I've been reading a little bit on running digital through analog for recording purposes. One method I was intregued by is running digital through a reel to reel. So, purchased what seems to be a pretty clean reel to reel (pic below) and I'm wondering about how I set this up. So, I have my song in Ableton - I set the audio output of my interface into the reel to reel, record it to tape, then the output of the reel to reel needs to go back to the interface where I record the audio track... can it go directly into the interface (Focusrite Saffire), or will I need an AD converter.

Any help appreciated... just curious to see how this sounds.

My new toy...

your soundcard doesnt have an AD in it?!

ok, jokes aside... no, you don't need an extra AD converter. the outputs from the unit are probably RCA (or trs/xlr), so all you need is the right cable to get that into your soundcards trs inputs. make sure the output isn't clipping like a mad **** though! also, i wouldn't push your entire mix through this... as you will get a huge loss in quality, so just use it here and there.

i have zero experience with these things, other than looking at one haha. as far as i am aware, you can just have the reel running and use the monitor output on the unit so it records/reads at the same time (or something like that).

Excellent - thanks. I didn't think I'd need an AD converter when I bought it, then read a couple articles and posts saying otherwise... got a little concerned.

I'll try running some individual tracks through it to see what I come up with.

Thanks again.

Dude, I'd love to hear an A/B of something run through this process against the same material bounced straight out of LIVE. Are you seeing results you expected (other than noisefloor )

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more analog, more sidechain

Remember you get awesome compression on tape....and you can push the levels too....
Have fun

quote:

Originally posted by CReddick Dude, I'd love to hear an A/B of something run through this process against the same material bounced straight out of LIVE. Are you seeing results you expected (other than noisefloor )

For sure... as soon as I get this set up I'll post an A/B sample. It'll probably be next weekend when I get back in town... I'll post a link asap.

I like to analog analog, I like to analog analog, I like to analog analog, ya like to MOAR analog!!

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Kuroi
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promo track: Mirco de Govia - Voller Sterne (Kuroi Remix)

Over rated!

quote:

Originally posted by MOK Over rated!

Insightfully and constructively profound.

At this point, the analog/digital debate does not require more than my end opinion, I'd tend to think.