Can I record multiple audio signals simultaniously

gplongworth wrote on 1/10/2010, 7:36 PM
I have Vegas Pro 8.0. I've recorded stereo signals using the line-in and used a mic in the mic-in jacks to record files but I'm trying to figure out how to record a band live and have each instrument on a different track.
Say I have 4 mics on a drum kit and another 4 for instruments (vocals I can add on a second pass) and want each to be on a separate track in Vegas. What hardware or additional software would I have to buy to be able to do this since I don't have that many inputs into my computer?
I've seen some products by M-Audio like the ProFire 610 with Firewire interface or the Fast Track Ultra 8R with USB2 interface. They claim to work with ProTools or other "compatible" software. I'm sure there are other companies selling similar products.
Does the Firewire or USB2 interface somehow bring each channel in on a separate track? Do I need to set up multiple buses in Vegas? Is Vegas compatible with any specific hardware to accomplish this?
Any help in what to buy or set up - or any directions to forums, vendors, or instructional videos, etc. to get me started would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gar

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 1/11/2010, 9:00 AM
You need a sound interface with enough simultaneous recording inputs to equal the number of discrete tracks you wish to record. It's that simple.
gplongworth wrote on 1/11/2010, 1:55 PM
A Sound Interface?
Is that a computer card (internal), some special software, or something like the M-Audio devices I mentioned (external device)? If it's external what kind of connection does it make - firewire, usb2, etc.? Will Vegas automatically see all the inputs and place each one on a different track? Gee this sounds like all my original questions.

Can you please give me one example (make and model) that would give me 8 - 10 inputs that I could look up on line to see what 'sound interface' is?
musicvid10 wrote on 1/11/2010, 2:02 PM
"Sound Interface" is a generic term referring to a card or device to get audio from a source into your computer. It can be an internal "sound card" or an external device that attaches by USB or Firewire.

There are many makes and models available, and although other forum members may be prepared to recommend one to you, I am not comfortable doing so.

Sources like B&H, Musician's Friend, Sweetwater, and Music 123 are good places to start looking and comparing.
Geoff_Wood wrote on 1/11/2010, 10:38 PM
Try checking out your local bookstore or library for magasines to get familiar with such devices. You can use almost any audio interface with Vegas ( and any other recording application). They can be PCI (internal card-based), USB, or Firewire connected.

Vegas can record 24 similateous mono input channels (or 12 stereo). I use a MOTU 24i in my studio, and a Phonic Helixboard24FW connected to my laptop for location recording.

geoff
gplongworth wrote on 1/12/2010, 10:48 AM
Thank you. That helps. Looks like I should plan a trip to the nearest Guitar Center to look at some of the stuff I've found on line. If anyone has opinions on which units work well I'd welcome the suggestions.
I want to be able to record a band direct to my pc live. That means I need at least 12 inputs to cover drums, horns, guitars, etc. Vocals I can get away with on a 2nd pass if I have to. I just need the interface to the computer not a stand alone recording/mixing unit. The two I've found so far are the M-audio ProFire 2626 and the Alesis MultiMix 16 USB 2.0.
Is firewire better than USB-2 for this? Any other products being used out there besides these that you would recommend?
Thanks Again.
farss wrote on 1/12/2010, 12:14 PM
"Is firewire better than USB-2 for this?"

Yes, firewire uses less of the CPU.

Another product worthy of a look at would be the Allen & Heath ZED R16.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ZEDR16

That gives you a mixer for the band and the ability to record all 16 inputs to their own track. I don't own one as yet but I've yet to read a bad comment from anyone that does.

Bob.
gplongworth wrote on 1/13/2010, 9:10 AM
Thanks, I'll check it out.
dlion wrote on 2/11/2010, 2:49 PM
the question to ask is: is there a template for vegas? the zed comes with sonar le, so that means there's a template for the full sonar as well. ask zed tech supt. if they have a vegas template.
pjrey wrote on 2/13/2010, 11:43 AM
look at the post over here:
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=694449