Multiple audio inputs to a computer

[Andrew Howard]

How easy is it to build something that allows you to have multiple audio
sources into a computer, while keeping them separate? I want to record a
drum track, with each microphone being separately recorded at the same time
on the computer.
At the nmoment, I am not worried about software. I am just asking about
hardware.
I'm guessing that it might involve ADCs into something like the parallel or
serial port. If anyone knows of a circuit diagram, that would be great.

Thanks
Andrew Howard

 

[Ian Stirling]

How easy is it to build something that allows you to have multiple audio
sources into a computer, while keeping them separate? I want to record a
drum track, with each microphone being separately recorded at the same time
on the computer.

Jam four or five soundcards into the machine.
Problem solved.
There exist expensive soundcards with multiple inputs.

 

[Mathew Orman]

How easy is it to build something that allows you to have multiple audio
sources into a computer, while keeping them separate? I want to record a
drum track, with each microphone being separately recorded at the same time
on the computer.
At the nmoment, I am not worried about software. I am just asking about
hardware.
I'm guessing that it might involve ADCs into something like the parallel or
serial port. If anyone knows of a circuit diagram, that would be great.

Thanks
Andrew Howard

It is very difficult!
Only with a special sound card that has several ADC's and memory on board.

For two tracks you can use left and right channels on the regular sound
card.
For 3 tracks add USB audio input device (should be less than $10).
Use VST software to record separate channels simultaneously.

Sincerely,

Mathew Orman
www.ultra-faster-than-light.com
www.radio-faster-than-light.com

 

[Jeroen Vriesman]

I'm using RME Digi96/8, with a separate AD/DA converter, using the ADAT
protocol over optical cables.

It's not extremely expensive, (about 700 euro's in total), and it gives you
very good 8 channel audio, the other advantage is that the AD/DA convertor
is far away from the computer (em noise), and electrically seperated from
the computer (handy when avoiding ground loops with mixers etc).

cheers,
Jeroen.

 

[Baphomet]

I'm using RME Digi96/8, with a separate AD/DA converter, using the ADAT
protocol over optical cables.

It's not extremely expensive, (about 700 euro's in total), and it gives you
very good 8 channel audio, the other advantage is that the AD/DA convertor
is far away from the computer (em noise), and electrically seperated from
the computer (handy when avoiding ground loops with mixers etc).

Hmmm...it looks like it's no longer in production
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/digi96/digi968.htm

 

[Steve]

There are many commercial cards that do this. I have a project studio
and have the ability with one card to send 8 different track to the PC.
In total through all my sound cards I have the ability to send 12 track
to the PC.

 

[Andrew Howard]

I was actually thinking more about actually building one, but thanks for the
ideas. I didn't know multiple soundcards would work.
Has anyone actually tried building one before, and not using premade
thingits?

Andrew Howard