mobile ProTools rig... advice needed/ post your pics!!!

[ghellquist]

Just random thought - if it is for gig recording it does not really have to be PT, as PT can import Wav files (and a few other formats).

Gunnar

[pkautzsch]

Second Gunnar's advice not to do computer based setup.
Get a decent 24tk HD recorder like Alesis HD24 (XR), and import it's files into your homebase system. Takes a lot less space (no computer screen to be carried around!), is more reliable, and the XR's converters are said to be good too.
As to preamps, I can't really help you with "rock" pres. Audient 008 is a good allrounder, I suppose. With ADAT board, so you can get into the HD recorder digitally.

[fifthcircle]

Gonna recommend the DAW here... The time it saves in data management, session setup, etc.. is well worth it. Not to mention the time it saves in the mix to be able to write automation as it records, etc.

Been using Pro Tools (an LE system) and Sequoia in the field for years and had great luck. For the computer on my systems, I've either used Laptops that break out into anexpansion chassis or small form-factor desktop cases. The laptop thing I find is easier with a mac, and the small case is easier with a PC. Pick your poison- they each have their upsides and downsides- especially when you have to haul the stuff into a venue.

Just get good cases (and a good cart ).

I deal more with acoustic music, but for bands I'd probably serious look at the ATI pres. Sound pretty good and the 8x2 summing mixer can be handy as well.

--Ben

[tsd]

are any gearslutz doing mobile protools HD recording?

[mspence@mac.com]

Originally Posted by tsd

are any gearslutz doing mobile protools HD recording?

I am, the bug bit me several years ago. I'm in a rush this morning, but the rig can be seen here:

www.justpushplayav.com

I'd be glad to answer any questions as far as how to keep PT up and running in hostile conditions. It can be done, and it's very stable if you follow a few simple guidelines. It's been upgraded since that photo was taken, and it will be getting more upgrades this spring. I'll post some more this evening when I get home.

Later,

Michael

[aussie_techie]

Originally Posted by tsd

are any gearslutz doing mobile protools HD recording?

on occasion when the i/o is needed or the LE systems are in use elsewhere. usualy i go with 2 LE systems as they are easier to move but it also means 2 systems. HD seems much more stable for long recordings so we dont worry about a backup.

[Jim vanBergen]

I like using mobile PT rigs, and have had MOSTLY good results, I made the jump to direct to disc using dedicated multitracks and importing to PT. If I made enough $$ doing remotes I'd buy a new HD system... but having 4 RU with converters & 24 tracks is really convenient and a good building block. It's really amazing how small these systems have gotten, given that my first few remotes were with 2" 24 tracks and then DA-88s...which I still have a rack of. I guess they cost me so much back then, I just can't let them go for the measley 300/each they get on Ebay. Not that they see mch use...just sit in a rack looking pretty.

ANYWAY.

Here is a pic of a 48 input PT6 system from about 18 months ago...sorry about the washed out screen.

Jim

[marty lester]

i've done PT HD remote recording several times. it's worked
wonderfully so far. i also use the Alesis HD24 system too,
and have had great results. in a couple of cases, the PT
rig was the TC master, so it was pretty important it
didn't crash or pop out of record.

i have used combinations of Presonus 8 channel mic
pre-ams using light-pipe out and/or API, Greatriver, Milennia multi-channel
analog out units. i don't have a great monitor/mixing rig
however.

all i can say is have some kind of UPS with battery back-up
in use for that inevitable "plug gets kicked out of the wall"
moment. i guess that goes without saying, but still...

hey Jim...i really like your PT rack set-up there. did you make
that yourself or did you buy it pre-fabed?

cheers,
marty.

[foldback]

I regularly record with the HD24XR and import the tracks back into my Protools system for editing and finishing. I use the Alesis Fireport for the import to the computer, I can transfer 4 hours of live 24 track to a firewire drive in around an hour. The HD24XR uses the same ADC as the Lexcion 960, the sound and signal to noise is more than acceptable for most live gigs and it is so much more compact and easy to deal with than lugging along a G5 and a Protools rack (been there, done that too).

Protools LE is not really an option for me on most remote recording dates because of the hardware limitation, not enough inputs.

The HD24XR running at 96K with Grace m801 mic preamps does an amazing job for a recording combo that costs less than $6000. I've recorded some opera soloists with this system and received incredible feedback, most people are shocked and floored I did these recordings on the Alesis.

[Jim vanBergen]

Originally Posted by marty lester

hey Jim...i really like your PT rack set-up there. did you make that yourself or did you buy it pre-fabed?
cheers,
marty.

I wish I had the time & patience to build that myself. Got it that way!
At least I can claim the recordings are mine.

[tsd]

thanks for the input guys!

[ohoen]

http://www.solid-state-logic.com/mus...lpha_link.html

[treeg]

Depending on how fussy you are a set up with Digital performer and 3 or 4 MOTU interfaces is much more convenient than ProTools. 24inputs 16 bit works pretty well, haven't tried 32inputs. For small venues, clubs- the might have direct outs or they might have a mackie which you can carefully get feeds from the 1 click into the insert point trick, (sometimes you have to negotiate how to deal with an engineer using a couple inserts for outboard (Y cables could work). Sometimes better than direct outs as the levels don't change with engineer gain riding. Sometimes neither is available.

If you want to do it as a profession with your own pre's etc. you probably need splitters and snakes, which can cost a lot, take time to set up break down etc.
I did see a festival where the remote recorders made a box where they simply wired the mic in parrallel as a mult to the house board and their tascam digital boards preamps, but a lot of house engineers won't like the risk of impedence loading, ground loops etc.

With DP You can playback on the laptop speakers or headphones without an interface whenever it's convenient (though an external firewire drive or two will give lot's more reliability and track counts).If you record in DP, to do further work in PT - use OMF export or drag soundbytes soundfiles to line up together in a new PT session, or use DP as a wrap around in DAE mode (which has a few limitations- no rewire, no multiple RTAS outs, a little less stable, slow loading times on big sessions).
At least one band has liked tracks from a bottom of the line 32 input Soundcraft mixer into old MOTU interfaces than recordings made with Millenia, chandler, Neve preamps and 192 interfaces. It's mostly the music.

Good luck

[Barnabas]

Here is my rig in a small dressing room under the stage. (Ben Folds in the purple shirt) I got a split from the sound company to feed the PT system.

I had a video camera on the side of the stage feeding the video projector in my dressing room. That’s my assistant working really hard!
Having a video feed from stage is a must, so you know when to push the record button. I run the video down mic cables to my monitor. (barnabas.com/sound/cables)

I have 16 channels of Digi PREs, and 8 channels of PreSonus preamps. The interfaces were a 192 and an old 882-20 in the legacy port. I was recording 24 tracks at 44.1, 24 bit.

The computer (G4 in a Marathon Rack) is under the table. The video monitor is an Apple 17" LCD that is transported in a foam lined box. The audio monitor is a JBL 6208 powered speaker that fits nicely in the SKB rack. All equipment, including the computer are in SKB racks.

The giraffe’s name is Edgar.

I agree that not using a computer would be easier and less prone to problems. I used to record live gigs on DA-88s and transfer to PT back at he studio. Transferring the tracks is a big time drag, so I setup my PT rig to be mobile.

In this case, after recording, I quickly transferred the tracks to an external hard drive and exchanged it for a pile of cash from the road manager.

[Barnabas]

Another gig at a church. That's my Rapco splitter snake below the house console.
This time I used a 192 and a 96 I/O. The 96 is oriented vertically due to limited space under the table. You can see the G4 in the Marathon rack. I made my own rack ears to fit it in a SKB rack.
I used the splits from the house board and supplemented with my 8-channel PreSonus preamp.
The IBM hard drive that came with the G4 died on this gig, so I lost the last two songs. All drives have since been replaced by Seagate Barracudas. Luckily this was my church, so it wasn’t a really big problem.

[Headroadie2004]

Here is my rig I put together a few years ago. I just have PCI-X cards and 96 i/os and a 96i. I am in the process of moving the rig to two racks one will have the computer 16 inputs and better mic pres as well as 16 Presonus D8s. The D8s will be default patched or normalled to the 16 inputs and other mic pres will be able to be patched to any input as I need them. I will have my other rack setup for an additional 32 and possibly 48 inputs with more D8s for the time being. Right now I have only done one on location recording for a live album. I am really hoping to get more soon. Any of y'all still doing work with your rigs? If you don't mind if I ask, what kind of rate do y'all charge for remote work. I would love to get into doing some remote recording of symphony scoring possibly for games or films. Just offer a lower cost alternative to some of these small budget projects.



Western Audio Works - LIve Sound Systems, Lighting, and Video Production company San Angelo, TX - Recording

Here is a song from the live album I recorded which was where that picture was taken. It was tracked 32ch 96k 24bit and the system worked like a champ.
Granger Smith "Superstitious 17" (Live at the Chicken) - YouTube