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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: knightline787 on June 09, 2003, 09:12:31 PM

Title: Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: knightline787 on June 09, 2003, 09:12:31 PM

Hey everyone, i recently bought a 12" G4 Powerbook with 640MB DDR266 Memory and a 60GB hard drive ;D , and i really want to tape with this sucker.  I have a couple questions to ask everyone if you can help.

1) What battery should i use?  Is the one that came with it fine for recording?

2) What kind of interface should i use to imput the mics?  A buddy of mine that works at guitar center said the M-Box http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030609155512012248080145532900/g=home/search/detail/base_id/59021 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030609155512012248080145532900/g=home/search/detail/base_id/59021) would work and i was wondering waht y'all thought about it.  

My rig would be (for now) 2 C1000s -> MBox -> G4

thanks!

-brien

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: waltflanagansdog on June 09, 2003, 10:54:30 PM

Hey!  Congrats on the rig!  I just bought one as well!

As far as a battery goes, I don't think that the battery that comes with the system will power the laptop for an entire show.  You can go the 12V way, the Valance way, or do what I did...bought a few extra Li-Ion batteries.

I use the VxPocket V2 sound card.  You can use an M-Box or a UA-5 as well.  Make sure you get 24 bits out of the interface.

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: knightline787 on June 09, 2003, 11:13:47 PM

where can i get these batteries?  is there a site on line?  

thanks.

-b

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: knightline787 on June 09, 2003, 11:20:50 PM

sorry, I got it. i'm a dumbass. how many extra batteries did u get?

-brien

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: yellowhat on June 10, 2003, 05:06:56 PM

The Mbox is powered by the USB bus so you need to take that into consideration. I myself have an ibook with a UA5 for the interface and on the laptop I am getting about 3.5 hrs of recording time with it.

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: knightline787 on June 11, 2003, 12:54:27 PM

how do u power the UA-5?

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: RRobar on June 11, 2003, 01:02:35 PM

9.6v battery pack. Do a search here and you should find alot of info on building one. Can be built for under $50 easy. You have to do a little work but it's easy to do.

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: knightline787 on June 12, 2003, 12:20:05 AM

waht woudl u do if the laptop is running low on battery in the middle of a show?  how do uswitch the battery?

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: yellowhat on June 12, 2003, 01:48:17 AM

right now if may battery dies it dies, i have no back up for that so i try to plan ahead and most of the shows i record it is not an issue for me.

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: RRobar on June 12, 2003, 09:57:26 AM

Switch batteries at set break. Most batteries will give you about 2.5 hrs of life. SO switching at a set break is easiest. I carry 2 4 hr batteries. Not been a problem so far. With the Ua5, you build the pack to run 2 that way you hook up one the attahce dthe other when you think the other is getting low and there is no loss of signal to the UA5. AGain, search the site for links to the "How To" web site Jordan Shapiro put up for help with makinga  UA5 battery pack.

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: scb on June 12, 2003, 12:17:08 PM

but many bands don't play 2 sets....that's the problem

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: RRobar on June 12, 2003, 03:24:44 PM

Understand. Luckily The ones I tape with the laptop do.

Title: Re:Getting a Laptop Rig
Post by: scb on June 12, 2003, 03:45:59 PM

the cheapest option for a laptop is a 12v SLA combined with a car adapter (cigarette lighter adapter) for the laptop.  while heavy, it's a power solution under 100 bucks