Using Computer as Audio Recorder?

F

Film_Hoerl

Member
I just got back into shooting a ton with my t2i and I was wondering if there was a way to use my computer as a audio recorder. I have an M-Audio Fasttrack Pro with some Shure lav mic's and a shotgun mic. I'm trying to avoid buying a h4n recorder, since I already have the M-Audio xlr input.

I know it's a pain in the ass to lug around, but I'd have my computer on location with me to dump footage anyways. In my mind this seem's like it would work, but I wanted some advice before I field tested it. Thanks!

Here is a link to the fast track pro:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/393375-REG/M_Audio_9900_51076_00_Fast_Track_Pro_USB.html
 
Film_Hoerl said:
I just got back into shooting a ton with my t2i and I was wondering if there was a way to use my computer as a audio recorder. I have an M-Audio Fasttrack Pro with some Shure lav mic's and a shotgun mic. I'm trying to avoid buying a h4n recorder, since I already have the M-Audio xlr input.

I know it's a pain in the ass to lug around, but I'd have my computer on location with me to dump footage anyways. In my mind this seem's like it would work, but I wanted some advice before I field tested it. Thanks!

Here is a link to the fast track pro:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/393375-REG/M_Audio_9900_51076_00_Fast_Track_Pro_USB.html
Click to expand...

Are you talking about a laptop or a desktop!? A laptop I presume.

I'm not sure what your question is exactly so forgive me if I state the obvious. Yes you can use your laptop for double system sound. You will need to create a sync reference in each clip, either by clapping or getting a proper clapper board. Some people swear by Plural Eyes for syncing double system audio in post, but I have never thought it worth the money.
 
YES, it should work fine. not the most convenient, but better than built in audio of T2i.
Audacity is a great free sound program that would let you record audio.
 
Thanks so much for the replies! Yes i would be using a laptop with Protools 9, I just need it for 2 shoots or so till I have the cash to buy the h4n or something similar.

I would just be doing some indoor interview segments for web content, so nothing extremely crazy. Theoretically it would work, I just wanted to see if anyone had attempted something like it before.

Thanks again!
 
hendosan said:
Yeah, I use my Macbook Pro and an Mbox Mini anytime I shoot with a DSLR and need audio recorded.
Click to expand...

Awesome, just what I needed to hear. What software do you use? I was thinking protools 9, but It might be easier using a software that is simpler.

Any idea if there is a simple recording software with levels that saves the files each time you start and stop? Sort of like an h4n on the computer.
 
I've been using Protools for a while, so that's the easiest software for me :-p I record everything as one giant track though and just sync it manually in FCP.

If you're a Windows user, the built-in sound recorder is probably the easiest way to do what you want. Record, save, then create a new file. Very minimal controls outside of input source and levels.
 
Film_Hoerl said:
Awesome, just what I needed to hear. What software do you use? I was thinking protools 9, but It might be easier using a software that is simpler.

Any idea if there is a simple recording software with levels that saves the files each time you start and stop? Sort of like an h4n on the computer.
Click to expand...

+1 for Audacity. It is very full featured, and dedicated to the task you need it for. I would NEVER trust windows sound recorder for such a task.
 
Well I'll do some tests with pro tools tomorrow! I was thinking of recording one giant track, but I dont want to make too much work in post for myself. I might download audacity and see which one is easier to handle while filming.

Thanks for all of the input!
 
The big issue is the noise when the cooling fans kick in. I had this problem recently using the laptop as a teleprompt. Having a a noisy computer in the recording space is not good
 
I tested it a bit last night, I was able to get it to work, but I was having issues with my M-Audio Fast Track Pro working with Protools 9. It worked okay with Garageband, but there was some feedback that i couldn't eliminate. I have a quiet laptop, and the fans only kick in when the larger graphics card is in use.

Anyone have experience with Protools 9 and M-Audio devices? The M-Audio device isn't appearing as an input in ProTools, but all the drivers are updated...
 
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