portable DAW

[3statedrive]

Here's the debate; I record live concerts, I need to track at least 16 inputs, and have the ability to mix down the returns to DAT.

Suggestions on best way to go? I'm debating on the MOTU 828 into a laptop, or possibly the Fostex D2424 or D1624.

I'm also undecided on staying with my Mackie 1604 or going digital

[Kenny Bergle]

On your live concerts, do you already have a splitter snake or are you planning on using direct outs or inserts? What I'm getting at is - does the recorder you choose need to have mic pres? Or does it need to have a way to send back out to the front of house console or speakers? The Yamaha AW4416 is very cool as so is the Roland VS2480HD, for standalone. The 828 is awesome, but right now you can only use one per computer, giving you 8 analog inputs...

[3statedrive]

I'd need mic pre's, it varies from show to show whether it's a split snake, direct outs, or some combination of the two


I just want to track 16 channels, and mix down the returns to DAT
The multitracking gets dumped into my 001 rig later for a more refined mixdown

[Rishathra]

Methinks the 828 has ADAT lightpipe.. doesn't it? So hypothetically, could you not use an 8 channel converter and use it alongside the 8 converters on the box giving you 16 channels of input? And if he needs pres, he could get a Digimax from the boys down south.. i've just heard really cool things about that one.

Anyway, Just a thought.
Rish

[3statedrive]

in your opinion, the 828 through a laptop would be a better idea than, say, a Yamaha AW4416? what about stability?
My mix to DAT would be as security if the laptop crashed, but if the laptop crashed, i'd have no way of mixing to DAT,
Does the 828 have input gains for both analog and lightpipe?

[jojokozy]

What I do is: I have 2 ADAT LX20's and the Alesis studio 32 all racked up. I use 16 splitters with isolated outs (that way I don't have to worry about FOH mix). I track 16 inputs live and then go back and dump them into my computer with a MOTU 2408 using opticals. I use Cool Edit Pro to edit, mix, master, and burn it. It works out really well for me.

[frocky]

FYI: the word from this Summer's NAMM is that Yamaha's AW2816 has more software bells n whistles that the old AW 4416. A 44 channel version will be along though. See attached link for details.

Here's that link:
http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gDAW00008AW2816








fnord

[Nixon]

The computer with the 828 is nice, but you have to have (2) digimax's..... Since the Digimax has both analog TRS and ADAT that output simultaneously, you could use it as a through to the mixer. But with the a live venue, I would opt for the Mackie HDR 24 with two Digimax's. If that is out of the budget then you can look at the adat's.

My two cents