Going back to digitize old multi-track tapes.....

[jamabel]

Anyone done this before? I've got 20 hours of 4-track cassetttes that I would like to digitize and revitalize. What are some good software or other tools that would help me?
I currently have Cubase LE without the ability to add any midi to the audio track b/c I can't quantize or 'stretch' the soundwaves. It's hard for me to explain. If anyone has tried to do this, you might know what I mean.
Thanks
SL

[dstroyr666]

Hi, I tried this awhile ago. I had to get a soundcard with 4 inputs so I could record all the tracks at the same time. Hopefully your 4track has 4 outputs. The problem I had trying to do 2 at a time was my Yamaha 4track wouldn't play back at the exact speed so each group were different speeds. I used a DELTA card and Adobe Audition. Hope this helps.

dstroyr666

[brandondrury]

I currently have Cubase LE without the ability to add any midi to the audio track b/c I can't quantize or 'stretch' the soundwaves.

You are forcing MIDI onto a grid. You don't have to use MIDI in this fashion. You can simply record MIDI like you would record a guitar track or something. It's incredibly difficult to use a mouse without the grid, but any real performance can be captured with MIDI just as easily as it can be captured with a microphone.

I also would recommend an audio interface with 4 inputs. Check out the home recording soundcard wizard in my signature and we'll go from there.

Brandon

[jamabel]

I've got a Lexicon Omega. I can bring in all 4 tracks simultaneously. Since they are all done live and on tape, the tempo of the songs are not consistent. I would like to add a tempo dependent drum track using MIDI. Unless I can edit the audio tracks to match the tempo of the MIDI track, its kinda usless.
I am aware I may be asking the impossible here.

[joebingo]

it's very easy to do what you're asking. you would be able to record a beat with a simple midi controller, or an electronic kit, or even a drum machine.

i think timestretching is only available in cubase sx, but your midi drums needn't be in time to a click, as long as they're in time with the music

[brandondrury]

it's very easy to do what you're asking. you would be able to record a beat with a simple midi controller, or an electronic kit, or even a drum machine.

Simply recording MIDI is one thing. Recording a MIDI track that grooves in a natural way with the song is very tough even with a click.

i think timestretching is only available in cubase sx, but your midi drums needn't be in time to a click, as long as they're in time with the music

Easier said than done.

Brandon