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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
I am new to the forum posts but I regularly read posts. I have had BiaB and PT for many years and loved the product. I have used these programs to lay down basic tracks and load into a Boss BR1600 digital recorder and then add vocals, guitar, etc., to finish the songs.
I recently purchased RealBand and have been impressed with the possibilities. My issue is the extreme amount of electronic noise from the computer sound card. I used a Roland Sound Canvas with my work with Power Tracks and did not have this issue. I want to use an external audio/midi interface but I am completely baffled as to what to get. I don't need a bunch of mike inputs, etc., as I love the Boss recorder. I need a simple but effective interface that has input from the computer and two outputs to go to the recorder. I intend to lay down tracks with Real Band, mix on the computer, then download to the Boss unit for other recording.
I would really appreciate any help!
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540
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Do you have a PCI slot available on the computer? If so get an M-Audio soundcard and you'll never touch the BR1600 for recording again, as you'll get better recordings from the M-Audio. If you need XLR mic inputs get the 1010lt.
If you don't have PCI available consider one of the M-Audio USB selections like the FastTrack line.
The BR series actually records at MP3 bitrates if memory serves me correctly (I am a huge Roland fan). M-Audo USB can be as low as 130 bucks, PCI around $200 for 1010lt, but you'll get clearer tracks and be able to do all your work inside PT/RB.
Just my opinion.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
Thanks for the quick response!
I do have a slot available for a sound card but I'm leary of the electronic noise from the hard drive with an internal card. That's the issue that started my search.
I have never recorded into the PC but have used the Roland unit for recording external voices and instruments. As I said, I've no experience in this area but I like real sliders and knobs. I've had some issues in bringing a instrument for backing in a song up and another down in Real Band with the mouse. Also, I can't pan instruments enough for the separation I like to have in Real Band. I realize that the Roland unit does not help me here as the tracks are already panned and eq'ed when I download the tracks.
You really made a point that interests me in using the interface to record into the PC. I use piano in most of my recordings and I have never been satisfied with the recorded sound into the Roland. Maybe I could get the sound I want recording through the interface. Maybe, during my conversion stage from using my Roland to completely recording through the PC, I could get an interface that I could still transfer tracks to the Roland, and, record the piano through the interface. Would the M-Audio units do this and which specific one would you recommend?
What particular software do you use? Also, how do you handle the slider issue (for me anyway)?
Again, thanks for the quick response and I look forward to utilizing your experience to possibly move me from my beloved Roland, kicking and screaming of course, to a new world for me of recording!
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
Thanks for the link, I'm going to read it now.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
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OP
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I decided to go with the M-Audio 2496, four in, four out. Should be here tomorrow and I can start a slightly new path.
Thanks for the info from both rharv and Pat...they helped me make up my mind
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
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Many here use this card with great results. Hope you have fun with it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2011
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WWII I'll be dadgummed,, I got the m-Audio 2496, opened the computer up and found that it only has the PCI x 1 slots.
I suppose this gives me no option other than an external interface. Which M-Audio external audio/midi interface would you recommend that is compatible with the 2496?
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540
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That's gotta be a bummer. Look at the Fast Tracks from M-Audio, or some here like the Tascam units..
First question I asked was if you had a PCI slot available ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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You said in your original post that you don't need a bunch of mic inputs. how about 'any'?
The reason I ask is that the Fast Track doesn't have any XLR inputs nor mic preamps on board. The Fast Track Pro does.
Send ye olde 2496 back to wherever you bought it. They probably sell the Fast Track Pro as well.
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RealBand
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Here's another option I've had good results with. Not sure how it compares to M Audio rigs. Maybe others could weigh in on this. Line 6 makes various versions with more inputs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-POD-Studi...=item5ae2e1d532Gets your Instrument or Mic into the computer with USB. No latency. Relatively inexpensive. I have the earlier UX1 with Gearbox effects program and it has a zillion possible effects models with different combos of virtual amp and speaker cabinets. Or you can run the signal in dry.
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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Quote:
Here's another option I've had good results with.
Not sure how it compares to M Audio rigs.
Maybe others could weigh in on this.
Line 6 makes various versions with more inputs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-POD-Studi...=item5ae2e1d532
Gets your Instrument or Mic into the computer with USB.
No latency. Relatively inexpensive.
I have the earlier UX1 with Gearbox effects program and it has a zillion possible effects models with different combos of virtual amp and speaker cabinets.
Or you can run the signal in dry.
carkins - any audio interface can get signal in to the computer, but none with no latency.
Line6 products have hardware monitoring, which routes incoming signal directly to outputs. However, all interfaces with a/d conversion into the computer have latency.
I'm 99% certain that the USB drivers for the Line6 products will have a latency or buffer setting. Usually this is given in number of samples or in time.
Look for your ASIO driver panel/applet and there should be adjustable latency or buffer parameters in the panel.
Here is one example of a Line6 ASIO panel and the buffer size is on the right. You'll see that there is no zero sample buffer size. http://line6.com/support/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/2-144599-10962/310-348/UX1.jpg
At 512 samples as shown in the example image, that is going to be relatively small latency.
Just wanted to clarify the description of 'no latency'. Again, that is just for the input monitoring.
-Scott
-Scott
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
Thanks for all the information!
I need the unit soon as I'm doing some recording and don't need the hard drive noise. I did send the 2496 back to Amazon and got the Fast Track Pro.
I'm sure I'll be needing help when it comes in and I start to use it...but I now know where to turn.
Rharv, I just got excited about getting the 2496 and did not check the "kind" of PCI slots that were available. No fool like an old fool, especially one who gets excited and jumps the gun! I believe I'll be more satisfied with the Fast Track Pro. Just in case I decide to push my old BR1600 aside, I'll have mic inputs.......
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RealBand
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Thanks rockstar_not for the correction.
When I was reading the ad it said "Exclusive latency-killing ToneDirect monitoring" which I assume means zero.
But you know you can't trust advertising.
There's that ole "assume" again!!
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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carkins,
It's getting a little bit tiresome with this zero latency business that companies are touting. The only interfaces that have true zero latency monitoring, with processing are a few devices that actually do the DSP inside of the interface. These are normally very expensive (add a zero to the price).
The UX series is not like this. The PODX3 and XT models of course have the hardware DSP in the box, so they process 'live' on the incoming signal.
The UX series are cool however. I almost bought a UX2 a few years back, but the tech support could not answer my questions about mic pre-amp signal to noise ratio.
-Scott
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Knightsounds, you will love the M-Audio, it was going to be my next choice until i jumped on a $99 Tascam sale early this month. But the fasttrack will do a great job.
Working in the computer is a great setup, as long as the computer is well, er setup properly. Once you get started come back, and the folks here will help.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Knightsounds,
Does the BR1600 allow importing of wave files via USB? If so, I would do that instead of recording directly into the BR, unless you are needing to use some FX during recording.
I use a Tascam recorder here and import my wave files via USB. That is the best way to get a "cleaner" sounding file to work with. You won't have to worry about humm or buzz from the electronic cord etc.
I also usually use the FX inside the Tascam as well, but you can convert midi and audio FX in Realband prior to writing it to a wave file.
Trax
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