Re: Record gig with a laptop computer?
- From: "Chris Milillo" <drums@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2006 04:20:56 -0400
"Stan Mulder" <standrum@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:pan.2006.06.01.00.56.21.707883@xxxxxxxxxxxx
I was given an old 650 mhz P3 notebook computer (Toshiba S2770) with an
11G drive and 256 meg of RAM. I've installed an OS on it and it works
fine. The band would like to use it to record our gigs but I'm not sure
what additional equipment we need, therefore I would like some advice. But
first I should ask, will this computer do the job? Is 11 gig enough hard
drive space? 256 meg RAM? We have a four piece band: bass, drums, guitar
and sax. What I don't understand is where you plug in the mics and what
kind of interface goes into the computer. I'm not exactly sure because the
specs don't say but I think the USB port is version 1.0 since the computer
is from 1999.
Thanks,
Stan
Stan,
Are you hoping to multitrack, or just capture a stereo mix? I'd imagine
you're interested in multitracking. Just in case a stereo mix will work for
you, you can get a stereo mix direct from your band's mixing board, or via a
microphone into the laptop without additional hardware (as long as you have
a line-in and/or mic-in on your laptop). Don't expect much in the way of
sound quality, though...
The easiest way to achieve high quality sound and multitrack-ability on
a laptop is to get a Firewire audio interface with a breakout box (you'll
have to acquire/install multitrack recording software as well). As Tom said,
you can get a Firewire PCMCIA card for your laptop, and then connect the
audio interface via Firewire. The audio quality can range from good to
excellent, depending on the model you choose. Even today's less expensive
models can sound very good.
* BE SURE that your laptop meets (or ideally exceeds) the minimum system
requirements for any hardware or software you plan to install *
Decide how many separate inputs (and outputs) you require to record your
band and how much you're willing to spend. If you Google "firewire audio
interfaces", you'll see plenty of choices.
Wow, I just did a quick search and found that MOTU has a 10 input card
Firewire card called the "Ultralite", with 2 mic or instrument preamps for
about $549! I WANT ONE (or two)!! If this is anywhere near your budget, I
think it would be a great choice. MOTU has a very good reputation for
quality audio devices, solid drivers, and good product support.
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite/
$549, no tax, free shipping from zzounds.com. If you don't need that many
channels, you can get something significantly cheaper.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MTUULTRALITE
I seriously think I might snag (at least) one of these in the fall.
CM
.
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