#433393 - 10/24/03 03:48 PM
Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
Posts: 10
Loc: cincinnati, ohio
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I'm new to the home recording side of music. The Zoom MRS-4 is my introduction machine, and I've found it to be a great tool for jotting down ideas and getting the general structure for a song down.
However... The one thing I can't seem to figure out is mixing. The manual tells me how to mix down to "master recorder," and that I can mix to a V-Take. I've tried several times to mix 4 tracks down to a single V-Take, but the result is a mono mix on a single V-Take.
Ideally, I'd be able to mix my songs onto one V-Take, in stereo. Then use Zoom's free software to convert it to the needed audio file. This should be simple.
The x-factor here is that I don't have a personal computer. (I sit at one for 8 hours a day at an ad agency, and don't want to come home to one!) That said, how can I accomplish my goal?
Also, if someone can explain to me what a "master recorder" is, and how much they cost, I'd appreciate it. I've asked salesmen from all the major equipment stores, and they try to up-sell me to something that makes my MRS-4 obsolete. Morons.
Thanks!
(p.s. I'm posting this under several different headlines so as to get the attention of the most people. Sorry if this pisses you off.)
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433394 - 10/25/03 04:04 AM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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Alndln
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Registered: 08/15/00
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The problem here is that most likely you won't find too many familiar with this machine around here if any.As far as a "master recorder",they are just simply reffering to to mixing out to another device such as a Dat machine,or something more dedicated like the Alesis Masterlink.External diveces to mix out to can be costly however,and if the Zoom recorder is any indication of your budget,a PC may just be a more cost effective solution.Because after that(mixdown) it's external CD recording,external mastering and on and on and on.I'll take one guess at your problem though,I do know most of these devices have track limits according to bit and sample rates,so if your loading up at 24/44 or 24/48,the Zoom unit just might be over the limit and defaulting to a mono mix.Just a guess.You might also try looking for a Zoom user forum or user group.
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"A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
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#433395 - 10/25/03 04:55 AM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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kylen
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Registered: 05/06/03
Posts: 3988
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Hi danspocket, have you tried this forum - looks like Steve has a big clue:
http://www.soundreproduction.com/discussion/home_recording/messages/848.html
Other than that how was the chilidog crop this season ? Being a former Cincinnatian I sure miss those things ! 
kylen
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#433396 - 10/27/03 11:08 AM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
Posts: 10
Loc: cincinnati, ohio
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this is exactly the sort of dung i've heard from the Sam Ash and Guitar Center drones. i just want a simple answer, not to be insulted or upsold. thankfully, i learned yesterday of a SIMPLE shareware program on VersionTracker.com that will alow me to do what i've been trying to do. thanks for trying to answer my question, but next time you should try to be more to-the-point, and less of an ass.
Originally posted by Alndln FX-51:
The problem here is that most likely you won't find too many familiar with this machine around here if any.As far as a "master recorder",they are just simply reffering to to mixing out to another device such as a Dat machine,or something more dedicated like the Alesis Masterlink.External diveces to mix out to can be costly however,and if the Zoom recorder is any indication of your budget,a PC may just be a more cost effective solution.Because after that(mixdown) it's external CD recording,external mastering and on and on and on.I'll take one guess at your problem though,I do know most of these devices have track limits according to bit and sample rates,so if your loading up at 24/44 or 24/48,the Zoom unit just might be over the limit and defaulting to a mono mix.Just a guess.You might also try looking for a Zoom user forum or user group.
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433397 - 10/27/03 06:38 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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KHAN
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Originally posted by danspocket:
this is exactly the sort of dung i've heard from the Sam Ash and Guitar Center drones....
...next time you should try to be more to-the-point, and less of an ass.
:rolleyes:
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#433398 - 10/27/03 06:51 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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look, sorry if i was too aggressive in reply - that is, if you weren't being an ass, as i thought you were. but when i read "...indication of your budget...," you became one of the "elite," my-unit-is-bigger-than-yours monkeys i've been encountering for the last month at the afore mentioned retail locations. i've been on the other side of the glass for a long time, and this is totally new to me. i just want an answer to my question; no commentary.
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433399 - 10/28/03 02:44 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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marsmgr1
Senior Member
Registered: 08/24/03
Posts: 200
Loc: Jackson, MS
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Originally posted by danspocket:
look, sorry if i was too aggressive in reply - that is, if you weren't being an ass, as i thought you were. but when i read "...indication of your budget...," you became one of the "elite," my-unit-is-bigger-than-yours monkeys i've been encountering for the last month at the afore mentioned retail locations. i've been on the other side of the glass for a long time, and this is totally new to me. i just want an answer to my question; no commentary.
First of all, you've posted about 3 or 4 times asking for the same advice...Secondly, no one here wants to "flame" you, we all try to offer helpful advice...Finally, you *are* working with inadequate gear to accomplish what you seem to be trying to achieve...
Please respect the professional standards to which we attempt to adhere when offering advice (and ignore the "Trolls" that seem to always wanna screw things up!) 
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Chris - "Been there, Done that"
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#433400 - 10/28/03 03:29 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
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Once again, why is it necessary to insult my gear? In all of my postings, I've made it clear that I'm new to home recording, that I've been discouraged by the lack of listening I've encountered at music stores, and that I just want to get a quality song onto a CD.
As for multiple postings, I pre-apologized for it.
Originally posted by marsmgr1: Originally posted by danspocket:
look, sorry if i was too aggressive in reply - that is, if you weren't being an ass, as i thought you were. but when i read "...indication of your budget...," you became one of the "elite," my-unit-is-bigger-than-yours monkeys i've been encountering for the last month at the afore mentioned retail locations. i've been on the other side of the glass for a long time, and this is totally new to me. i just want an answer to my question; no commentary.
First of all, you've posted about 3 or 4 times asking for the same advice...Secondly, no one here wants to "flame" you, we all try to offer helpful advice...Finally, you *are* working with inadequate gear to accomplish what you seem to be trying to achieve...
Please respect the professional standards to which we attempt to adhere when offering advice (and ignore the "Trolls" that seem to always wanna screw things up!)
_________________________
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433401 - 10/28/03 06:49 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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where02190
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Registered: 11/06/01
Posts: 5402
Loc: Weymouth, Ma. USA
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Originally posted by danspocket:
Once again, why is it necessary to insult my gear? In all of my postings, I've made it clear that I'm new to home recording, that I've been discouraged by the lack of listening I've encountered at music stores, and that I just want to get a quality song onto a CD.
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Hope this is helpful. NP Recording Studios Analog approach to digital recording.
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#433402 - 10/28/03 06:52 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
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Nice way to promote your business. I'll be sure to keep you in mind.
Originally posted by where02190: Originally posted by danspocket:
Once again, why is it necessary to insult my gear? In all of my postings, I've made it clear that I'm new to home recording, that I've been discouraged by the lack of listening I've encountered at music stores, and that I just want to get a quality song onto a CD.
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433403 - 10/29/03 12:14 AM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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where02190
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Registered: 11/06/01
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by danspocket:
[QB]Nice way to promote your business. I'll be sure to keep you in mind.
I'm not promoting my business I'm calling a spade a spade. Take your licking like a man and learn from it.
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Hope this is helpful. NP Recording Studios Analog approach to digital recording.
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#433404 - 11/02/03 05:26 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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artnoiser
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Registered: 12/02/00
Posts: 333
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Hi Dan...I think you really misunderstood Aldndln...
Originally posted by Alndln FX-51:
External diveces to mix out to can be costly however,and if the Zoom recorder is any indication of your budget,a PC may just be a more cost effective solution.
You might ask "why did other people respond as rude as they did after my comment?"
Because of your comment, man. You really should try to be more careful...I don't spend enough time at the forums to call it my home or anything...but if there's something I have learned here as far as interpersonal relationships is concerned, is that new members are always welcome if they show respect to others, and IN CASE you think you are being insulted, just give them the benefit of the doubt and ask them about their comments. Like, "what did you mean by such and such" and get a reasonable explanation first-hand from the person that took his or her time to respond to a question for which they do NOT have the answer, but enough interest in helping you out. Like Alndln in this case.
And please don't take this personal.
artnoiser
PS: Sorry I don't have actual gear advice for your problem.
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#433405 - 11/03/03 01:04 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
Posts: 10
Loc: cincinnati, ohio
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Thanks for your advice and input on how this unusually sensitive forum operates. You have many good points, and I will adjust my workflow (and screen name!) in the future.
However... I was crystal clear that I didn't want to be up-sold, per the "advice" I had encountered from the monkeys at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and several indie stores. I just reread my original post, and I stand by the *thought* behind my responses.
I can see that I was too harsh in my first response for this specific forum, but the point was legit: Do not up-sell me. Suggesting a PC was wrong because: A., I didn't want to buy more equipment, and B., I'm a Mac user!
Again, thanks for the logical response. I appreciate it. In the big picture, my problem is solved thanks to one of several free programs I found on line.
Originally posted by artnoiser: Hi Dan...I think you really misunderstood Aldndln...
Originally posted by Alndln FX-51:
External diveces to mix out to can be costly however,and if the Zoom recorder is any indication of your budget,a PC may just be a more cost effective solution.
You might ask "why did other people respond as rude as they did after my comment?"
Because of your comment, man. You really should try to be more careful...I don't spend enough time at the forums to call it my home or anything...but if there's something I have learned here as far as interpersonal relationships is concerned, is that new members are always welcome if they show respect to others, and IN CASE you think you are being insulted, just give them the benefit of the doubt and ask them about their comments. Like, "what did you mean by such and such" and get a reasonable explanation first-hand from the person that took his or her time to respond to a question for which they do NOT have the answer, but enough interest in helping you out. Like Alndln in this case.
And please don't take this personal.
artnoiser
PS: Sorry I don't have actual gear advice for your problem.
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433406 - 11/03/03 06:12 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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marsmgr1
Senior Member
Registered: 08/24/03
Posts: 200
Loc: Jackson, MS
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Originally posted by danspocket:
Thanks for your advice and input on how this unusually sensitive forum operates. You have many good points, and I will adjust my workflow (and screen name!) in the future.
However... I was crystal clear that I didn't want to be up-sold, per the "advice" I had encountered from the monkeys at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and several indie stores. I just reread my original post, and I stand by the *thought* behind my responses.
I can see that I was too harsh in my first response for this specific forum, but the point was legit: Do not up-sell me. Suggesting a PC was wrong because: A., I didn't want to buy more equipment, and B., I'm a Mac user!
Again, thanks for the logical response. I appreciate it. In the big picture, my problem is solved thanks to one of several free programs I found on line.
_________________________
Chris - "Been there, Done that"
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#433407 - 11/03/03 06:23 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
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Yes, I found Audacity and AudioRecorder 1.3 at VersionTracker.com. They both do exactly what I was trying to do: Record a mix, either from my SmartMedia card or from the MRS-4 directly.
It's not the latest and greatest, nor does it give me the bells and whistles you likely have. But for an Art Director who records at home on his off hours, it meets my goals.
Originally posted by marsmgr1: Originally posted by danspocket:
Thanks for your advice and input on how this unusually sensitive forum operates. You have many good points, and I will adjust my workflow (and screen name!) in the future.
However... I was crystal clear that I didn't want to be up-sold, per the "advice" I had encountered from the monkeys at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and several indie stores. I just reread my original post, and I stand by the *thought* behind my responses.
I can see that I was too harsh in my first response for this specific forum, but the point was legit: Do not up-sell me. Suggesting a PC was wrong because: A., I didn't want to buy more equipment, and B., I'm a Mac user!
Again, thanks for the logical response. I appreciate it. In the big picture, my problem is solved thanks to one of several free programs I found on line.
_________________________
--
the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433408 - 11/03/03 06:29 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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danspocket
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Registered: 10/24/03
Posts: 10
Loc: cincinnati, ohio
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Yes, I found Audacity and AudioRecorder 1.3 at VersionTracker.com. They both do exactly what I was trying to do: Record a mix, either from my SmartMedia card or from the MRS-4 directly.
It's not the latest and greatest, nor does it give me the bells and whistles you likely have. But for an Art Director who records at home on his off hours, it meets my goals.
Originally posted by marsmgr1: Originally posted by danspocket:
Thanks for your advice and input on how this unusually sensitive forum operates. You have many good points, and I will adjust my workflow (and screen name!) in the future.
However... I was crystal clear that I didn't want to be up-sold, per the "advice" I had encountered from the monkeys at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and several indie stores. I just reread my original post, and I stand by the *thought* behind my responses.
I can see that I was too harsh in my first response for this specific forum, but the point was legit: Do not up-sell me. Suggesting a PC was wrong because: A., I didn't want to buy more equipment, and B., I'm a Mac user!
Again, thanks for the logical response. I appreciate it. In the big picture, my problem is solved thanks to one of several free programs I found on line.
_________________________
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the hardest task to finish is that which has not started. - the gaffer
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#433409 - 11/03/03 06:57 PM
Re: Mixing...I need help!!!
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kylen
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Registered: 05/06/03
Posts: 3988
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Audacity looks cool and it supports VST plugins also - that opens up the world of free VST EQs, compressors, limiters, reverbs, etc. Some of them are pretty good too for software - probably not Waves grade (I wouldn't know - I'm guessing).
You can search Craigs 'open mic' forum if you don't have plugins you like, here's one thread where folks were yacking about it:
http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=015368
kylen
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