Getting Started

[manicjazzer]

Yes, another new post by a newbie, hello everyone. I would like to begin recording my jazz group at our rehearsals, at jam sessions, and to record my student groups so they can improve their playing (and maybe in the WAY distant future record an album). The requirements are obvious that it must be portable. I already have a very small basic 4 track mixer but I'm ready to upgrade this spring. I would like to have at least 3 or 4 mics on drums, then bass, guitar, and a horn or two. First question is which is better/easier to have - a portable digital mixer with its own hard drive or a mixer interfaced with a laptop? Does anyone have their recommendations for recorders? I'm obviously not going for the most expensive option, but I can blow some money. You all rock.

[Electriclight]

Originally Posted by manicjazzer

First question is which is better/easier to have - a portable digital mixer with its own hard drive or a mixer interfaced with a laptop?

I would recommend going the laptop route. There are just so many more options available to you, and what you learn about computer audio recording you will be able to use forever.

It sort of like the difference between a hardware word processor (remember those?) and Microsoft WORD. The learning curve for getting your first track recorded will probably be about the same in either case. Once you start basic editing, I think it might actually be a shorter learning curve on the computer (can you cut and paste in WORD?).

Beyond basic editing there is a world of things to learn, but at that point your hardware recorder device becomes obsolete.

The only thing quicker about the hardware recorder is initial set up. So yeah, you may kill an evening (or maybe just an hour) getting your audio interface set up, but you'll probably find that it was worth it.

It sounds like you need about 8 inputs. Use the Soundcard Wizard on this sight to find a suitable audio interface. When selecting a laptop make sure you get a 7200 RPM Hard drive. Good luck, Dave