Topic: Suggestions for 4-track recording?

[poorlyconditioned]

I've been using a laptop and a Presonus Firepod for 4-track recording (2 SBD + 2 AUD).  It sounds great, but I'm getting frustrated:
- lots of shit to carry
- hard to power (need AC really)
- driver problems (takes a few reboots for Windows XP to "see" the external interface)
- driver problems (unexplained clicks and pops sometimes!)

I know I should buy an Edirol R4, but I'm wondering if there are cheaper ways.

For example, is it possible to "sync" two ADC's together so they use exactly the same clock?  If so, perhaps I could run two NJB3's synced up.  Right now I'm using an Edirol UA5 + NJB3 and it is so easy to use.  It would be great if I could get a second ADC to run off the SPDIF output of the UA5.  Is this even possible?  If so, I could run SBD into line in into the second ADC.

At this point I'm almost ready to go back to 2-track...

  Richard

[Evil Taper]

Maybe try another portable mixer instead of the Firepod?  The mackie stuff or the MOTU units are supposed to work really well.  Otherwise you can get a Mixpre and just mix the 4 tracks down to 2 tracks and record it like that.  Supposedly running 2 different recorders will result is SLIGHTLY different final run times so you'll need to stretch one of the files to match the other and then mix it down.  Might wanna ask Ray what he's using to do his 4-track stuff, but the R4 would be the easiest and most compact solution.  Just sell the laptop and Firepod and get the R4...or pony up for a 744.

[timP]

gotta say using the R4 is so easy ..

just select 2 stereo files and press REC


Fast transfers


really a killer box

[Roving Sign]

If your ADs dont have Word clock I/Os (BNC) - nothing you can really do to sync them...

AC power - unless you really need a DC powered rig - stick to AC - you will have more choices.

If you are working the same rooms and bands - mix it live - you'll mess up a few - but eventually develop a good formula...

Plus you save a lot in Post production time...

[RebelRebel]

I get great results using my Wendt x4 (mixer)and recorder, Richard. It is 4 Channels mixed down to 2.
Not much to carry. there are a lot of ENG mixers that are DC powered. Most of the time I do 4 mics(two omnis and two cards) but sometimes I do AUD + SBD.

ENG mixers are made to be HQ and rugged, so it is a good option.

I also used to carry two jb3s around(one for board, one for aud) and mix in post. It isnt that hard to do in post once you get the hang of it.

[phanophish]

Ditto the R-4 Reccomendation.  No drivers, no nothing, just hook it up and copy the .wav files. Recording is just as simple as hiting record.  My only complaint is I think I will always want to run 4 channels and at 24/96 that gets to be a lot of data, but boy do I like how it sounds......