Is there a better method to track out?

Discuss the various methods you use in music production, from compressor settings to equipment type.
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Is there a better method to track out?

By rebel_lion Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:10 pm
I track out from my MPC60/ S950 using the assignable outputs to my mixer and then into my Duet interface two tracks at a time. I set the tempo on my DAW to the same tempo as the mpc and hit record in Logic like a tape player and let it record through. I put a snare hit in the beginning of each track on the mpc so I can keep the timing and later align it when I'm done tracking. I repeat this process until I have all the tracks down and then go in my DAW to align the tracks and trim it.

I know this is tedious work considering I have only two inputs on my Duet. Just wondering if there's an easier method to track out without losing the swing and timing on my MPC which is critical to my work.

Does anybody track out differently or is there a more efficient way?
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Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By AntonPD Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:32 pm
you could speed it up by mixing... using your mixer :lol: of course if it's not capable of doing what you want to do to individual tracks, that's not an option

also, if you're not really using the mixer, why not go from the mpc or 950 to the duet? seems cleaner. you'd have to switch the cables when recording both after another though

Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By Clint Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:55 pm
Consider an audio interface with more inputs, at least eight analogue inputs is a good place to start. Or maybe look into a mixer that is also the audio interface like the Mackie Onyx 1640/1640i firewire and many others. Whether any of these suggestions will be "better" for you or sound better is of course a subjective matter, but for a 60/950 setup an Apogee duet does seem a touch below what is required in terms of inputs and flexibility although the convertors are quality.
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Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By Lampdog Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:29 pm
A WHOLE lot easier. Track out more channels at once.
Get something a little more capable than what you need in case you expand later maybe, maybe not, just saying.
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Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By konc3pt Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:44 pm
With the particular setup I believe its your only option to buy interface with more I/Os. More current machines allow for internal resampling n dragging wav to DAW over usb but you forfeiting that vintage sound n feel. In my experience I thought assigning pads to individual outputs was tedious job, JJOS made it all better by allowing tracks to be routed to the outputs

Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By atestarr Mon Jan 14, 2013 3:31 pm
I have Logic and used a Duet too. I eventually switched to a higher input interface.

Option 1. Consider the focusrite saffire pro 40 which has 8 inputs (1/4") and 8 inputs ADAT, etc. It has knobs and two headphone outputs, plus the ability to easily route audio from your DAW to outboard hardware you might like to use.

Option 2. Control the EXS 24 sampler/ultrabeat/softsynths in Logic with the MPC 60. You can control/record up to 16 midi channels at a time this way. You just need to build a template in the environment or follow Clint's instructions (on another post on this forum) if they work for you.

Happy sequencing!

rebel_lion wrote:I track out from my MPC60/ S950 using the assignable outputs to my mixer and then into my Duet interface two tracks at a time. I set the tempo on my DAW to the same tempo as the mpc and hit record in Logic like a tape player and let it record through. I put a snare hit in the beginning of each track on the mpc so I can keep the timing and later align it when I'm done tracking. I repeat this process until I have all the tracks down and then go in my DAW to align the tracks and trim it.

I know this is tedious work considering I have only two inputs on my Duet. Just wondering if there's an easier method to track out without losing the swing and timing on my MPC which is critical to my work.

Does anybody track out differently or is there a more efficient way?
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Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By Wal Martian Mon Jan 14, 2013 7:07 pm
konc3pt wrote:I believe its your only option to buy interface with more I/Os.
There is another option as I stated above. Mix analog and print a stereo 2 track King Tubby style to the DAW (using the DAW as a tape machine essentially). More and more people are doing it these days.
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Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By Ian Canefire Mon Jan 14, 2013 8:30 pm
More outputs is what everyone wants and yet still many manufacturers don't want to give. Some $2500 keyboards only have 4 outputs! It is just ridiculous. The old TR909 had outputs for every drum sound...why would they change to less?

My rant,

Ian
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Re: Is there a better method to track out?

By rebel_lion Tue Jan 15, 2013 2:29 pm
Thank you for the tips folks. I will be looking into an interface with more inputs. In the mean while I will probably mix analog and two track it out when I'm lazy or go back to my old ways and tweak in the DAW further.
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