Analog Pro Tools?

[digifriend]

I am currently running Pro Tools 8 with my old Digi-002. But I also record on a Tascam TSR-8 reel to reel. Eventually I would like to upgrade the TSR-8 to a 16 Track 2 inch R2R.
In my ideal situation I would like to purchase a good interface for ProTools that has at least 8 good mic-pre's and a total of at least 16 line-level inputs (including the 8 mic-pres). What I want to be able to do is to record all 16 tracks on my R2R, and then basically transfer all 16 tracks into ProTools in realtime. Then I would be able to edit and tweak the original 16 tracks and most likely bounce them back to the R2R as say, 4 bounced tracks... Allowing me to fill up the remaining 12 tracks to finish the song.
I know its a complicated process and many people will say its unnecessary. But thats how I want to work.
So the BIG question that people here can help me with is what kind of interface is out there that will fill these requirements?
I dont want to spend $5000 on a interface. And I dont need 16 faders. But I also dont want the cheapest option either. I want a balance between price and quality.
Any ideas?

[ThunderKyss]

So you're going to take 16 tracks off the R2R to protools, edit, then submix 4 tracks back to the R2R. Then continue tracking to the R2R.

Do you have an analogue desk to track to the R2R? Do you have one to mix it to stereo?

I think the least expensive option for you would be to get a Core HD card & a couple of 96 i/0 boxes off ebay.

[digifriend]

How much does a Core HD card go for and when you say some 96 i/o boxes are you talking Avid brand or some other brands?

[KineticSound]

Would you need to bounce all 16 tracks at once? If I were in that position, I would think it far cheaper & more efficient to stripe one of the 16 tracks on the Reel-to-Reel with SMPTE or MTC, then bounce the tracks in smaller groups (depending on how many your interface can handle at once), using the time code to keep everything in sync over a few passes.

JL Cooper used to make some really nice SMPTE/MTC boxes that can be found on eBay from time to time.

Just a thought...

[ThunderKyss]

Originally Posted by digifriend

How much does a Core HD card go for and when you say some 96 i/o boxes are you talking Avid brand or some other brands?

I just saw an HD core card go for $127 on eBAy, I've been seeing them for around $300 lately, so somewhere in there.

& yes, the Avid 96 i/o can be found on eBay (if you're dilegent) for around $500 apiece. One box will get you 16 ins & outs (with optional I/O cards, 8 come standard), you'll still need preamps, but going from the R2R, you shouldn't.

There are other options for roughly $500, but I don't know that you can beat the Digi stuff (used) for the same money. Then nothing else out there integrates with a DAW the way Pro Tools hardware does..... you can even use Logic if you don't like the PT software.

[ThunderKyss]

Here's a 1622 for $89.99, should be able to find a mix TDM core card.... I don't know about the software & what kind of computer you'd need to run it, but used G5s are cheap.

Should be good enough for the basic editing you want to do. Probably won't set you back $800 total.

[digifriend]

ThunderKyss,
If I record into my R2R with my mixer and then port/transfer everything later after I have all 15/16 tracks filled up, the "Avid 96 i/o" you suggest should work.
On the other hand if I get this "Avid 96 i/o" could I also use my mixer and its preamps and just hook directly into the "Avid 96 i/o" and record straight to PT?
I need to look and see what those cards and interface go for new. ANd would PT 11 be included?