Mulit track interface for computer recording?

[bluesdoc]

I know nothing about this realm, but I've been trying to record one of my bands, settling for 10 inputs to our PA mixer and just dumping a pre set mix to a stereo recorder. Thus, no post-recording mixing capability. So, I have an available laptop (3 yr old Toshiba satellite). Is there some sort of hardware interface that doesn't cost a fortune that would take all 10 inputs to a software program that will record all 10 tracks at once so I can create my own mix afterwards? Or are the standalone units more cost effective? I don't know if this will be worth the effort or expense for this sort of band but I thought I'd put it out there. Again, I know nothing about this realm. We were recording with a single stereo electret mic in the room and it was pretty bad. The mixer to stereo recorder is a lot better, but we can't adjust anything after the fact. Suggestions?

jon

[getbent]

low cost. they work pretty dang well in my experience

phonic helix

[bluesdoc]

This laptop only has a usb 2, no firewire. Problem? Are there firewire to usb interfaces??

jon

[Jim Soloway]

Originally Posted by bluesdoc

This laptop only has a usb 2, no firewire. Problem? Are there firewire to usb interfaces??

jon

You can buy a firewire card for a laptop for about $60.

[Fan-Man]

Presonus makes some good low cost interfaces but you will need a firewire connection. The firestudio has 8 preamps and more direct inputs (no preamp)...the firepod's are selling pretty cheap righ now on ebay and I believe it was similiar to the firestudio but with less functions and different preamps.

[loudboy]

There's about a thousand 8 channel interfaces, at all price points. One of the most crowded markets out there. Not many w/10 inputs. The more you spend, the better they get.

Loudboy

[Butterfly]

Bluesdoc: what did you decide on if anything? i am following the thread as it describes my situation as well. Considered the line 6 toneport but a drawback is no drum loops and it cannot i don't believe take more than one input at a time. Otherwise seems simple. I thought about going GarageBand but I don't have a Mac. I priced a new one and it came to 3,428 (mac book pro with extra memory and 7200 hard drive). Seemed expensive to me when I already have a laptop PC.

[bluesdoc]

Originally Posted by Butterfly

Bluesdoc: what did you decide on if anything?

I haven't made a decision. I have to run this by my bandmates to see if they are willing to pony up for the project. In the meantime, I might keep my eyes out for some used interface gear and look into a firewire card for my Toshiba. Stay tuned....

jon