Drum info needed

[jvo11]

SO, I have been looking into a Pro Toos Rig, but first I just want to kno how do you get a drum kit that is fully miced up into the computer? Also how do you get it so that each drum mic is seen as a seprate track in the program? I know the MBox doesn't have many inputs.... I have a mixing board, also I have the Roland 1680 digital recorder, will either one be of any use in this problem... Thanks

[steve at Your Heaven]

1 - I'll assume a minimum of 8 tracks needed (Kick + snare + HHat + 3 toms + 2 overheads). The Protools solutions are:
- M-Audio 1814 plus Protools M-Powered (18 in = 2 mic + 6 unbal line + 8chAdat + 2 ChSpidif) about $950 list
- Digidesign 002R (18 in = 4 mic + 4 Bal line + 8chAdat + 2 ChSpidif) about $1300 list
- Digidesign 002 = 002R with an added mixer, about $2500 list
- Digidesign TDM - Inputs depend on which interface you buy, but all allow a minimum of 16 balanced inputs one way or another. The current HD systems start at $10,000 list, a used Mix system may be found for...$3000?.

2 - If your Roland has mic/line inputs and either direct outputs or an 8channel Adat output, you can use it with the above systems - but check carefully. E.G., if using as Adat out, will it take an external sync signal, or supply a good clock out?

3 - An M-Audio 'Octane' can supply 8 channels of mic inputs either via analog or Adat, as can a Behringer ADA8000, or other devices (many are more expensive).

The product information link above will give you details (see the M-Audio site for info on their devices, some of which I do not know about).

Another possiblilty is to record to your Roland (if it does what you need and will transfer standard files out), then transfer the individual tracks to computer as .WAV or AIF files and then import them to a Protools session (requires only an Mbox for stereo monitoring).

Note that you posted to the TDM forum. If you decide to use anything other than TDM, use the JUMP link below to go to one of the LE forums.