Tascam X48 build a rig around it

[next]

Hi, i do live recordings and I want to expand my set up, and, since I want to continue using a standalone recorder, I'm interested on the x-48.
Can someone just try to give me some advice on which mixer or mic preamp converters should I start to look for?
The post production will be done in a personal studio. Also the x-48 would be steadly mounted on a van which is phisically the mobile recording.
Thanks a lot in advance.

[jayvo86]

Originally Posted by next

Hi, i do live recordings and I want to expand my set up, and, since I want to continue using a standalone recorder, I'm interested on the x-48.
Can someone just try to give me some advice on which mixer or mic preamp converters should I start to look for?
The post production will be done in a personal studio. Also the x-48 would be steadly mounted on a van which is phisically the mobile recording.
Thanks a lot in advance.

Do you need all 48 channels? How much does quality matter? What is your budget?

[next]

I can invest up to 10.000 euros.

Yes, the goal is to be able to record 48 tracks because during festivals is easy to find stage splitter of that size to alternate the bands.

At the moment, I have a Fostex d2424LV with 3 Presonus Digimax LT and the Yamaha 01. This is the main recording live set up on the van.
Plus a portable rig with two motu 8 pre and 828 and a Macbook pro to record on practice rooms.

[audioboffin]

Don't know what they cost where you are, but the ATI 8 channel preamp/mixer units deliver a lovely signal into those recorders. Plenty of functionality too for your situation, so all you would need for a complete live recording rig is a rack, multicore and splitters to be in business with your recorder.

Oh and a pair of headphones.

[next]

That is perfect! I can even avoid to use a mixer, can't I? So to sum up: six ATIs 8 and the X-48 could be the basis of a live recording rig. A mixer would be useful just to cue easily the inputs.

[audioboffin]

Actually you don't need a mixer, the ATI's have that functionality built-in. You can cascade the mix and PFL busses.

[MIKEHARRIS]

we recently supplied a X48 for a shootout with the JoeCo BlackBox recorder...and there are some features which make one desirable over the other

You need to decide if you are coming into the X48 via analog or digital..it comes with TDIF but i know of no preamps with TDIF outs...so ADAT or AES would probably be the digital format of choice. If you do chose digital you will have no analog outs which can be used for confidence monitoring...so a external DtoA must be used if you need that feature. The client felt the software to be clumsy.

The JoeCo BBR-1 comes with analog whether or not you chose the optional ADAT or AES inputs. The JoeCo is only 24 tracks...so 2 would be required. You can make a 2 ch headphone mix internally...it has no moving parts...and records to USB.

Being in the UK...you should investigate the JoeCo JoeCo - Home of the BlackBox Recorder

[muziekschuur]

A DM4800 can connect over TDIF and give you 96khz with no channelhalving.

Above mentioned mic pre's are very nice indeed.

[muziekschuur]

Would 6 ATI preamps fit in a 10.000 dollar budget?

[next]

Originally Posted by muziekschuur

Would 6 ATI preamps fit in a 10.000 dollar budget?

No, but now I know where to direct my investment. I see their price and it's very high like the satisfied comments of their users. I could start with three ATIs and combine this system with the one i've already.

Originally Posted by audioboffin

Actually you don't need a mixer, the ATI's have that functionality built-in. You can cascade the mix and PFL busses.

You mean I can connect their outs and cue from just one unit?

[naths101]

I did a live record of a musical late last year using 2 tascam X-48s running a total of 64 tracks fully synced with clock, time-of-day TC, black burst, MMC and it worked flawlessly recording to the internal drives.

In this case I ran 16ch of outboard pres as well as 2x presonus digimax LT, 2x focusrite octopres and a 16ch mixer all through analogue inputs.
ATIs or Audient ASP008s are great options.

The Tascams have the built in mixer which is great for monitoring however you'll need a headphone amp/monitor controller.

Also the GUI is easy enough to navigate around.

If you're after splitters, the Klark Technik Square Ones are pretty good and if you wanted to you could take the 'active out' on the back straight into the analogue inputs of the recorder, using the Gain controls on the front panel (however they're 5db stepped)

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by next

You mean I can connect their outs and cue from just one unit?

Yes!

Each channel has a mix pot that can be sourced from either the mic input or the DAW (e.g., X48) return. When the units are connected (via serial cable, I believe) the last one in the chain controls the overall mix balance, volume, and monitor output.

- Jim

[next]

Thanks to all of you guys for your great suggestions and experience. I can't wait to see my order

Originally Posted by naths101

I did a live record of a musical late last year using 2 tascam X-48s running a total of 64 tracks

honor!

[Jimbo]

So, did you buy three of those mofos, or what?

[next]

Yes i'm going to order (next week probably) three ATIs... 2.200 euros each, then other adaptations to the van must be made. I think i will be operative next month.

[naths101]

Originally Posted by next

Thanks to all of you guys for your great suggestions and experience. I can't wait to see my order


honor!

yeah it was pretty cool

[Soundhunter]

How about some photo's of the Van and the gear?