Mike Scott wrote:
Ian Bell wrote:
Mike Scott wrote:
Any ideas please on the cheapest and/or best way of getting 6
channels of microphones connected to a laptop?

I'm looking at upgrading a Talking Newspaper's systems from the
current '70's-standard analogue system. There's a need to minimise
the number of boxes, and to de-skill the setup (it has to be taken
apart each week - we'd love a dedicated home for the studio!!)

We don't really need a full mixer - my thoughts are to get the
signals in and do any needed switching or mixing in software,
possibly bespoke.

Any other thoughts and pointers welcome.

TIA.


Do you really need a laptop?

How about a low cost stand alone digital recorder?

If it can record mp3's and divide into tracks, maybe. I'd not thought of
checking this area.


Cheers

Ian



I suggested it because operationally it is closer to the 70s gear it
would replace so existing users ought to make the transition more easily.

Why does it need to *record* mp3s? Most laptop systems will record .wav
files which you can then edit and finally convert to mp3. You can do the
same with a standalone device, converting to mp3 on a PC.

That way you maximise the quality until the final conversion stage.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money you could buy something like a
used AKAI DPS16 which can record 6 simultaneous mic inputs, edit tracks
and export to a wav file on CD for conversion to mp3 on a PC.

If you want to spend more money there are probably plenty of more modern
devices that do much the same.


Cheers

Ian