Macbook Pro Audio breakout box for 5.1

P

Pro Gressive

Active member
Hey Guys,
Im wondering if there is such a product that takes 5 separate XLR inputs so i can send them into a Macbook Pro via Firewire or USB for recording 5 channel sound on Location?
Also is the Macbook Pro capable of recording 5 tracks at once? I guess that its Powerful enough but what would be the best program for doing this, maybe Logic or Pro tools?

:dankk2:
 
There are many different ways you can get 5 tracks into a Mac - most use the Motu Traveler, but you can also use a Mackie Onyx series with firewire card. There are two different recording packages that are being used on the Mac with good success - Metacorder and Boom Recorder. Both are specifically designed for production recording.

Phil
 
goto gothamsound.com they have an article that shows what to use and how to do it.

they use a mackie onxy card via firewire and they show you how to make the cables to do up to 18 tracks!

they will also build the custom cable for you if you aren't a do-it-yourselfer.

i've had them make me a bunch of custom cables and the quality and service is phenomenal and the prices are good.

http://www.gothamsound.com/main.shtml?page=firewire

matthew
 
Thanks for the information this is great! Do you know if in these programs you can take the low frequency sounds from all channels and copy them into their own track to make the .1 SubWoofer track?
That additional track would have to be leveled up heavily due to not that much bass being recorded through the 5 original channels.

Im thinking about doing some audio recording like in the middle of a rain forrest or on the side of a busy street etc with each mic spaced about 5 meters out in all directions :)
 
Ptalsky,
Just wondering how you can connect 5 inputs to the Motu Traveler? I was wanting to connect 5 XLR cables? I want them all to be equal quality. It looks like an amazing product!

Cheers
 
Would it be best to use the analog RCA inputs as there is alot of them? Would these be less quality than using the XLR inputs direct from the Mics? :S
 
Having used both Metric Halo devices, I can say they are really great. The 2882 has 8 analogue ins/outs. You will need external mic pres if you are doing quiet sounds with the 2882. It runs off of Firewire power or a battery and has a low CPU cycle recording panel program. Very nice.

I would then take your 5 files into an app like Logic and create the .1 channel there.

I'm sure you can do similar things with the MOTU stuff, but I've been really happy with MH.

Recording 8 tracks on a Powerbook is no problem. Can't imagine 5 on a Macbook would give you any difficulty.
 
I'm not actually a Motu user, just reporting what others have used. But, as far as I can tell, it has 8 inputs (4 XLR, 4 1/4", not sure if they're line-level or not.) But, I do know mixers that have reported 8 channels in using Boom Recorder.

Phil
 
Im thinking of going with the Motu Traveler and just doing 4.1 as the centre channel is only really used for voice anyways. I know there is Music DVDs that use this channel as full range such as 'The Eagles' first one etc but in cinema its always just speaking.
The 2882 is nice but its just that bit more costly. So yeah i think im set now :)
 
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