Jim Alfredson

Well, one thing to do is buy an inexpensive outboard mixer (yamaha makes some nice ones) with at least two mic preamps and do a submix of the drums on it. In other words, mic up the drums with two or more mics, mix them together on the outboard mixer to a mono output, and then record that with the 4-track on one track.

The problem with the less expensive 8 track digital/mixer combos (the ones that replace cassette-based porta-studios and such) is that most of them can only record 2 tracks at once. If you want something that records 8 at once, it usually is just a standalone recorder with no mixer, no mic inputs, etc until you start getting into the $1k range. I had an Akai DPS16 for awhile that was nice and could record up to 10 tracks at once, but it only had 2 mic inputs, so I had to use an external mic preamp with it. Before I got the Presonus Firepod, I was using a stand-alone Fostex D160, which can do 16 tracks at once, but again no mixer, no mic inputs. I paired that with two 8 channel mic preamps, but to mix I dumped everything into my desktop running Cubase SX (now replaced by my laptop). The folks at Sweetwater are nice. It might be worth calling them and telling them what you want to do and what your budget is.

Putting 8 tracks on a single cassette never seemed like a good idea to me. I used to have a Fostex four track, so I'm aware of the limitations. I don't think it's possible to link two 424's together. Also, after a bit of reading, it seems you can only record 4 tracks at once on the 488, so that won't solve your problems. If you really need to do six tracks at once, you're probably going to spend a bit more money than you want. Unfortunately, the price between 4 and 8 tracks is kinda steep. In fact, you're best bet, if you want to stay analog and not go digital is something like this. Of course, that probably doesn't have any mic inputs, so you'd need to get some sort of 8 channel preamp. Like I said, it starts getting expensive. If you want to go digital and have the computer that can handle it, I highly recommend the Presonus Firepod. I'm using one with my laptop and I love it. You'll need a separate harddrive to record audio to (best bet, a firewire external harddrive) but it comes with Cubase LE so you have your recording program right there. It has 8 mic preamps built in which are very clean. And yes, you can record all 8, plus the 2 digital inputs at once. But like I said, you need a relatively good computer with firewire to run it. I'm using a laptop with a dual-boot configuration (one boot partition is for normal, everyday computer stuff like websurfing, and the other is a stripped-down install of Windows used only for audio recording).

Hey Johnny E, if you wanted a virtual sex-change, you could've just asked.

Like any of you, if offered a 30% raise above what your current boss was offering for doing the same job you're doing now, would say "No thanks".

I can't wait to see the Pistons/Spurs on Christmas Day. You know that's going to be an emotionally charged game. I definitely give the Pistons the edge.

You guys need to chill out. Or at the very least, take it to PM, please.

I think the intention is good (trying to get people to donate to the forum) but I agree that this isn't the best way to go about it. I appreciate the donations I've received in the last few days and I know that most people like it to stay private. That said, I'm going to close this thread. Again, the sentiment is good, but in my opinion this is not the best way to go about it. Thanks!

Pistons edge the Trailblazers. Unfortunately my stupid cable provider (Comcast) switched WB stations on us, so I can't see games that are on WBWD in Detroit anymore. Pooey. That means no game on Friday either. In any case... PISTONS ARE 20-3!!! What's up with the Bucks? Those guys are for real.

Some people here have expressed interest in the other band I play with, Root Doctor. We are a rhythm & blues five piece and our new CD is coming out in January. If you'd like, you can check out samples, pre-order the disc, etc. on the Root Doctor website: www.rootdoctorband.com Enjoy!

Most pop music today is built around a four bar vamp repeated ad nauseum and no real melodic content, so I would have to agree with you that there isn't much that can be turned into a decent jazz standard these days.

Ok, so the drummer we used this weekend up in northern Michigan brought this CD to the table, which I've never seen, filled with Sly & The Family Stone tunes I've never heard: The All Music Entry I see that this CD has a some of the same tunes, but with some other stuff: The other All Music Entry Anyone know anything about these? The stuff is on the first disc is super-FUNKY!

I've always heard two drum tracks on that record, one of which seems to be off by a few bars. It seems like the crazy fills that you're talking about, are ahead by one bar or so (I'm going by memory) and if put back a bit, would fit perfectly. It's almost like they cut the tune, decided it sucked, but liked the drum track and then cut it again over the drum track, but didn't pay any attention to where said track actually started and so the fills are all messed up. Listen closely next time and I think you'll hear two drum parts and you'll hear what I mean.

I saw it yesterday while stuck up north on a three-day gig. I enjoyed it, although I thought it was a little over-the-top at times. King Kong himself was bad-ass. I could've done without all the creepy-crawly scenes. The end seemed a little... forced. Naomi Watts. The most disturbing thing (and keep in mind, we were in northern Michigan) is that a couple was sitting behind us with their kids, all under the age of 13, and one as young as three or four. I kept thinking, as scene after scary scene passed by, what kind of parent would take their young child to see a movie like that!? It's not a kids movie by any stretch of the imagination and who knows what the impact of seeing all that imagery has on a developing mind. At one point I swear the little girl was crying and yet the parents just sat there. Both Greg and I felt like we should've said something. People can be so stupid, its incredible.

You can just paypal to b3groover@hotmail.com

Sorry, I was out of town all weekend. The ol' santa hat logo is up.

So where's the Antarctica contingent?

I like this guy.

Yes I did. Thank you, Larry! I thought I had sent you a PM thanking you, but I probably forgot. If it weren't for my wife, I'd forget to eat.

Yep, we're back in Chicago on January 13th at the Green Mill. It's a Friday night, so you Chicago members better get your butts down there!!! Ain't no excuse! January 13th - 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 4802 N Broadway St Chicago, IL 60640-3622 Phone: (773) 878-5552

We're not very friendly to the Pacers 'round here. We're home of the Ben Wallace Smiley ©: with 'fro :bwallace2: with cornrows PISTON BASKETBALL!!!!!!!!

rachel?

Finale is endlessly frustrating. I don't use it enough, so every time I do use it, it seems like I have to re-learn it and that wastes a lot of time. I've wanted to try Sibelius, but like Duke City said, the inexpensive verson seems mainly targeted at guitarists and I don't write enough charts to make the full version price worth it.

So, I've been using the non-OEM ink from eBay for a few weeks now with absolutely no ill effects. I've used my printer at least once a day, sometimes for hours at a time and the ink has performed flawlessly and looks as good as the more expensive Epson ink. I'm a happy camper!