Interface for Big Band

[kelco83]

I need 16 mic inputs to record a big band with horns, and my online searching comes up short.

What would you recommend for a live big band recording?

Thanks

[mjslakeridge]

I record up to 16 mics at a time using the 8 inputs on my Digi 002 Rack, and 8 inputs on a Behringer ADA 8000 which connects to the Digi 002 via lightpipe. Pro tools sees the ADA 8000 inputs as ADAT. You didn't give any info about your basic setup, so it is hard to give specific advice.
Mike

[kelco83]

I have an eleven rack and a 002 mixer, using pt10 on windows.

I just need to be able to record from whatever the house mixer is using but the band wants discrete tracks for each instrument, discrete drums and vox.

Let me know what information you need to recommend.

The ADA8000 looks promising, can I just stack 2 of those?

[mjslakeridge]

So you are talking about recording live sound. To record the discrete tracks, the house mixer must have line outs on each channel, which you would connect to the line-ins of an ADA8000 (not the xlr mic ins). When you say you are using an 002 mixer does that refer to a Digidesign 002 interface, or is it just a mixer? If it is the Digi 002 interface, you have 8 line ins on that, plus the lightpipe input that will receive the 8 channels of ADAT from the ADA8000. The Digi 002 also has lightpipe out, which is used to transmit the master clock to the ADA 8000. With the Digi002 you are limited to the 8 tracks of ADAT in, so you could not stack 2 ADA800's. I am sure there are some interfaces that permit more than 8 ADATs in. I am not familiar with the input capabilities of the Eleven rack. Maybe someone else can chime in on that device.

[nst7]

The Eleven Rack wouldn't add much in this case. In standalone mode (which is what he'd be using) it only processes the guitar input.

The best solution would be like already mentioned, getting an expansion device to use with Adat.

There aren't very many interfaces with 16 analog inputs, and those that have it are expensive.

[kelco83]

Thanks for the clarification, I thought I needed xlr inputs. I'm kinda being pushed into this, I normally just record at home.

My only source of information said I needed xlr, but clearly doesn't know what he's talking about.

It is indeed a digi002 mixer, I'll just snag another 8 inputs and roll the dice on this endeavor. LOL

Thanks

Also price isn't really an issue, they'll buy whatever they need, so if that includes a completely different PT interface, that is in the cards as well.

[mjslakeridge]

I would go with the ADA 8000. I picked mine up on craigslist for $125 earlier this year. I think new ones are $250 or so. It has sample rates of 44.1k and 48k, which should be fine for what your are doing. The converters on it are comparable in quality to the Digi002. You will have to read up in your pro tools manual on how to set the 002 to master and the ADA8000 will act as slave. (can be done the other way around, but I don't see any advantage to that). You can buy the lightpipe cables online at a good price, or you can pay up at a retail store. Keep them as short as possible. I wouldn't suggest buying "high quality" lightpipes, particularly if you are taking the rig out of the studio. Just don't kink them, step on them, etc.

[jasonthurley]

Originally Posted by kelco83

Also price isn't really an issue, they'll buy whatever they need, so if that includes a completely different PT interface, that is in the cards as well.

Then look at a Berhinger X32... 32 ins/outs, Firewire directly to Pro Tools 32x32, Midas Pre amps... even 8 faders on the right side are used as HUI automation/motorized faders for mixing...

All for under 3k

[CME]

If budget isn't an issue and you're getting line-outs off the FOH mixer, why not get a Rosetta 800. then you'll have some serious conversion at your disposal.

In all seriousness, the Ada8000 is a good unit. For a little more I like my presonus digimax fs.

And don't feel pushed into it. Enjoy it and have a good time. I've always enjoyed capturing live shows. Have fun. :)

[kelco83]

I think ill be getting 2 presonus 1818vsl's.