I've been looking into using one of these programs as a main multi-track recorder. I have a Tascam HD-P2 that I use for bag work and will still use as a backup recorder. I downloaded the trial of Boom Recorder but I'm having some problems with a nasty crackling, robotic sound. Right now it's running into the computer through my Onyx Satellite but I have an Onyx 1220 mixer that I will be shortly getting the firewire card for to use as my main interface. Has anybody had this problem before? What's the general feeling of Boom Recorder vs. Metacorder as Boom Recorder is significantly cheaper?
Boom Recorder vs. Metacorder
- Thread starter bob15489
- Start date
Hi yes it is significantly different in price about 300$ versus 1500$. I am new to Boom Recorder but It seems to work pretty fine on my macbook pro with Mbox. I know it's not the best solution but with a decent pre amp it is pretty good. I like the sound log feature and the metadata of the broadcast wave files. BTW I didn't have any problems with the input sound from it check your sound card that might be the problem. According to their web site your sound card is not supported:
http://www.vosgames.nl/products/BoomRecorder/compatibility.shtml
http://www.vosgames.nl/products/BoomRecorder/compatibility.shtml
It has the Mackie Onyx Firewire listed as compatible. The Satellite I believe uses the same drivers, etc. as the Onyx mixer firewire cards. I really want to make this work since I can just get the computer mounted into my mobile rack and use that as the recorder. Glad to hear that Boom Recorder is working out for you, I downloaded both demos and they seem to both work very similarly. I'd love to not have to spend $1500 if possible.
Bob,
Do some searches of the archive here. I've written extensively about my use of Boom Recorder, which I've used successfully on many projects in the past 6 months. I use it with the Alesis Firewire 16, and have not had any problems with the quality of the sound. I use my HD-P2 as backup only now (unless I have to go to a bag situation). As far as the Satellite drivers go, check the Mackie site and make sure there are not updates. Also, what type of Mac are you running on?
Go with Boom Recorder. You won't be disappointed.
Phil
Do some searches of the archive here. I've written extensively about my use of Boom Recorder, which I've used successfully on many projects in the past 6 months. I use it with the Alesis Firewire 16, and have not had any problems with the quality of the sound. I use my HD-P2 as backup only now (unless I have to go to a bag situation). As far as the Satellite drivers go, check the Mackie site and make sure there are not updates. Also, what type of Mac are you running on?
Go with Boom Recorder. You won't be disappointed.
Phil
ptalsky,
I actually did some searching and came up pretty dry (I hate the way this site searches). The Mackie stuff uses the built-in Apple drivers (applefwaudio) and doesn't have any downloads on their site. For some weird reason if I changed the sample rate from 48k to something else and then back again it works fine (after hours of messing around). I have a dual processor x86 based Mac that I have stuffed into a 3U enclosure to fit in my rack (the 1U Xserves are way too deep). It looks like I'm definitely going to stick with Boom Recorder then since it appears to work well and costs way less. BTW, how do you like the Alesis FW mixer? I had a USB one for a short while but didn't like how it sounded, granted it was a very low-cost piece of equipment. I returned it to get the Onyx Satellite and I was so impressed with the pre-amps I got the 1220.
I actually did some searching and came up pretty dry (I hate the way this site searches). The Mackie stuff uses the built-in Apple drivers (applefwaudio) and doesn't have any downloads on their site. For some weird reason if I changed the sample rate from 48k to something else and then back again it works fine (after hours of messing around). I have a dual processor x86 based Mac that I have stuffed into a 3U enclosure to fit in my rack (the 1U Xserves are way too deep). It looks like I'm definitely going to stick with Boom Recorder then since it appears to work well and costs way less. BTW, how do you like the Alesis FW mixer? I had a USB one for a short while but didn't like how it sounded, granted it was a very low-cost piece of equipment. I returned it to get the Onyx Satellite and I was so impressed with the pre-amps I got the 1220.
ptalsky,
I actually did some searching and came up pretty dry (I hate the way this site searches). The Mackie stuff uses the built-in Apple drivers (applefwaudio) and doesn't have any downloads on their site. For some weird reason if I changed the sample rate from 48k to something else and then back again it works fine (after hours of messing around). I have a dual processor x86 based Mac that I have stuffed into a 3U enclosure to fit in my rack (the 1U Xserves are way too deep). It looks like I'm definitely going to stick with Boom Recorder then since it appears to work well and costs way less. BTW, how do you like the Alesis FW mixer? I had a USB one for a short while but didn't like how it sounded, granted it was a very low-cost piece of equipment. I returned it to get the Onyx Satellite and I was so impressed with the pre-amps I got the 1220.
I actually did some searching and came up pretty dry (I hate the way this site searches). The Mackie stuff uses the built-in Apple drivers (applefwaudio) and doesn't have any downloads on their site. For some weird reason if I changed the sample rate from 48k to something else and then back again it works fine (after hours of messing around). I have a dual processor x86 based Mac that I have stuffed into a 3U enclosure to fit in my rack (the 1U Xserves are way too deep). It looks like I'm definitely going to stick with Boom Recorder then since it appears to work well and costs way less. BTW, how do you like the Alesis FW mixer? I had a USB one for a short while but didn't like how it sounded, granted it was a very low-cost piece of equipment. I returned it to get the Onyx Satellite and I was so impressed with the pre-amps I got the 1220.
The Alesis is working well for me. It cost about half the Mackie, so I wanted to give it a try.
I remember reading something on Jeff's site about a problem with the sample rate. Write to Take (the author of Boom Recorder) and check with him. I've found him to be remarkably accessible.
BTW, you should do the math and check, but I bought my copy of BR in Euros rather than dollars and saved a bunch. But, the key is to make sure your credit card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.
Search for "Boom Recorder", BoomRecorder or BR. I've referred to it in all three ways.
Phil
I remember reading something on Jeff's site about a problem with the sample rate. Write to Take (the author of Boom Recorder) and check with him. I've found him to be remarkably accessible.
BTW, you should do the math and check, but I bought my copy of BR in Euros rather than dollars and saved a bunch. But, the key is to make sure your credit card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.
Search for "Boom Recorder", BoomRecorder or BR. I've referred to it in all three ways.
Phil
Thanks for the search tips, I was able to find a bit more info. I've always really enjoyed your lessons learned posts and like your setup. The mac is a new addition to my setup hence the questions with the software. My "cart" is actually a portable rack 10x10 with the mixer mounted up top with the monitor and the computer/keyboard/mouse, wireless receivers, and everything else mounted below.
I have one last question which is probably going to sound really dumb. I've gotten so used to a mixer with limiters that I've gotten a bit paranoid using a mixer without them. It's probably just my OCD but do you use an external limiter or just record without them at all?
Noiz2
Sound Ninja
Bob,
A site to check out is Jeff Wexler's
http://www.jwsound.net
THere is a lot of info and discussion of BR and Metarecorder and hardware.
A site to check out is Jeff Wexler's
http://www.jwsound.net
THere is a lot of info and discussion of BR and Metarecorder and hardware.
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
Does anybody know what is considered to be one of the best firewire board mixers for this situation? I should say "better", but not best. Phil, we talked about it and the Alesis sounds like a good option, but you mentioned a pre/post fader issue?
I'm wondering if most board mixers have this same level monitoring on the board (configured like Mackie) or if there are some that have more information available on the board... like individual level display, etc?
I love the metering of the SD 302 (bag mixer yes, but still) and I'd like to pick up a board that has a very detailed metering system... hopefully even better then the 302. Perhaps a board with a SCREEN on it?
Finally... I'd like the faders to have a really solid feel to the slide... not hard to move, but a little meaty... on the mackie if you get a twitch in your finger tip you could flick a slider from off to 100% volume... it's effortless... in a bad way.
I bought the 2-channel version of BR... planning to pay up for the pro as soon as I get this next board.
I'm wondering if most board mixers have this same level monitoring on the board (configured like Mackie) or if there are some that have more information available on the board... like individual level display, etc?
I love the metering of the SD 302 (bag mixer yes, but still) and I'd like to pick up a board that has a very detailed metering system... hopefully even better then the 302. Perhaps a board with a SCREEN on it?
Finally... I'd like the faders to have a really solid feel to the slide... not hard to move, but a little meaty... on the mackie if you get a twitch in your finger tip you could flick a slider from off to 100% volume... it's effortless... in a bad way.
I bought the 2-channel version of BR... planning to pay up for the pro as soon as I get this next board.
Matt,
Once you make the switch to BR, your metering happens in BR. And, the metering is very accurate and customizable.
I am liking the Alesis so far. It has served me well on several projects already, and it is very competitive from a price standpoint. A lot of folks on Jeff's site speak well of both the Mackies and the Yamaha 01V96. I don't know if anyone is using either of these mixers with BR, but I think both can be used.
The other option is to get an analog mixer and put a Motu Traveler between the board and BR.
Phil
Once you make the switch to BR, your metering happens in BR. And, the metering is very accurate and customizable.
I am liking the Alesis so far. It has served me well on several projects already, and it is very competitive from a price standpoint. A lot of folks on Jeff's site speak well of both the Mackies and the Yamaha 01V96. I don't know if anyone is using either of these mixers with BR, but I think both can be used.
The other option is to get an analog mixer and put a Motu Traveler between the board and BR.
Phil
The Alesis FW mixers seem pretty solid (stay away from the USB ones, they're not so good). I really like the Mackie and it's been working great for me. As far as the faders go, the Onyx board feels great. I've used the 1402 and thought the faders were a bit soft but the 1220 has a great feel. I had a 1202 that I was running into my Onyx Satellite but really didn't like the dials instead of the actual slide faders. I liked the preamps so much it prompted me to get the Mackie. The other cool features of the Mackie are the balanced analog outs for each discrete channel as well as the firewire out and the ALT output for each muted channel. And BR works just fine with the Mackie.