Question about big midi setup and audio interfaces..

[Kirk R.]

I'm not really familiar with this audio interface/computer end of it lol...

My setup is around 35 keyboards/rack keys midi'd up to my akai mpc3000 then through my mackie 24/8 board..

with all this computer tech stuff is there anything easier than this old setup?? I want to keep all my keys and still use my mpc3000 for sequencing..

So my question is what's the best interface to use with lots of analog inputs?? I wanna stay away from the motu stuff because I'm gonna use a pc. I'll probably grab a $2000ish audio computer at adk. I just need to know what else I need??

--Any info would be great

[WDM]

Originally Posted by Kirk R.

I'm not really familiar with this audio interface/computer end of it lol...

My setup is around 35 keyboards/rack keys midi'd up to my akai mpc3000 then through my mackie 24/8 board..

with all this computer tech stuff is there anything easier than this old setup?? I want to keep all my keys and still use my mpc3000 for sequencing..

So, in this case, what do you think you need a computer for?

[Kirk R.]

Originally Posted by WDM

So, in this case, what do you think you need a computer for?

idk lol i guess i just want more control with the audio tracks, im not interested in any keyboard software or sequencing software just audio recording software which I'll probably use cubase..

[WDM]

Originally Posted by Kirk R.

idk lol i guess i just want more control with the audio tracks, im not interested in any keyboard software or sequencing software just audio recording software which I'll probably use cubase..

If you're planning to continue mixing on 24/8, the computer/DAW with 24 audio IO will be expensive addition. It seems like you currently have OTB solution that fits your needs. The fact that it's old, doesn't mean that it's bad. If you want to reorganize your workflow going ITB that's another story. But, it wouldn't be cheap for your rig, that's for sure.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Kirk R.]

thanks WDM

[ahmo]

I have a smaller but similar set up. I have an RME soundcard with 8 analog ins and digital ADAT inputs as well. What I do is just route the 8 busses from my console to the 8 ins of the soundcard, and record 8 tracks at a time by pressing play on the MPC after pressing record in Reaper (DAW). I don;t really need more than 8 tracks, but you can get 8 channel A/D converter boxes and hook them up to a soundcard with ADAT inputs and get an extra 8 ins, or extra 16 if it has 2 ADAT inputs. I've known people to get a good soundcard and then the behringer A/D converter to add 8 channels cheap. They didnt have a problem with the sound but some people will insult you unless you spend 2k on your A/D. You can also get other brands depending on your budget.

If you are recording multitrack already then spend the dosh and get the inputs you are used to. if you are just recording stereo, try an 8 input sound card and try that for a while before expanding.

[popmann]

Yeah...just keep using the desk. You actually don't want all those midi keys/modules plugged into an interface, monitoring via software. Anti chub, indeed. Keep them on the Mackie...you can route them to some digital IO to/from the computer as needed.

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

If you're using a 24 channel console, then your limit is 24 channels of computer I/O. There are quite a few that offer this, one of the better ones is the RME RayDAT but I'm partial to RME. You should look at others, too. In addition you would need converters. In your case, 24 of the cheapest converters and 24 mic pres/line ins come from Behringer in packages of 8, the ADA8000, for about $230 per unit. So that is a little less than $1,000 for converters and about $800 for the interface.

It is worth noting that this rig can replace your console entirely. But if you are really used to the console paradigm, you might stick with it for a while until you get used to the new setup. Having 24 inputs and outputs in 4 rack spaces and clearing the console off of your desk changes the dynamic in a good way.