio portable is the main consideration for many recording artists looking to go semi-pro, but there is one factor that you should keep in mind before you purchase a Digital Multitracker. Although an ocean of expansion cards and external hard drives have flooded the market in recent years, expandability is severely hindered in this area of recording. Recorders fitted with a midi interface are required if you will be using soft-synths plugins or VSTi (software controlled software programs). More on MIDI and controllers in the Misc. Gear section. -The General < Computers > |
| © 2003 By B. Witzigreuter/Recording Website - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
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