So the venue where I work finally got a mixing desk where I should be able to do multitrack recordings.
They will now use this mixer
http://www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/zed-r16/Hey, it's even called a 16 channel firewire recording mixer. Sounds promising to me.
It was bought used for a great price to be used as a live mixing desk for the two to four shows we do most weeks. Having everything from full rockshows to folkmusic and jazz. Pretty much anything that's good. And sometimes things that's not as well. Full capacity is about 150 standing but it's often at least partially seated.
Anyway, the guy who runs sound for 90% of the shows is somewhat interested in recording but like me has little to no actual experience with live multitrack recordings. We're not exactly computer gurus either. I use Audition to do some editing of my matrix recordings etc but that about my knowledge of recording software and I own no laptop. I'm not an Apple guy so prefer to avoid that if possible.
We will be able to install and use whatever we want as the owner couldn't care less what we do as long as it doesn't interfere with the shows. We will have to pay for any recording gear ourselves though.
So the mixer has Firewire and ADAT outs. I know both systems are getting up in age but there shouldn't be too much trouble finding things that work with either. It's more a make a decision and figure out what to get situation. It does not have direct analog outputs for each track.
So really what I'm trying to figure out if there are any distinct advantages to using either Firewire or ADAT. Either economical, useablility, quality or other. I've done some googling and will do some more but if anyone has tips or warnings I would be grateful for any comments on what to look for.
Firewire or ADAT? I want to do at least 24/48 on up to 16 channels which doesn't seem to be a problem for either connections. Whatever we get will be permanently placed and connected to the mixer so portability is not really an issue. I'ld obviously want to keep cost down. If possible under say 500 dollars or so but not a set maximum. No problem looking for used stuff. There seems to be rather inexpensive Alesis ADATs used all over? And a used laptop with firewire shouldn't cost much either?
And before this ends up like a thread debating the merits of multitracking. I'm fully aware of how time consuming the mixing etc would be for each show. I only intend to use it for the occasional show that I really care about and continue with regular stereo board + mics matrixes for most shows.
Thanks.