Old 01-01-2012, 12:10 PM   #1
ksor
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Default How to get more inputs ?

I'm completely new to Reaper !

I feel I need to get more inputs for mics.

I want to record some MIDI's from my Roland-SC55, some guitars and singing through some mics.

What should I get to get these inputs ?
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Old 01-01-2012, 12:25 PM   #2
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Have you got the physical inputs on your audio interface? (have you got a dedicated audio interface or are you using your computer's on-board sound?)

If you have the inputs, you can add them and give them meaningful names (aliases) in the "Prefs" (Ctrl-P).

Give us some more info and we'll help as we can...


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Old 01-01-2012, 12:25 PM   #3
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The number of inputs that you need depends on how many audio tracks that you want to be able to record simultaneously. You need an audio interface, either with built in mic inputs, or in conjunction with a mixer or outboard mic preamps. Audio interfaces are made with different connection types: pci, usb, firewire, which is something to keep in mind, depending on your computer. Some other considerations are, functionality, driver stability, achievable latency, sound quality, and price. There are lots of brands and configurations out there these days. If you give us more detail about how you would like to record, we can probably help you to narrow things down a bit.
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Old 01-01-2012, 02:55 PM   #4
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Someone told my to get the Roland SC55 - that's all you need !
Now someone is telling me that Reaper is all I need - forget the Roland SC55 - Reaper can do the same even better !

Then I had to get me a new soundcard with some more inputs - it'll do it all, even better !

I just don't want to spend money on something I allready have, when I just need some more inputs for mics !

Yes, I use my pc soundcard - and it's no good - but I'm aware I need something better, with some inputs for mics, I think !

I don't care about VST, iVST ot VSTi I allready have my Roland SC55 and that'll do for me - I then want to record some guitars and some voices - that's all !

What HW do I need ?
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Old 01-01-2012, 03:47 PM   #5
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Hi,
To record with some mics you need a soundcard with mic inputs, this is the simplest and least expensive way. There are many soundcards with different specs, according to the money you want to spend, your needs and connections you have on your computer (usb, firewire, pci), you need to choose one, this is a good place to check:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/audio_interfaces.html
Compare prices, you can also search for a good 2nd hand deals, and if in doubt search the web for reviews.

You could also read about soundcards, vsts, vstis and sound modules to have a more informed view of things and minimize the risk of spending money in something you don't want.
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Old 01-01-2012, 05:46 PM   #6
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Ksor, I'm a little confused, did you get an interface?

You need to decide how many inputs and outputs you need to use simultaneously and then with an idea of budget available, ideas can be suggested

Eg: I have Focusrite Saffire interfaces. They connect with FireWire and have from 8 to 24 ins and outs -mic, line and instrument. Just one idea, there is a wealth of experience here -others will chip-in with suggestions.


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Old 01-02-2012, 03:38 AM   #7
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I found this one second hand:

M-Audio, Audiophile 192
4-in/4-out, 24bit/192kHz, digital I/O, S/PDIF in & out, 64bit understøttelse,
2 balanced analog inputs (1/4" TRS)
2 balanced analog outputs (1/4" TRS)
S/PDIF digital I/O (coaxial RCA connectors) with 2-channel PCM.
SCMS copy protection control.
digital I/O supports surround-encoved AC-3 and DTS pass-trough.
direct hardware input monitoring via seperate balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs.
digital I/O can be routed to/from external effects.
16-channel MIDI I/O
ASIO, WDM, GSIF 2 and Core Audio driver support for compatibility with most applications.
PCI 2.2 compatibility.
Sample rates
digital: 32kHz to 192kHz
analog: 8kHz to 192kHz
Signal to noise ratio: -113db !

Is it compatible with Reaper ?

It's cheap but is it one for me ?
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Old 01-02-2012, 05:49 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ksor View Post
It's cheap but is it one for me ?
Yes, that will suit you excellently. 4 ins and 4 outs to start with. That means you can connect four microphones at once which is unlikely you'll really need unless you record drums. I have no experience with that particular card but I've had several M-Audio cards and I think they're really good quality for the price. Good stable drivers too. You'll need an external mic preamp though. I have one of these which is good for home recording/small project situations.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TubeMP/
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Old 01-02-2012, 06:03 AM   #9
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Have you any mic preamps Ksor? If you want to connect mics to that interface I think you'll need preamps in-between. A mixing desk might do the trick if you already have one, anything that will input mic on XLR and output line-level...


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Old 01-02-2012, 07:16 AM   #10
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Argh ... preamps is needed too !

How can you see that in the specifications ?

Then I have to use preamps to my acustic guitars with puck-ups too ?

Compatible with Reaper ?
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Old 01-02-2012, 07:26 AM   #11
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I have a Audiophile 192 in my PC and it works fine with Reaper, but I use one of these also (with my laptop) and might work well for ksor:

http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro.html.

I cost about $50 more than the 192 but has mic and instruments inputs.

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Old 01-02-2012, 07:32 AM   #12
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Then I found Delta66 + Omni I/O in front

Then I need no extra preamps for mics or guitars - right ?
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Old 01-02-2012, 07:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ksor View Post
Then I found Delta66 + Omni I/O in front

Then I need no extra preamps for mics or guitars - right ?
Its a good card (but old).

Did you look at the Fast Track Pro?

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Old 01-02-2012, 07:58 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ksor View Post
Argh ... preamps is needed too !

How can you see that in the specifications ?

Then I have to use preamps to my acustic guitars with puck-ups too ?

Compatible with Reaper ?
If you get an all in one audio interface, you won't need separate mic preamps. An example of an all in one interface: http://img838.**************/img838/8...ointerface.jpg Look at the front/back panels for the interfaces that you're interested in. Google images is helpful here.

With a soundcard, you don't typically get any of this type of stuff.

Hope that helps some.
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Old 01-02-2012, 06:53 PM   #15
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You have a bit of a journey of background info learning to do Ksor.

Many "normal" audio interfaces (soundcards) are analogue line-level in and out, with maybe an additional S/P-DIF digital in and out. Line-level connections are often RCA (phono) or 1/4" (6.3mm) jack (which may be "balanced" or "unbalanced").

Mics need to pass through a preamp to bring them up to line-level before they can go into one of these inputs. Preampscan be found in mixing desks or as voice channels.

A passive pickup guitar needs to go through a DI box if there isn't a dedicated "instrument" input on the interface. A battery-powered pickup may happily be compatible with a line-level input as it doesn't require the very high input impedance that a passive pickup does.

There are lots of good all-in-one interfaces about by the likes of MOTU, focusrite, RME, Presonus, etc that combine line inputs, mic inputs and instrument inputs all in one box. If you don't have preamps you can use, maybe look towards on of these..?

I hop this is helpful...


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Old 01-04-2012, 07:37 AM   #16
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Now I got one:

"M-Audio Fast Track" - not a PRO, not a MKII - just "Fast Track"

USB-cable

Good for me ?
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Old 01-05-2012, 02:39 AM   #17
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I can get these very cheap - can I use 2 of them in the same computer ?
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Old 01-05-2012, 05:49 AM   #18
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I'm not familiar with the Fast Track. I use an Alesis Firewire Multimix8 which they don't manufacture anymore. They still make these: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=multimix

They are nice because they include everything you would need i.e. phantom power (for condenser mics), and inputs for guitars, keyboards, other mics....

I'm not saying you need one of these exactly, but maybe something LIKE IT...I don't know how many different inputs you are looking for.

I understand your concern for cost but remember, your interface is a main piece of equipment for your setup.

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Old 01-05-2012, 08:55 AM   #19
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Quote:
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I can get these very cheap - can I use 2 of them in the same computer ?
Under Windows, I would say no. You might be able to use some sort of workaround, but I wouldn't count on it.

I haven't used a Fast Track, and I don't know how well it performs. I have a Fast Track Ultra that I like, though.
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Old 01-05-2012, 09:20 AM   #20
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> brainwreck

thx !
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Old 01-05-2012, 09:55 AM   #21
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http://www.recordingreview.com/sound...ard_wizard.php
It might help you a bit.
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Old 01-05-2012, 10:24 AM   #22
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-> smn

Thx - that was a good one for a novice !
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Old 01-05-2012, 10:26 AM   #23
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Quote:
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That's a cool idea, but it doesn't seem to work here. I ran through the beginner mode to see what it would recommend. It ended with a page showing virtually every interface on the market.
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Old 01-05-2012, 10:29 AM   #24
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-> brainwreck

Woops - as a novice I can not figure that out !

Thx for reminding !
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Old 01-05-2012, 10:32 AM   #25
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-> brainwreck

Woops - as a novice I can not figure that out !

Thx for reminding !
The advanced mode works, and the questions are exactly the same, minus the technical info for getting beginners up to speed.
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Old 01-05-2012, 10:42 AM   #26
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ksor, one thing to keep in mind is preamp gain, especially if you're going to be using dynamic microphones. Low gain preamps equals hiss for microphones that need plenty of gain. In my experience, for say an sm57, around 60 db+ is pretty good for recording lower volume instruments at home, such as acoustic guitar and vocals. The beginner interfaces tend to have low gain preamps, something like 40-50db of gain, and you might get more hiss than you like. This is of course in my opinion.
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Old 01-07-2012, 08:23 AM   #27
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One og you - I think it was "planetnine" - recommended teh M-Audio Fast Track Pro BUT ...

Isn't it a problem thatit's "only USB 1.1" ?
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Old 01-07-2012, 09:15 AM   #28
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http://geir-music.blogspot.com/2010/...interface.html
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Old 01-07-2012, 09:21 AM   #29
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Quote:
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Guitar and singing: That's 2-3 preamps and 2-3 converters.

I guess the Fast track Pro is a good choice.
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Old 01-07-2012, 05:52 PM   #30
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Quote:
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One og you - I think it was "planetnine" - recommended teh M-Audio Fast Track Pro BUT ...

Isn't it a problem thatit's "only USB 1.1" ?
That is what the web says. I wouldn't get a usb 1.1 interface, if you can avoid it.
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