Maximum track count without using PT

[mrbibidy]

I need to know what the most channels I can record with my MacBook Pro is without using PT HD and what the solution is (hardware and software).

[huub]

Well, there's the RME madi interface for laptops (64 tracks), and then you can use an additional firewire interface as an aggregate device..

[Svens]

I know you dont want to know, but PT HD is impossible with a laptop.

[Larry Mal]

I don't even understand the question. The most tracks that is possible with any particular DAW?

Or the most tracks possible with any interface and DAW setup possible? I'm not sure if I see the point of that sort of theoretical discussion. Are you then going to buy that setup?
Including a microphone for each possible input? The sky's the limit?

Or do you mean the most tracks possible with your particular setup? In which case, how the hell do I know, since you didn't post what it is?

Why don't you tell us what you want to do, what you have, and what you are thinking, so people can make intelligent replies.

[mrbibidy]

I just me whats the best way to get a high track count for recording purposes (and what are those track counts). I am a PT op but when I do FOH the LE 16 (or 18 if youre smart) doesnt help me multitrack shows, too limited. I like the RME madi option are there any others? This sorta thing is actually difficult to search so I thought I would ask the best, the gear slutz! ;-)

Ps PT HD IS actually possible on a laptop with the right gear, I know someone in the DUCs runs and tests it.

[mrbibidy]

Originally Posted by Larry Mal

Why don't you tell us what you want to do, what you have, and what you are thinking, so people can make intelligent replies.

So sorry I meant to reply to this

I just need to be able to track high track counts, line in, for when I am doing front of house gigs. For example I am doing a Christmas show and they want to be able to track it so we can do a studio mix for the video they are shooting. So I need however many tracks we will use (this number isnt a necessary cause I am sure I will do gigs in the future with higher counts), and I will need to generate time code to strip on the camera for syncing (not important to the thread, just thought I'ld mention it incase someone knew a solution that would let me generate code as well).

[s.d.finley]

Originally Posted by mrbibidy

So sorry I meant to reply to this

I just need to be able to track high track counts, line in, for when I am doing front of house gigs. For example I am doing a Christmas show and they want to be able to track it so we can do a studio mix for the video they are shooting. So I need however many tracks we will use (this number isnt a necessary cause I am sure I will do gigs in the future with higher counts), and I will need to generate time code to strip on the camera for syncing (not important to the thread, just thought I'ld mention it incase someone knew a solution that would let me generate code as well).

How much I/O will you need for this show? Each HD card can handle a total of 32 I/O.
So and HD3 system with three cards would be able to handle 96 I/O. IIRC, using an expansion chassis with HD on a laptop might cut down your voice count, but not the I/O. I would recommend you ask that guy on the DUC.

[mrbibidy]

I am not sure, still working the track count out, but it wouldnt be more than 64 I know that. And HD is not an option to me. Too expensive for what I would get considering I have at least 3 HD4 studios that would give me free time when I need it and I already have a habit of maxing them out lol. Can someone say HD update needed?? But thats a whole different thread.

[Murton]

It would have to be a combination of a expresscard interface like RME MADI, Apogee Symphony and an aggregate device on the firewire bus. I'd want a bitching HDD to keep up. Biggest internal SSD you can afford.

So something like RME MADIface on the expresscard and a presonus lightpipe on the firewire bus in aggregate audio mode.

This gives 64 + 32 Inputs and Outputs. So 96. So you would need 12 8 channel AD's and a ADAT or AES/EBU converter for 64 channels, the rest go over ADAT on the Lightpipe.

That's the biggest Laptop system I can think of.

You can Also do 32 Inputs via Apogee Symphony Mobile with two AD16X's, two Symphony cards and a Symphony Mobile express card.

[TC Custom Audio]

Originally Posted by Svens

I know you dont want to know, but PT HD is impossible with a laptop.

Not necessarily true...

I'm just sayin'.

In any case, I'd go for RME MADI. RME seems to always be on the cutting edge for native systems. Symphony Mobile probably rocks too, though.

[strewnshank]

Originally Posted by mrbibidy

I am not sure, still working the track count out, but it wouldnt be more than 64 I know that. And HD is not an option to me. Too expensive for what I would get considering I have at least 3 HD4 studios that would give me free time when I need it and I already have a habit of maxing them out lol. Can someone say HD update needed?? But thats a whole different thread.

I'd get yourself over to the remote forum, there are pros over there who do this for a living....they'll probably have some solid insight.

From experience, (2) HD24 recorders has worked really well for me in the past, using one as a master and one as a backup. I've tracked some hectic productions, and I was easily able to pack it into 18 tracks using busses, leaving 6 for audience and FOH stereo mics.

Hell, during mix, I was happy not to have each mic as its own track.