Subject:Multi-track recording with Acid

Posted by: pdot

Date:5/13/2002 1:13:08 PM

I am new to digital recording so I need some advice on everything really. I am currently running guitar/mic or drum machine/bass out of a tascam 4-track into the my sound card. I am starting to record a few songs but I have noticed that it is really hard to get the timing of the differentt tracks to match up. I am told it is due to "latency" and I need a new sound card. I havent even started editing and mixing yet so I have a long way to go. Is anyone using Acid for this same application (I am too poor for ProTools), if you are knowledgable with this please send me some advice!!!!! No matter facet of digital multitracking it covers.

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: Maruuk

Date:5/13/2002 1:24:09 PM

Acid will throw your audio tracks out of sync if your processor is weak, like a Celeron, or your hard drive is slow (5200). The latency issue can cause problems and is a combination of sound card and driver issues.

1) Why are you using Acid for audio if you're not using loops?

2) Acid is not strong in audio tracks, you're better off with some cheap audio-based product like Cool Edit or Cakewalk's Home Studio series.

3) If you do use loops (and Acid is great at that) you'll have to givfe us your current hardware and OS config to see what you'll need to make things work for audio in Acid (a lot).

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:5/13/2002 1:41:50 PM

pdot,

If you plan on multitracking audio (as opposed to loops) turn to Sonic Foundry Vegas. Download Vegas LE and give that a try to see if if it fits your needs.

Multitracking audio in Acid is an exercise in going mental. Acid is designed to be an assembly workbench for loops only. And it is very good at that.

Cheers,

Cuzin B

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: pdot

Date:5/13/2002 1:59:35 PM

I am using Acid b/c it came with my Sony Vaio Digital Studio PC (P4 1.8, 512RAM, 80G Hdrive). Also I use AcidPro 3.0 and SoundForge 5.0. For looping the system and software is awesome, I will continue to use the set up (acid and soundforge) for looping but I will also check with cakewalk for multitracking purposes. I was basically trying to go from analog to digital recording with what I had obviously not the best choice. Thanks for the info.

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:5/13/2002 3:59:17 PM

pdot,

Remember that Vegas LE is free and you will be hardpressed to find a better (or easier to use) multitrack environment than this. I have done many projects like you described (4 track cassette to digital)...Vegas rules for this kind of operation. Cakewalk is fine but you really should at least try Vegas LE...I think I used Cakewalk for about 2 hours total since I starting recoding digitally...as soon as I found Vegas - never looked back...didn't have to.

Cheers,

Cuzin B

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: pdot

Date:5/13/2002 4:06:42 PM

I will check it out, what are the major benefits to Vegas LE. Also what interface did you use to input your instruments, what about the soundcard. ProTools has the Mbox and someother interfaces (USB connected) but I am not going all out yet. Just trying to get started.

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:5/13/2002 4:08:46 PM

Vegas LE is only free if you have the full version of Sound Forge. The XP version does not include a free license for Vegas LE.

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:5/13/2002 6:55:46 PM

Chienworks,

Our friend pdot has already stated that he is in fact a registered user of both Soundforge 5.0 and Acid 3.0 (at least he better be!)These apps came with his Sony purchase so I would say he could probably go ahead and download his copy of Vegas LE as long as he can supply a serial number - yes?

Cheers,

Cuzin B

Subject:RE: Multi-track recording with Acid

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:5/13/2002 7:00:52 PM

Pdot,

Benefits of Vegas are too numerous to go into in one short post here. Just believe me when I tell you - it's the best dang multitracker out there for price, ease of use and productivity.

To answer your gear question: I use Vegas 3.0a, Soundforge 6.0 and Acid 3.0 exclusively for my company (I do voiceover for the broadcast industry). I use the M-Audio Omni Studio with the Delta 66 card for all my hard disk recording. This rig in conjunction with the Sonic Foundry tools is very happenin' and very reliable.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Cuzin B

Subject:RE: PDOT- READ THIS re: ProTools Free

Reply by: deleond

Date:5/15/2002 8:39:46 AM

PDOT,
Just an FYI, you can get a free download of ProTools 5.01 at the digidesign.com site under the products section. click on software.
I just downloaded it. Have yet to try, but I am anxious to.
Yet, Acid is still an awesome tool.
I do recommend the SAM book TEaching Yourself Acid 3.0.
Good book for newbies, and even vets can learn a thing or 2.
DEL

Subject:RE: PDOT- READ THIS re: ProTools Free

Reply by: Maruuk

Date:5/15/2002 8:16:59 PM

del--This a demo that self-destructs or a "light" version?

Subject:RE: Acid is still number 1 for audio

Reply by: Spirit

Date:5/15/2002 10:17:05 PM

With a good PC I think Acid is still by far the easiest and fastest way to work with audio - and not just loops. It may be badly in need of an update to include MIDI and VSTi (IMHO) but it still blows away things like Cubase. Right now I'm listening to a 22-track song with about 12 loooooong one-shot audio tracks....

I've got a dedicated DAW 1.8 512Mb RAM, but if you're serious about music then you need a DAW.

Subject:RE: Acid is still number 1 for audio

Reply by: groovewerx

Date:5/16/2002 12:38:06 PM

acid is better than cubase??

i believe you have compared apples to oranges...

Subject:RE: Acid is still number 1 for audio

Reply by: Spirit

Date:5/16/2002 10:49:27 PM

As the subject heading says: "number 1 for audio"

It obviously can't compete when it comes to MIDI.