If you had to build a cheap 5K portable rig 2-8 I/O, how would you do it?

[Nevelicious]

I am just wondering. I am putting together a small rig that I can take on trips. I am going to be all over the place this year. I have my own thoughts but I just wanted to see how others would do it. It might change my mind. The computer should be a part of the 5k.... BUT.....it does not have to. Flux it to 6K.... or 7K..... or..... jeez I am such a slut. LOL

[Nevelicious]

By the way... keep mics out of it... I have plenty!

[Lectra]

What about outboard, software ?

[Nevelicious]

Outboard needs to be a part.... not plugs, I can switch out my key.... got to be PT though... either MBox or 002R.... (I just would like to skip the A/D I/O on the hardware..... Thanks!

dfegad

[Lectra]

ON THE ROAD SET-UP:

* Laptop: 1500$
* Apogee Mini me 1350$
* Great River ME-1nV: 1075$
* M box + PT Le 350$
* Ext. HD: 250$
* FMR RNC: 175$
* Little Labs IBP Jr: 350$
------------------------------
= 5050$

[PaRaNoId]

(1) EMU 1820M (400-550) depends who u know...(8+ I/Os and 2 quality pres)
..using free incl. CUBASE or SONAR 4, samplitude, etc ($300+?)
EMU 1820M has same converters as Digi 192HD, SONAR 3/4 is crazy stable...
(1) Behringer ADA-800 w/ optic cabling ($250+)
adds 8 more inputs via ADAT optical ( use for TB, toms, under snare, ride, etc)
(1) FMR RNP + RNC in funk logic rack (700+) <((mercenary.com))>
2 ch pre/limit of pure quality, use on critical stuff (OH, Vox, Overdubs) plus, RNC is great for snare drum and vox
(1) PC (AMD chip.ABIT MOBO, 2 WD drives, 512 RAM)=(<$600)
build it yourself or ask that geeky friend... <((newegg.com))>
(1) flatscreen (once again, who do u know?) roughly $400
I opt for flat screens because they are quiet and save valuable DAW space!
(1) Neutrik or dbx patch bay plus patches ($200) essential
(1) SKB rack (+/-$100) gotta have...
(1) m-aUDIO DMP3 2ch pres ($200)
perfect for distorted guitars and agressive drums, 2nd go-to pres...use bluemax comp (via patching) for padding
(1) PreSonus BMRA (Bluetube 2ch pres & BlueMAX comp ($300)
great for the behringer inputs that need extra padding...use on less critical sources-- toms, bkrd vox, ride, room mics..compressor actually rocks on kick, bass and snare!
and spend the rest on plug-ins/software...hints---
SONALKSIS, WAVEARTS, LEXICON, dB-audioware


=(3.5k+) (i know im forgetting something...or not? oh yeah, apple is not involved...)

also-- remember you will need extended warranties, a desk and monitoring...at least 1.5k+ !!!

sorry for the 888th edit... if you have extra cash...drop it on mic cords, and rent/buy a high-quality clock!

[James Lehmann]

Well I just put together a high quality and extremely portable rig that fits into a backpack for much less than that:

- Mac 12" Powerbook w Logic
- Metric Halo ULN-2

...which suits my needs perfectly

But you don't give nearly enough information on what you want to DO with your portable rig so it is tough for us to post useful advice without simply making blind guesses!

[maxim]

this is the rig i've been using for 5 years, and have recorded my and other people's music on from paris to oenpelli:

g3/400 pismo powerbook, running digital performer 3.02

40 gig ext firewire drive

motu 828

all fits into computer bag and small carry bag (airplane-friendly), including mics, leads, extra preamps, sharpies etc

all together, it cost me <$5000 5 years ago, but a quick check of e-bay tells me that it can be had for <$1000 today, so you can either upgrade the individual pieces, or spend the rest of the money on choice pre-amps (always the weak point of my rig)

[Nevelicious]

The thing is, I would rather stay in PT than anything else. Keep em coming. Very interesting. No desktop computers. I mean, extremely portable. A 6-8 space rack and a notebook. Thanks again.

[Lectra]

Originally posted by James Lehmann
......But you don't give nearly enough information on what you want to DO with your portable rig so it is tough for us to post useful advice without simply making blind guesses!

DITTO

IMHO a portable rig can't be portable enough.
When you travel A LOT you don't want to drag around with a 6unit flightcase. I thought my setup was pretty badass...

[HudHudson]

I've been using a Digi 002 Rack into a 15" 1.25 GHz Powerbook racked with a pair (4 ch) of RNPs with a RNC on the side (love those 1/3 rack space units) plus a power strip in a 4-space flight case. I also have a Benchmark DAC-1, Senn 580 headphones and a Maxtor FW drive. At street prices the total is just a little over $5K. I'd go for the 1.5 GHz Powerbook for the extra dough. Portable powered monitors would be optional.

[Nevelicious]

Basically, I do not mind pulling a case around with me if quality is the reason. I just would like to sit and record in a hotel room or backstage, or if I wanted to record a gig. Rock, vocal, etc. Thanks!