MULTITRACKERS?????

i own an mpc 1000 and i keep losing the punch from my shit when i record into cubase.

ive been looking into multitrackers such as the aw4416 and the akaidps24. i was wondering if it was possible to not only use these machines as multitrackers but to bypass the recording tracks and send the signal directly out and record it into a computer based daw. i was also wondering whether it was possible to then use the multitracker as a stand alone digital mixer and send the signal back from logic or cubase and mix it down on the multitracker (without recording) and send it back out to to the cubase as the master stereo file. i know this is a long winded approach to things i was just wondering whether it is possible to do this. help!!!

for got to add that all this would need to be done via the adat lightpipe ports and not analog.

i would keep it in one medium or another.Pick one and roll.The reason your stuff sounds thin in Cubase is more than likely the sound card your using.The cheaper the card the cheaper the A/D converters.You can use most newer hardare DAW's as digital mixers.Computers and hardware both have there pros and cons.The bad thing about computers is that in order to get the best sound possible you have to spend money on all sorts of diffrent components to make them work.The computer itself can cost anywhere from $600 for a off the shelf PC that you will have to then upgrade more than likely to get to work for doing music.To $1500 for a specialized Music only PC these come with almost everything you need to record you still have to buy either a dope soundcard or a nice interface(what I suggest).Last but not least for sure is the Apple Mac G4's and G5's these suckers are rock solid from the factory you really don't have to do anything to these things other than hook up your interface(Digidesign,Apogee,Motu etc...)my best guess is that about 75% of the professional(People that put out work on a national level:internet does not count)use some type of Mac or another.The reason that alot of producers/beat makers that are new don't use Mac's is price they are expensive.A low level G5 will cost you $2000 and that's just for the computer that does not include the monitor,keyboard,mouse or the $1000 or more hardware interface(external sound card)that is required.Once you spend the dough on a computer it will blow any Hardware DAW that I've ever used out of the water but if you don't have the money to get the best computer possible than I would go with hardware.

I'm a PC guy but I have to recognise the G5, I would get one if it was much cheaper!!

Say elmacaco you say you a pc guy huh!.......Will software give me a better mix that hardware? I have the aw4416 in my possession but Im thinking of going with pro tools, is there a way for me to use both without giving up the other?

No idea, I use Nuendo, I like the sound better han protools or others. If on a Mac I'd use Logic, but only cheap g5 (1200-1500) would convince me to switch.

I used to the computer, it depends on what you are more comfprtable using.

A computer will give you more options as far as editing, and arrangement goes but if you are using an MPC and all of your sequencing is done on that than it should not be a big concern.Frankly for the type of music that most of us make I am not sure if all of the added expense of a Super Computer is nessecary.I would get something like a Roland VS or Yamaha AW.With it you get great sound quality,editing and storage(via it's hardrive) and you can burn red book CD's with it(Red book is the format that most mass production CD makers require)as well as CD's just to listen to.Also you can use it like an ADAT player only with more tracks.You can take your recorder with your songs with you to a major studio and track out your songs into what ever type of system they are running(Protools HD,Nuendo,Digital tape etc...)and have it mixed and mastered by someone that can get you way better sonic results than the average at home guy would be able to accomplish with a computer and a few plug-ins.On the other hand if money is not an issue get you the best dman computer money can buy(for now anyways cause in six months it will be out dated)get you some good software and a interface and have at it.Another thing about hardware is that it will always function just as good a year from know as it did the day you bought it,computers will too but they require regular maintenance and upgrades because if you try to load the latest software on your year old computer you will almost certaintly have compatibilty problems.

Earnest Magilakutti wrote: if you try to load the latest software on your year old computer you will almost certaintly have compatibilty problems.

This keeps popping up in many posts. It's simply not true. My pc is 3.5 years old now, it still does a fine job. I'm running The latest Cubase, Wavelab & Recycle version, and almost all of the latest plug-ins. If i would keep it like this, it will still outperform any hardware multitracker for the next 4 years. If i need a faster system, i buy a new processor for $200. Try doing that with a multitracker.
Computers are not expensive either. You can buy the pc i have right now for about $300, add a decent soundcard for another $300 and some software (many free programs to be found) and your good to go.

ieism wrote:

Earnest Magilakutti wrote: if you try to load the latest software on your year old computer you will almost certaintly have compatibilty problems.

This keeps popping up in many posts. It's simply not true. My pc is 3.5 years old now, it still does a fine job. I'm running The latest Cubase, Wavelab & Recycle version, and almost all of the latest plug-ins. If i would keep it like this, it will still outperform any hardware multitracker for the next 4 years. If i need a faster system, i buy a new processor for $200. Try doing that with a multitracker.
Computers are not expensive either. You can buy the pc i have right now for about $300, add a decent soundcard for another $300 and some software (many free programs to be found) and your good to go.

I'd like to know where I can get a $300 computer thats worth it's weight in vinyl!

I'd like to know where i can find a computer that plays vinyl.

Me too!!!

ive been looking into multitrackers such as the aw4416 and the akaidps24. i was wondering if it was possible to not only use these machines as multitrackers but to bypass the recording tracks and send the signal directly out and record it into a computer based daw. i was also wondering whether it was possible to then use the multitracker as a stand alone digital mixer and send the signal back from logic or cubase and mix it down on the multitracker (without recording) and send it back out to to the cubase as the master stereo file. i know this is a long winded approach to things i was just wondering whether it is possible to do this. help!!!

hate to kill the computer vs hardware, protools vs cubase war but could sum1 tell me whether it is possible to use a multitracker in the way i described. i know sum1 sed already u can use them as digital mixers but is it possible to do this without recording. thanx

Sorry.
I'm not sure about multitrackers, but have you considered the Yamaha 01x ?

despakodes wrote:

ive been looking into multitrackers such as the aw4416 and the akaidps24. i was wondering if it was possible to not only use these machines as multitrackers but to bypass the recording tracks and send the signal directly out and record it into a computer based daw. i was also wondering whether it was possible to then use the multitracker as a stand alone digital mixer and send the signal back from logic or cubase and mix it down on the multitracker (without recording) and send it back out to to the cubase as the master stereo file. i know this is a long winded approach to things i was just wondering whether it is possible to do this. help!!!

hate to kill the computer vs hardware, protools vs cubase war but could sum1 tell me whether it is possible to use a multitracker in the way i described. i know sum1 sed already u can use them as digital mixers but is it possible to do this without recording. thanx

not sure why u want to do this but it is possible with the VS im sure its the same with the dps but not sure about the #of outputs u may be limited to 6 or 8 (since these outputs are designed to be sends to external fx).
the second thing ur concerned about sends from the pc mix down in a daw-> that is defenitely possible, but again depends on the recorder cos some only have analog ins not digital.

thanx u solved it 4me, this board is heavy!!