Help needed understanding audio interface's

[chrisgil]

I am setting up a recording set up.
have bought a Powermac Quad G5 with 2GB Ram.
Logic is on its way to me through the post

I want to have my gear set up / plugged in all the time.

I have 4 synths - 4 stereo inputs or 8 mono
pod XT pro, guitar and bass - 2 stereo or 4 mono
so thats already 12 channels

also want more for acoustic, vocals etc..

eventually probably an electric drum kit but that will have to wait.


I have my eye on the Firceface 800.
it seems to be the best quality.
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/firewire/ff800.htm

As it only has 8 inputs, how do I make the most of it so I can have everything plugged in.
I guess the digital inputs can give you more but I dont know how they work ?????

PLEASE HELP.

I know this is a bit much but have just remembered. I would like full control of all the synths via midi too, so how do i have all the synths controlable via midi.

[TimOBrien]

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

The audio basics and signal flow might help you the most....

[SilverPlated]

:freak:

[chrisgil]

cant be bothered reading articles.

can noone help me out here?

[jamesp]

Sorry, can't be bothered to answer. :p

[casper2]

Not trying to bag on you but the questions you ask are way to broad for the scope of any forum. Reading articles is NOT a waste of time. While articles may not tell you how to connect your equipment step by step it will give you the basic information you need to learn how to configure your own setup. This stuff can get complicated an the forums can help only with specific questions.

Best suggestion is to read the article Tim suggested then start to apply this to setting up your system. As you put together your setup you will be able to ask more specific questions that members here can help you with.

??The Broad answer I think you want??

In reference to the MIDI part your question, you need a USB to MIDI interface at least 4 port or better. Midi interfaces are available from Motu, Maudio &...

I am assuming that you want all your equipment connected to the computer all the time, so as to not have to make connections all the time. This can be done with a patchbay (balanced). If your plan is to record all instruments simultaneously you will need to use a firewire audio interface either a box interface or mixer.

I am a visual person so what works for me is to draw a diagram of my intended setup. I first draw the equipment to be used. Then I draw the connections. I usually use one color for audio signal lines and the another for control lines. I draw arrows to help clearify signal direction. The drawing helps latter as a reference incase you have to make changes. Hope it helps:)

[chrisgil]

to be honest i just want advise on which interface to buy, and how i make the most of itm using all the connections.

i.e. most have the adat optical inputs.
whats the best way to make use of these?
mixer? if so what kind of mixer
adat loom, whatever that is?
etc...

[jackwr]

here it is *The Best* *The Easiest**No Readin Required*even cuts your meet if mommy's not around** (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Digidesign-Digi-002-Factory-Bundle?sku=240476)

































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