Tech: notebook/laptop recording

Subject: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: Gypsy
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 09:45 PM

Well, here we go...........handsome mando player is reorganizing. The current thought is to get a laptop computer to do recording on, since it will spit out CDs, and can be multifunctional. For less $$$$$$ he can get a recording gizmo that does the same thing (harddrive, cd burner, etc), but is not as versatile. We do have an 8 track recorder, MR8, but it is rather cumbersome to use. Would like to concentrate more on the recording, than the hardware. Any advice/experience gratefully recieved. Thanks, all

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 10:01 PM

The proof is in the listening. I assume you already have a desktop computer. Plug a mic into the sound card and record something. Burn a CD. How do you like the sound?

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: Gypsy
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 10:11 PM

We have the desktop, unfortunately, it is in the wee office that we share...........no room for musicians, so that is why the thought of a laptop came to mind. Or an integrated system. Any more thoughts?

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 03:18 AM

I use a laptop and have tried some recording on it - the sound quality on mine is c..p - really quiet - I havent tried it with external speakers but you need to check this out before you buy

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:18 AM

The engineer who recorded my last concert did it on a MAC laptop- the results were terrific. The microphones and the software matter more than the box the data goes into, I think.

Allison

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 10:49 AM

What Animaterra said.

Also, one of the important variables is the sound card in the computer.

There is as much debate about "the best" sound cards as there is about any other audio component.

One problem with a laptop is the lack of flexibility regarding the sound card that comes with the computer. It will be an integrated component that you cannot simply pull out and replace as in a desktop computer. It you were not satisified, you would have to purchase an additional external USB or FireWire device.

That said, is it feasible to move your current computer to a location where you can play around with recording for a day? Is it feasible to run a line from your studio to the computer?

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 11:14 AM

What about a PORTABLE CDR/RW RECORDER? Does that capture onto CD and then can one edit what's been caught, on a desktop PC? I know someone who uses a similar unit to record live concerts. I could ask him to join the conversation....

~Susan

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: RWilhelm
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 01:33 PM

If you get a multi-input stereo mixer (4, 6, 8 depending on your needs) you can balance each voice and instrument before sending the stereo output to the laptop. We've gotten good results with this, even recording live. It is also helpful to have some good recording software like Cakewalk to edit your work after recording. You can even overdub, if you are so inclined.

Subject: RE: Tech: notebook/laptop recording
From: Gypsy
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 03:38 PM

I believe that himself has the mixer, so that would be a good idea. Susan, would love to have your friend join this conversation! Appreciate all the points brought up so far. Thanks, all