Multi, multi channel

[kozikowski]

Without appearing any denser than normal, that one multi-channel sound device with the old drivers listed in the hardware posting is the only way to record more than two tracks at once, yes?

http://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic ... =10#p47650

Koz

[whomper]

not necessarily
only one shown to work with audacity so far
there may be others

lots of other interfaces and software that will work for multitrack
and most external interfaces come with free software to do that

[steve]

The problems are often not the hardware, but the crippled drivers. Many manufacturers only bother to write fully functional multi-channel ASIO drivers and their WDM drivers provide only very basic functionality. (In the case of the "digi 003" the WDM drivers are 2 channel playback only - no recording at all).

I seem to remember a couple more success stories with Alesis USB mixers.

Of course, people generally come to this forum because they are having trouble, not to say how well everything works.

[kozikowski]

<<<I seem to remember a couple more success stories with Alesis USB mixers.>>>

Are we going down "my cousin's mom's next door neighbor knows somebody" path?

<<<lots of other interfaces and software that will work for multitrack>>>

For example....? Remembering we'll be doing this across platforms. The only thing common past the usual USB ports is Audacity.

I'm going to do a live four channel recording next week. I need amazon.com (or equiv) part numbers. I've already posted a way to do this with two MacBook Pros spread out on the table. That's the desperation method and that's not what I mean. As common a request as this is, surely somebody must have an actual, working pipeline that doesn't involve Secret Aural Teachings, a Bottomless Checkbook, or Craig's List software.

Koz

[whomper]

there is some good stuff out there to buy that does 4 channels

just how deep do you call bottomless ?

[kozikowski]

<<<there is some good stuff out there to buy that does 4 channels >>>

Again, that's an example. The client/producer changes her mind and I need five. My Macbook fails and we need to use her Dell WinXP laptop. In that particular case, the ability to record analog Stereo Line-In will die with the Mac, but not USB. Supported on both, no problem.

<<<just how deep do you call bottomless ?>>>

Again as an example, multiple thousands.

Given those restrictions, all possibilities open up. Pay a programmer to compile and debug Audacity with ASIO support for each platform and use standard hardware. That would work, right? Rather well, as a matter of fact.

This is the "Blue Skying" and "Thinking Outside the Box" thing. Go crazy.

Koz

[whomper]

for a grand , certainly under 2K, you can get all the channels you need and probably all you could ever want --
including the pc, outboard interface, and software.
possibly also a mixer but that is optional. and usable mikes included, but you can go crazy with expensive ones if you have the money to throw around.

you only need *one* workign pc with windows. the drivers are fully functinal and not crippled with the external interfaces. and you dont need to have the ability to record with mac, and linux, and droid, yada yada.

[steve]

I've been Googling and these are said to work with Audacity:

Alesis multimix firewire 16

RME Multiface II + PCI

M-Audio Delta 1010

M-Audio Delta 1010 LT (requires 5.10.00.5057 driver on Windows)

Alesis Multimix 12 Firewire (first 8 channels)

Alesis Multimix-8 USB 2.0 (requires USB 2 interface on the computer)

I'd love to test these out for you Koz - bottomless pit not required - about $3000 should cover the lot

Does Windows 7 support any of these? I doubt it - has anyone tried?

[kozikowski]

Correct me, but haven't some of them appeared in postings from people not able to make them work? Not gettin' my warm and fuzzy here.

I'm totally in favor of the FireWire device for the obvious reasons, but the Windows Laptop people may not be so happy.

<<<bottomless pit not required >>>

I work in a company with multiple hundred creative people (the phrase "like marching cats" comes up often) and many of them have audio equipment. Maybe, just maybe one of them has something in that list...

Koz

[waxcylinder]

... I'm totally in favor of the FireWire device for the obvious reasons, but the Windows Laptop people may not be so happy.

Not necessarily so actually, Koz.

My laptop (Dell Vostro 1710 - Windows Xp_Pro) comes with a firewire socket (and support for it). Only one mind you, compared with the five USB sockets.

WC