Suggestions for recording 3 to 4 people

[TyCobb]

I was initially looking at recording just myself (bass) and a buddy (guitar). Well, we kind of spiraled into possibly 3 or 4 so I need suggestions on what to look at.

Originally, I was looking at getting a Focusrite and a DI box (assuming I needed one for bass), but now with the possibility of a digital piano (not keyboard) and another guitar, what would I need?

I have a Windows computer in the living room which is where we would probably set up and I was hoping to take the audio signals directly either from an output on the amp or an ABY box to the audio interface so I get each instrument recorded separately.

Does guitar also need a DI box to the interface or is it just bass? Is my idea even sound or am I missing a key fundamental piece somewhere in between. I've never recorded anything before other than with a TASCAM recorder.

Luckily I haven't spent any money yet.

 

[TyCobb]

Kind of looking at this, but not too sure how I would actually want to connect everyone.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Sc...ts&ie=UTF8&qid=1472755127&sr=1-1&keywords=8i8

Would I want to convert the instruments to XLR or use the analog jacks in the back?

 

[MonetBass]

You would make your life easier in this scenario by getting yourself a small 4-channel mixer, then running that into the audio interface via stereo out. That way you won't have to keep plugging / unplugging cables.

 

[MattZilla]

or a 4+ channel interface

 

[Luke19Boarder]

Kind of looking at this, but not too sure how I would actually want to connect everyone.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Sc...ts&ie=UTF8&qid=1472755127&sr=1-1&keywords=8i8

Would I want to convert the instruments to XLR or use the analog jacks in the back?

The inputs on the front of that interface can accept 1/4" Instrument cables as well as XLR (instrument cable plugs into the middle).

Something like what you have linked would certainly work, and I highly recommend the focusrite brand of interfaces (I use my 2i4 every day).

 

[TyCobb]

Okay thanks. I think I will go ahead and pickup the 18i8. Do I need DI boxes for the bass and guitars?

 

[RedLefty]

Not for that box, you can plug direct
Link Removed

 

[TyCobb]

Nice. That'll save a few bucks. Guess I am off to go pick one up so I can spend hours learning software

Thanks again everyone.

 

[TyCobb]

Well, I played around with it for several hours after work last night in Reaper. I see many many hours of glee and torment ahead of me. Damn you VSTs!

 

[Grumry]

Grats on the new interface.

Make sure you read about gain structure and setting correct levels at the preamp. This will help keep things consistent when you go to mix or overdub.

 

[TyCobb]

I played around with the gain to get it to where it didn't go red since I assumed it meant it was clipping. The instructions linked above didn't really mention a proper level. Is there a rule-of-thumb I should be following? I figured it was just get the instruments in at a decent non-clip level and then adjust in the software afterwards. This will be probably be those many hours of torment I envisioned

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Does this interface route all 4 inputs to separate tracks in the DAW? If so, that may be something I'd look into. I'm such a control freak with recording, I like to be able to tweak each instrument to the hilt in the DAW

 

[RedLefty]

I figured it was just get the instruments in at a decent non-clip level

To put it simply, yes. Normally that clip LED is 5db from actual clip. It should light up during hard peaks.

 

[lakefx]

I played around with the gain to get it to where it didn't go red since I assumed it meant it was clipping. The instructions linked above didn't really mention a proper level. Is there a rule-of-thumb I should be following? I figured it was just get the instruments in at a decent non-clip level and then adjust in the software afterwards. This will be probably be those many hours of torment I envisioned

If you're fairly new to this process, I highly recommend spending the time to read this thread. I am not new to the process and had training in gain structure and live sound from some top notch engineers and that thread still significantly improved the quality of my recordings.

 

[TyCobb]

Does this interface route all 4 inputs to separate tracks in the DAW? If so, that may be something I'd look into. I'm such a control freak with recording, I like to be able to tweak each instrument to the hilt in the DAW

It should route 8 individually to the DAW. There's the 4 in the front and another 4 in the back. It'll do 18 if you daisy chain units.

To put it simply, yes. Normally that clip LED is 5db from actual clip. It should light up during hard peaks.

Good to know!

If you're fairly new to this process, I highly recommend spending the time to read this thread. I am not new to the process and had training in gain structure and live sound from some top notch engineers and that thread still significantly improved the quality of my recordings.

Definitely going to read that thread. Need all the info I can consume so I can record like a pro, but still sound like junk due to my playing!

EDIT: Damn your thread! I was blissfully ignorant on using my home theater xD

 

[lakefx]

Definitely going to read that thread. Need all the info I can consume so I can record like a pro, but still sound like junk due to my playing!

It's truly amazing how parts that sounded awesomely perfect during rehearsal can sound like sloppy junk once you record them!

 

[ROGI]

behringer umc404HD. that thing blows competition out of the water.

 

[RedLefty]

I highly recommend spending the time to read this thread.

Lots of info in that thread. And I think I've only made it to page 4 of 42. Wounder if there is something like that out there for live mixing as I can tell now there are some significant differences.

 

[RedLefty]

It's truly amazing how parts that sounded awesomely perfect during rehearsal can sound like sloppy junk once you record them!

I've recently, after 10 years playing, started recording while I practice and it has seriously strengthened my timing(like overnight). It surprised me just how bad my timing was and how many mistakes I made during playing. I am not objective while my fingers are touching the strings. My 'good enough' bar got raised considerably.

 

[lakefx]

Lots of info in that thread. And I think I've only made it to page 4 of 42. Wounder if there is something like that out there for live mixing as I can tell now there are some significant differences.

Live has a lot of the same concepts, you just need to do it faster and have lower standards. One reverb channel, compression presets, etc.