Live show multitracking..??

[LightGroove]

Hey now,

Starting to put together a small setup to begin recording a local bands live shows. Trying to get the most on a limited budget. Can I simply purchase a 8 channel firewire interface like this :
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FireStuProj/

My question is more of : Can I use the outputs of this to dump back into our main board for the actual live mix? Basically running the mics/instruments direct into this and the out to the board. Firewire to my imac and record from there.

Thanks

[crentest]

it can be done.
all depends on your compy.

[LightGroove]

Its a new Imac...basic model

[crentest]

i use a fireport with my compy as a recorder, i still havent figured out the routing.
as long as the cpu can process the signal in real time it should be a go!

[LightGroove]

So basically the output gets routed through the computer before it would make it to the mixer?

[John Wentzien]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Universal.html

Something like this would do it.

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by LightGroove

So basically the output gets routed through the computer before it would make it to the mixer?

You could run that way, but it's a vulnerable path.

IIRC (and that's a big if) the Firestudio Project is essentially the updated Firepod. I don't think that unit allows you to use the interface's channel outputs without routing through a computer. [EDIT: Unlike the old Firepods, it looks like the Firestudio Project *can* save its mix settings to on-board flash memory.] If the computer crashes, you'd lose output routing. The somewhat more expensive Firestudio can route w/o relying on the computer.

Much better if the mixing board's inputs aren't jeopardized by a potential failure in your recording chain. If you've got 'em, you could use direct outs from your mixer channels to feed your recording interface. Or, you could use a splitter snake. Although for the cost of a good splitter snake plus 8 (or 16) channels of recording preamps and i/o, you might start to think about a mid-range mixer w/ digital i/o.

[Samsound]

If the board has insert jacks for each channel, you can usually use an unbalanced TS cable, half inserted, to make it a direct out to the interface. Also be sure to choose a unit with ADAT optical I/O. Makes it a snap to add 8 more channels on the cheap.

[sonic assassin]

if you can get a split of each signal before they hit the board, run them into an interface and track them.

a firepod could do it. 2 if you wanted everything on its own track. they are linkable.

if you only wanted 8 tracks you could run the drums into a small mixer first and them dump them down to a stereo mix.

track 1 - drums L
track 2 - drums R
track 3 - guitar
track 4 - guitar
track 5 - bass
track 6 - vocal
track 7 - vocal
track 8 - vocal/keys

or dump the toms and overheads to a single stereo mix.

1 - kick
2 - snare
3 - OH and tom L
4 - OH and tom R
5 - bass
6 - guitar
7 - guitar/vocal/keys
8 - vocal

[MNAirHead]

I JUST posted using a Moto MK in the live sound forum.

The Motou MK will do exactly what you're trying to accomplish... could eliminate your mixer too.

=====

Note...
I've been doing a ton of research and calling -- I'd really be considering something with USB for future use..... firewire is tougher to find on on board laptops etc.

[LightGroove]

Thanks guys for the continued input. Ive actually been seriously researching the Presonus Studiolive. This would cover more than my needs but puts things into the $2000 which is a lot for me. Just wondered if I could get similar results for about half the price or less.

[LightGroove]

Derrico...small world Im just down the road from you in Lynchburg

Can you explain the term splitter snake. We're running a 16 channel snake now (12 send 4 return) this model : http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SM1604FBQ100

[MNAirHead]

PM sent.

[CTbass613]

i did this just the other night, with a protools rig...used a DIGI 002, Presonus Firemax FS To get some additional channels, We were using a board that had Direct outs on it, so each channel correspond to its own channel in the mix...nice thing is...you mix from the board, but then are not stuck with that on the recording you can go back an edit it later. Always try to use Direct outs, or as someone stated earlier use the inserts as they will send the signal to audio channel...IMHO i would not mix through the recording program...if your computer crashes, or lags, your show lags...

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by LightGroove

Just wondered if I could get similar results for about half the price or less.

For something akin to the StudioLive for half the price, you might have a look at the Mackie Onyx mixers. I've recorded shows with the older Onyx 1640 with good results and no hassles. If you have to buy new and have to stay under a grand, a new Onyx 1620i can be had for under $900.

[derrico1]

Mic splitters give you transformers and routing to send low-level mic signals to two (or more) destinations.

Splitters can come in snake form or rack-mount. A budget 8-channel rack splitter can be had for about $200 (Google "ART S8" for an example). I'd go the splitter route if you wanted to record a string of road gigs using unknown FOH boards and working with unfamiliar FOH engineers. In that situation, carrying 8-16 channels of splitters reduces problems with set-up and trust.

For your situation, splitters probably aren't the way to go. It sounds like you're dealing with just one band, and probably supplying the FOH board as well, no? In that case, you can take recording signals from channel direct outs or inserts (if you don't use them for the FOH mix). Or, use a board like the StudioLive or Onyx.

[LightGroove]

I always that the inserts were send and return...?

Yes one band and we own the board...simple Peavey 14 right now

[LightGroove]

Originally Posted by CTbass613

i did this just the other night, with a protools rig...used a DIGI 002, Presonus Firemax FS To get some additional channels, We were using a board that had Direct outs on it, so each channel correspond to its own channel in the mix...nice thing is...you mix from the board, but then are not stuck with that on the recording you can go back an edit it later. Always try to use Direct outs, or as someone stated earlier use the inserts as they will send the signal to audio channel...IMHO i would not mix through the recording program...if your computer crashes, or lags, your show lags...

What board model were you running?

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by LightGroove

I always that the inserts were send and return...?

Depends on the design. On some boards, the insert jacks function as channel direct outs if you insert the patch cable's 1/4" plug halfway.

That's what Samsound refers to above.

[MNAirHead]

Motu Mk3 Hybird