Recording vocals seperate from main music Mac

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Level 2

226 points

Recording vocals seperate from main music Mac

I do most of my music on a Mac Pro, running Logic Studio 9, but the location of the computer really isn't a suitable space for recording vocals in.

I can't keep lugging the Mac Pro about, so ideally I'd like to record the vocals in a suitable (different) space on to a laptop, then import the resulting audio files to the main project on my Mac Pro.

The idea is that I'd do a stereo reference mix of the music in Logic Pro, bounce it and copy that audio file to a project on the laptop (using Garageband or Logic Express to save cost).

With that project set up at the same tempo and sampling rate, I'd then record the vocals using the laptop. From there I'd copy the vocal audio file(s) and drop them into the music project on the Mac Pro, where I'd add any effects, processing and do the final mix.

First question - would this work? As long as I recorded the vocals in a project set to the same tempo and sampling rate as the music, would I have any timing or sync problems when adding the vocal audio files to the original music project?

Second question - if so, can anyone recommend any portable, Firewire 800 audio interfaces which would be suitable for recording the vocals on to the laptop? It would ony need to be 2 input channels maximum, but with at least one XLR input and phantom power.

Any advice gratefully received!

Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 7, 2010 6:47 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

John Alcock

Level 5

5,032 points

Sep 7, 2010 9:21 AM in response to Robin Johnson

but the location of the computer really isn't a suitable space for recording vocals in.

Is there any other room that would work better at your location? If so, consider buying a snake.

The idea is that I'd do a stereo reference mix of the music in Logic Pro, bounce it and copy that audio file to a project on the laptop (using Garageband or Logic Express to save cost).

Or reinstall Logic Pro on your laptop, but without all the content. Your license permits this, as you're not using two copies at the same time.

First question - would this work?

Yes. I do this often. Just be sure that both files begin at 1 1 1 1. Additionally, as I usually have many takes tracking o'dubs, I always record to WAV (BWF) files so I can use the 'move to original record position' command to align less than complete audio files.

Second question - if so, can anyone recommend any portable, Firewire 800 audio interfaces

Most FW interfaces are FW400. Just get an [adapter.|http://www.sonnettech.com/product/fw_adapter.html] and buy an interface which can be separately powered. There are dozens of suitable FW interfaces: one inexpensive box which I like is the [AudioFire4|http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/FireWire/AudioFire4/index.php] which is 6in/6out - they make an Audiofire2 but that doesn't have XLRs. Apogee, Focusrite, Presonus etc. all have small interfaces which you might like - just [search around|http://www.sweetwater.com/c683--FireWire AudioInterfaces/low2high]. Personally, I would avoid M-Audio.

Good luck.

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Answer 2

Pancenter

Level 6

14,644 points

Sep 7, 2010 10:37 AM in response to Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson wrote:
With that project set up at the same tempo and sampling rate, I'd then record the vocals using the laptop.

Audio is not measure/beat based so tempo doesn't matter other than a visual reference. Yes on recording the same sample rate and bit depth.

pancenter-

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Answer 3

Robin Johnson Author

Level 2

226 points

Sep 15, 2010 7:20 AM in response to John Alcock

Thanks for your help, guys. I've just had a thought, though.

Seen as the audio interface used with the laptop would only be needed for playing back a stereo music mix while (individually) recording, say, a couple of lead vocal tracks and then three of b/vox - would a USB audio interface be OK?

Would I really need the speed of a Firewire one?

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Answer 4

dindisc2

Level 1

0 points

Sep 15, 2010 12:49 PM in response to Robin Johnson

you may not need the speed but at some point if you really get into this you will!! If you want a multi in and out ubit that sounds amazing check out theMetric Halo 2882 8 channels of wonderful AD/DA convert...

Or maybe the Apogee Duet or the Apogee One. as the audio quality is excellent for a good price.

STAY AWAY from ALL Digidesign (NOW NAMED AVID they also own M-Audio) hardware. Also In my experience Every MOTU unit completely ***** for audio.

Also you can use a closet for a nice vocal booth with shirts hanging around the vocalist you will have non-acoustics-colored vocal which you can add the reverb that you want- not the reverb that a regular room in a house will give you.

DDD

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