thebrig

[quote name='Oggy' post='1166914' date='Mar 18 2011, 11:54 AM']I’m sure that this has been asked before but it’s been some time since I’ve been on the site and I’m not sure where to look for the info. I’m looking for a ‘low-cost, say £50 - £100’ digital recorder to use at rehearsal sessions that will give a reasonable quality replay sound, recommendations would be appreciated. Drums / Bass / Guitar and Vocals - Blues Band. Thanks Chaps. Oggy [/quote] Hi Oggy, I'm from "Bore em stiff" too! I use a [b]Zoom H4 [/b]and find it excellent for live recording, although it does cost around £250. The [b]Zoom H2[/b] is around £150 which should also do a good job. But I saw the [b]Alesis PalmTrack Handheld SD Recorder[/b], in Digital Village for £69.99 reduced from £119, and looks perfect for your needs. Give Digital Village in Barnet a ring, and they will get one for you to try, if they do not already have one. There are quite a few under £100, just check out the DV website. Good luck with your search.

I've just seen the [b]Alesis MultiMix16 USB 2.0 Analogue Mixer & Audio Interface[/b] [url="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug08/articles/alesisMultimixUSB16.htm"]http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug08/arti...ltimixUSB16.htm[/url] Anyone have any thoughts on it? Cheers.

[quote name='dannybuoy' post='1164848' date='Mar 16 2011, 07:26 PM']Never seen such an adaptor but I can't imagine it would be very good for an audio interface. I assume that just changing the plug would not work as USB and Firewire use different protocols. If the adapter contains a Firewire controller chip then performance won't be great tunnelling through USB so you'd be better off with a native USB interface. Looks like only Apple amd Sony are bothering to include Firewire on their laptops these days! I was thinking of getting a Motu 8Pre but not sure what USB equivalents there are except for the Zoom R16 I was looking at which also happens to be a great standalone solution![/quote] I have been considering the Zoom R16 and R24 too! But I've just seen the [b]Alesis MultiMix16 USB 2.0 Analogue Mixer & Audio Interface[/b] [url="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug08/articles/alesisMultimixUSB16.htm"]http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug08/arti...ltimixUSB16.htm[/url] Anyone have any thoughts on it? Cheers.

[quote name='wotnwhy' post='1164359' date='Mar 16 2011, 01:13 PM']Really? I suppose the more expandable/upgradable things are, the less often people need new ones... I've been following this thread as i have a Phonic Helix mixing desk that has a firewire I/O with 18 sends, would love to record a band night, but have each channel recorded individually to help with mixing. But my laptop doesn't have a firewire input.. Gonna try Oldg's suggestion. Didn't know such a thing existed, and for 20 quid it's gotta be worth a punt! As for you, if you don't have an express card slot, then it looks like you're left with just 2 options. New laptop, or a USB interface [/quote] As previously stated, I've just bought a new laptop, quite high-spec too! But I am going to try a Firewire/USB adaptor first, to see if it works with my existing firewire interface, as it only costs a couple of quid for the adaptor. If that doesn't work, then I will have to look at USB interfaces. Any suggestions for a minimum 8-track simultaneous interface would be most welcome. £400/500 budget.

Thanks for all the advice everybody, although I'm still a bit confused as to what interface to get. It needs to be quite portable, and able to record at least 8 tracks simultaneously, preferably more if possible. My budget is around £400/£500 But I have just upgraded my laptop to: Intel Core i5-450M 15.6" HD LED LCD Intel HD Graphics 4 GB DDR3 Memory 500 GB HDD DVD-Super Multi DL Drive So I'm hoping I have a decent enough computer for the job, but it does not have Firewire! Most laptops these days don't have Firewire, but most of the audio interfaces I'm looking at are Firewire. So would a Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin Male to Male USB 2.0 Adapter do the job, or would it be affected by the limitations of USB? [i][b]I have just posted a new thread on this subject.[/b][/i]

[quote name='lowdown' post='1164053' date='Mar 16 2011, 08:32 AM']I needed to transfer some Audio data from a external Firewire hard drive to USB input on a PC. I tried using a Adaptor, and in my case it did not work, so i think it might be hit & miss. [if it works at all] OldG's method would be the best bet, unless you re think and go the USB route. Garry[/quote] Unfortunately, most new laptops don't have express card slots either. Probably a cost thing, and most things being USB nowadays, except for the better quality audio interfaces it would seem.

Most laptops these days don't have Firewire, but most of the audio interfaces I'm looking at are Firewire. So would a Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin Male to Male USB 2.0 Adapter do the job, or would it be affected by the limitations of USB? I have just upgraded my laptop to: Intel Core i5-450M 15.6" HD LED LCD Intel HD Graphics 4 GB DDR3 Memory 500 GB HDD DVD-Super Multi DL Drive So I'm hoping I have a decent enough computer for the job, but it does not have Firewire!

[quote name='Dave Vader' post='1163168' date='Mar 15 2011, 02:47 PM']Yep, I figured that the kit would be the least of our problems, and was trying to find the cheapest way for us to find it out and either split up or decide not to do synth stuff anymore. Sonic Cell looks very cool Earbrass, but I have no funds for such a lovely looking thing. And still can't afford a Mac. But have high hopes for my linux setup which I can do for nowt, run it in the rehearsal room and find out that the drummer can't play along. Already know the singer has real trouble hitting cues, but he's promised to fix that if it comes to it. Really miss our old keys player, she was the best thing we had. Damn arthritis...[/quote] Just wondering! If the band have asked you to do the sequencing, how come you have to fork out for the gear, why don't they [i][b]all [/b][/i]chip in?

[quote name='obbm' post='1160904' date='Mar 13 2011, 07:44 PM']Whether you like slap or not is not really the real issue. Exhibitors employ artists/musicians/bassists/call them what you will to demo their equipment/entertain the punters. In some strange warped way they think that using slappers will achieve this. It is they who have got it wrong. If they knew that by doing this they were driving paying customers away, then they wouldn't use them. Do what they did in the old days and hire some attractive chatty women (sorry, a bit sexist, but it works). The only way to stop it happening again is to tell them. Maybe BC should lobby the offending exhibitors and tell them what we think. Edit: Those who feel strongly about it should write to the Readers Letters page in BGM. I think I will.[/quote] I went with my credit card in my pocket, hoping to try out some gear, and maybe spend some money I haven't got. But I left after 45 minutes, as it would have been impossible to test any gear out properly, and how could I possibly play "normal" bass lines amongst all the speedsters doing their stuff? I would have spent my time better at somewhere like the Bass Merchant in Colchester, where I could try out gear in quiet and pleasent surroundings. [b]36 hours later, and I can still hear all that crazy slapping!!![/b]

I'm one of the lucky ones, I live only about an hour away, so we left the show at midday and headed off to Camden Town to check out the gear in the Bass Gallery, just glad we didn't make a long trip like some of you guys/gals. And I now wish we had got out of the lift on the 2nd floor, and gone to the [b]Dr Who[/b] exhibition instead! The sound of slapping will live with me forever! Like most people have already stated, I'm not against it, and I admire the technique immensly, but.......... It seemed like they were out to break the world speed record at playing a bass. As for the show? it took us no more than 40 minutes to go round the lot, and I would rather have spent a morning in Colchester at the Bass Merchant, looking and trying out gear in peaceful surroundings.

[quote name='Feelgood' post='1158769' date='Mar 11 2011, 10:45 PM']Did you notice much difference in the sound of the SR500/SR600?[/quote] Both sounded great to me, but I would say that the SR500 was slightly warmer sounding IMO. But they are both really nice, and well worth a try. Obviously, we all have different ideas as to what makes a great bass, but to me, they are so comfortable, they feel like guitars rather than basses, and once you get your hand on the neck, you just can't stop playing it. It came with rounds on it, which sounded great, but I prefer flats and it sounds brilliant with Ernie Ball flats on it.

[quote name='Feelgood' post='1158651' date='Mar 11 2011, 08:59 PM']Some interesting options here! Anyone care to get the kitchen scales out and give me any specific weights? Just been browsing the Ibanez website and see they also do an SR600. Looks like the same spec as the SR500 but with an ash body. Is this likely to be lighter or heavier than mahogany-bodied SR500?[/quote] I've tried both and there's not a lot in it, but I would say that the SR600 is slightly heavier IMO.

[quote name='icastle' post='1158542' date='Mar 11 2011, 07:59 PM']+1 I have an SR505 and, although weight wasn't a deciding factor in buying it, it weighs next to nothing and has one of the most comfortable neck profiles I've experienced.[/quote] The neck is unbelievable on the SR500 too, and I'm now on the lookout for SR505.

[quote name='Feelgood' post='1158380' date='Mar 11 2011, 06:12 PM']OK, I won't bore you with my medical history, suffice to say I have some pre-existing neck & shoulder issues that are presenting a problem when playing. As a result I've already had to suspend playing a couple of times and park my Stingray in the stand or pack it away in its case. Being conscious of my posture when playing certainly helps but if a lighter bass means I can play for longer without discomfort then I need to consider it. So, what are my options folks? I realise this isn't exactly a unique scenario so thought you might have some experiences to share. The only bass I can remember playing that was noticeably lightweight was an Ibanez SR (can't remember which model). But I've seen one recently up for sale on here because it wasn't lightweight enough to solve a back problem - so maybe they're not consistently lightweight (?). For reference, my Stingray isn't exactly a boat anchor at 9lb! I've never considered it previously, but I suppose I shouldn't rule out short-scale as an option. Although, other than potentially being lighter, I don't know the pros and cons of short-scale. Anyone care to enlighten me?[/quote] Same problem! I've played about thirty different basses over the last few years, many of them top-end basses, but due to my neck and back problems, I was forced to look for something really light. I eventually took the plunge for a Ibanez SR500 which I saw on Gumtree for £250. As soon as I picked it up, I new the weight was perfect, but when I actually played it, I was completely bowled over by the playabilty, the feel, and the sounds that it produces is just amazing. They sell for around £450 new, £250/300 s/h, and IMO they are worth twice that. Like I said, I have played many great basses such as Fender J/P, Musicman, Warwicks etc. but I can honestly say that the Ibanez SR500 is the best of the lot, and I would play it through choice, even if my neck/back problems cleared up. Go and try one, you will get a whole lot of bass for your money, and it really is extremely light!

[quote name='lowdown' post='1152025' date='Mar 6 2011, 10:57 PM']i went W7 64 OS and 64 bit machine, Quad core AMD & 8 gig of good RAM, and it was not that expensive, although that was desktop. To be honest that would be a great move. Most of the DAW's all have the option of 64 bit software, And most of the Audio interfaces have 64 bit drivers. If you need any help PM your email, or if you want to chat on the phone no problem. Garry[/quote] Thanks Garry.

[quote name='Blademan_98' post='1151974' date='Mar 6 2011, 10:21 PM']Does your hardware support the extra ram? The OS will but thats only if the motherboard can take it. Just something you may wish to research before purchasing. [/quote] According to PC World it will.

[quote name='lowdown' post='1151940' date='Mar 6 2011, 09:58 PM']No need to ditch Sonar [ its a great DAW with plenty of features, and lots of good on board stuff] But you might want to tweek up the Laptop. Vista with S8 does have its problems, but its easily fixable. First of go and check out my second link - its the sweetwater one...its aimed at Vista & Audio. Your Laptop should do the job what you are aiming for. Have you got all the update patches for Sonar 8 [ i think there are a couple for that version] Garry[/quote] First thing I'm going to do is install windows7, 64 bit version, after speaking to a few computer boffins, they seem to think it should make a big difference to the performance, and it would allow me to add another 2GB of RAM if needed.

[quote name='lowdown' post='1151853' date='Mar 6 2011, 08:33 PM']Yep it can be done, and has been done for years, but track count recording and the amount of Audio files/tracks have not been the problem.. [Apart from Audio interface limitations etc] Its the use of plug ins, VST's, soft synths etc... they get heavy on the system.... Of course there are work a rounds, rendering, bouncing , freezing.... These days vendors are upping software specs to match the computer specs, and it all starts to become heavy weather... which i think is the OP's take on it all. And his DAW [Sonar] likes to take its toll on the machine.... Garry[/quote] Thanks for the info Garry, and also to all the basschatters for the advice and help, it's very much appreciated. Would I be better off ditching Sonar and perhaps try using something a little less heavy on the system, maybe Reaper which I also have?

I recently been thinking about getting a decent interface so I can record my band, and make some of my own music as well. I've looked at the [b]Focusrite Sapphire Pro 40[/b] along with a few other similar interfaces. On the face of it, they seem to be fine for what I want, 16 tracks simultaneous recording, but I have spent weeks researching, going on countless forums, and I am now totally confused, and at the point of thinking I will be wasting my money! I already have [b]Sonar 8 Producer[/b] installed on my laptop, and use an [b]Edirol SPS-66[/b] interface. Luckily, my laptop does have a Firewire connection, but I still have all sorts of problems with latency etc. My laptop specs are: [b]AMD Turion64 x 2 TL-58 1.90 GHz RAM 4GB Vista 32 bit[/b] As I've stated, after visiting countless forums, it seems that almost everyone experiences problems despite their setup. I have even been told by salespeople in stores where I have intended to purchase an interface from them, that it might not work very well. Firewire always seems to be the way to go according to all the advice, and yet, where do you find a laptop these days with firewire, and they don't even have an express card slot any more. I do realise that I will need a more powerful machine to have any chance of trouble free recording, so where do I get one with everything I need, and will cost nearer £2,000 than £1,000? The other option I have considered is something like the [b]Zoom R24[/b], so I can record directly into it, and transfer the tracks into Sonar to edit. A bit long winded though, and I would only be able to recorded 8 tracks at a time. Advice please.

[quote name='icastle' post='1151113' date='Mar 6 2011, 07:12 AM']You've put two years into getting to the point that YOU feel you're ready. To me that speaks volumes. Wishing you all the very best![/quote] Spot on! You played for a living in the past, so you obviously know what it takes to cut it. And I'm sure your standards are quite high. So if [b]YOU[/b] feel that you are ready, then I'm sure you are. Best of luck, and do let us know how you got on.

Every week our lead guitarist jams with some guys he used to play with in the past. Anyway, last week the bass player could not make, but he sent his bass along for someone else to have a go. Yes! you've guessed it, our lead guitarist, who doesn't usually listen much to what I'm playing, but still likes to tell me [b][u]how[/u][/b] I should be playing, decided that he would be the bassist that night. And yes! you've guessed right again, by his own admission, he made a total mess of it. Even though I'm not the greatest player around, he now thinks I'm the dog's whatsits! So maybe the penny has finally dropped, and he now appreciates what the bassist does! Maybe all guitarists should be made to have a session on bass, just to drag them out of their own backsides!

After much research in stores, and positive advice from basschatters, I think the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Firewire Audio Interface will certainly do what I want. I am quite new to recording so the question I need answering is: [size=3]Is it reasonably easy/straightforward to use?[/size]

Unfortunately, our band has not been in the studio yet, hoping to soon though! So obviously I don't know how it all works. But surely the band listens to, and then decides on the final mix, how can it be down to the engineer alone to decide your sound? I thought the job of the engineer is to produce the sound that [u]you[/u] want. If he does not achieve this first time, then surely they continue until they do at no additional cost. After all, you was happy with the sound you put in, if the engineer has altered it in a detrimental way, then he/she should put it right. I might be way off the mark here, but I am interested to know how it works, as we might be doing some studio work ourselves soon.

Anyone know where I can get the transcription for Cockney Rebel's - Make Me Smile? I know it's one of those songs that every cover's band in the world does, and I must admit, that I'm fed up with it too! But we have a wedding gig coming up, and the "happy couple" have requested it, so do it, we must. I can get by playing it my way, but I would really like to play it as close to the original bassline as I can, because IMO, it is a great bassline and I imagine great fun to play, especially having seen this: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BPka3zRmE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BPka3zRmE[/url] But I have to admit, I am finding it difficult to replicate it properly. So if anyone out there knows where I can find the transcription/tabs, I would be most grateful.

Following my post regarding audio interfaces, [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123567"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123567[/url] there has been a lot of recommendations for the [b]Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Firewire Audio Interface.[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url] I am computer literate, and have some decent DAW's installed such as SONAR Producer, although I'm not that competent with it yet, but I'm sure if I use it more, I will get to know it eventually. I'm after being able to record my band in various situations, and maybe make some half-decent demo's. Would this be a good choice, And is it reasonably easy to use for a novice? Also, at £399, it is just under my budget of £400. All advice would be welcome.