recording 16 channels simultaneously?

[hotrodder]

Hey guys what solutions are out there to record 16 channels simultaneously real time (zero latency if possible) from lets say a 16 channel analog mixing board and get it onto a PC hard drive and into some sort of software package. Basically I want record the whole band all at once. What Hardware, software, etc. is out there to do this? Also what recording software do you guys like for some like this.

[GuitslingerTim]

It all depends on what you want the digitized product to end up being. Theoretically you could run the output of the mixer into the stereo inputs of any soundcard & software if a two channel stereo mix is acceptable. If the goal is recording all 16 channels in a multitrack format, the first acquisition will need to be a 16 channel soundcard and a computer with a fast enough processor to keep up with the demand.

I'm not sure about other software, but Sonar supports unlimited tracks. Keep in mind that most DAW software has file size limitations--you can't record live for extended periods into a single file.

[hotrodder]

do you know or can you recommend a soundcard that support 16 channels simultaneously? Or are there any external analog-to-digital interfaces that will support 16 channels simultaneously and wont break the bank, but give decent quality.

[loudboy]

do you know or can you recommend a soundcard that support 16 channels simultaneously? Or are there any external analog-to-digital interfaces that will support 16 channels simultaneously and wont break the bank, but give decent quality.

Two used ADAT XT20s and a MOTU 2408 MKII.

Loudboy

[hotrodder]

How important is it when looking at used adats is the head hours? I was llooking at some of them and they had 1000+ hours.

Also is there a product out that does not need the use of two tape adats or would I be better off getting something like a HD24 and interface it via a network or use a different product from motu?. If I can do 24 channels it is not a bad thing.

[tms13pin]

I have an Alesis HD24. Records 24 tracks sumultaneously onto a hard
drive, and has ethernet as well as ADAT I/O for moving things over to
a computer.

Many of the 8-track I/O interfaces can be concatenated with each other
for more tracks, but I don't trust most PC's to be able to handle the
throughput. So unless you can afford ProTools hardware, you're better
off getting your tracks onto a machine designed to track all at once and
then moving things over from there. I bought my HD24 for a grand last
year, you can probably get one cheaper than that now.

--Tom

[Jeff Flowerday]

Onyx 1640 with it's firewire card. I've done 16 tracks at 24/96.

http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx1640/index.html

I used my laptop and an external HD. You'll definately need a second hard drive.

I used Cubase.

It's by far the simplest and cleanest solution I've used so far.

.02

[hotrodder]

Thanks guys, for the information now have to decide what way I want to do it.

[netaddict]

Sorry to bring this thread back up! I just recently got Alesis Multimix8 USB unit and a M-Audio MobilePre USB unit to compare. I have Cakewalk Sonar 4 Producer Edition and Cubase LE software to compare. What I found out is that each SW will only see the Alesis or M-Audio at 2 channels (left or right) as input source. Even if I have 8 sound sources (drum machine, keyboard, MP3, etc. ) plugged into the Alesis mixer, when it is plugged into the PC via USB, the PC only sees all 8 sources as a combined stereo input.

I am New to recording so was wondering if my observation is in-sync with what have been brought up. If I want the PC to see multiple channels then I must look for multi-channels audio interface device, is that right? Do you know of any USB unit with such ability?

Thanks in advance!

[bchamorro]

how about two firepods?

[Denyle_Guitars]

If you're already using a mixer, I'd recommend either the hd24xr + fireport or the Lynx aurora16 + aes16.

As for software, take your pick from the major ones, or you can try Reaper for a few dollars.

[drfrankencopter]

I've been using Ensoniq/Emu Paris for almost 10 years now....it's been able to do this from day 1. I've dropped in 24 tracks simultaneously myself, but know of folks who've done 64. And on pretty pedestrian computers (by todays standards) too.

I'd be a little surprised if most multi channel interfaces/software on the market today wouldn't support 16 simultaneous recording channels. But...I haven' been looking so I can't say for sure.

FWIW Paris rigs can be had on the cheap....

Cheers,

Kris

[countandduke]

Two firepods would work but you'd need a nice and fast computer to record all that info. 16 tracks at the same time is a lot of information. The alesis does look pretty sweet though!!

Chris