What's the best solution?

[Herman Munster]

I'm currently running Cubase Studio 4 on a PC with a Firepod at home and am rather happy as a beginner. I do have a need however, to be able to do some remote tracking (my band, church functions, and other various things). I prefer not to pack up the PC and rack and other gear to do this. So, keeping in mind I'm a serious newbie, which of the following is the best option for me (cleanest, best sound, and easiest learning curve). BTW, I'm open to other suggestions as well:

1) Buy a laptop and another Firepod (could track 16 tracks live at 16 bit/44kHz)
(Could do this for likely a little more than $1000 if I got a used Firepod)

2) Buy a used Roland VS series recorder (1680 or 2400) $500-1000 used. Might be a pain to import wavs for editing, etc.

3) Buy a Korg D3200 used for less than $1000 with ability to record 12 tracks simultaneously live then import via USB 2.0 to Cubase for editing, etc.

4) Buy an Alesis HD24(can't foot bill for XR) for tracking only and import files via ethernet connection into Cubase. Can get a used HD24 for around $1000 as well.

It may be a wash, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks guys. I've found this forum to be a life-saver so far....

Mike

[John Suitcase]

I'd tend to stay away from the all-in-one studio type things (Roland VS, etc), but if you just want to track, and can import the files easily, that may be an option. My complaints have been that they don't sound great (the built in pre's generally are pretty weak), and editing/mixing are rather difficult.

I do remote stuff, I have an iMac running Cubase, with a MOTU 828 and Mackie Onyx 800r. I also use a Yamaha Mixer for monitor mixes, but again, you might not need that functionality.

The problem that you'll run into in any of these scenarios is the difficulty in hearing what you have going to 'tape.' A mixer and decent headphone amp is nice to have for this.

Another option that you might consider is an ADAT machine. They're soo cheap nowadays, and relatively reliable. If the firepod has an ADAT input, you can easily transfer the tracks to your DAW, as well.

You'll still need a rack of preamps, of course, but that'll be the case with any scenario, unless you plan to take the direct outs off the PA (which I would receommend against, for grounding reasons, etc)

Doubt I've helped much, but hey, what do you expect? ;-)


Any of the 8 preamp A/D converter units (mackie 800r, presonus digimax, etc) that has an ADAT out would work with the ADAT deck (or HD24), too, if you want to keep it simple, and used ADAT decks go for about $200 on eBay all day long...