HELP!-The QUICKEST and CHEAPEST way to transfer HQ analog masters to HQ 24bit digital

[markytheM]

I know I always come to the Audio Forum for help but that's where all life's answers really reside.;)

I have a new deal with the Rainbow Quartz label and the owner Jim McGarry told me that they are used to receiving unmastered CDrs. I have to have these to him by May 16.

If I'm going to give him an unmastered CDr then I would at least like it converted at the highest quality first.

I have a Sony Home CD recorder in my studio to reference my work but I never use it for anything serious.

Is there some place I can rent what I need? And what exactly do I need?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Peace Love and Thank you sincerely.
Marky

[TONEPUB]

Benchmark ADC-1...

[endust4237]

Get the newest Korg MR-1000 portable recorder, not too expensive, does 192k/24 bit and 2xDSD. The A/D converter quality is really good.

[seriousfun]

What form is the recording in right now?

[markytheM]

What form is the recording in right now?

It's in 1/4" half track 15 ips right now, Doug. I'd really like to just rent something.

[seriousfun]

Do you have a machine to play these tapes?

If so, as with the suggestion above, just use the best Analog-to-Digital converter you can to get this audio into your computer (you should be able to rent one if you don't want to own). A free program like Audacity or Reaper will allow you to edit these recordings in your computer into usable form, and then Nero or even Windows itself will help you burn a data CD to send to the label.

An external recorder of any kind probably isn't what you need - just one more step if you need to do any editing.

Benchmark, Mytek, Lavry, Apogee...there are a lot of great A/D converters. I know places in Nashville (Blackbird Audio Rentals) and L. A. (Advanced Rentals, Platinum Audio Rentals) that should be able to help.

[Jamie Tate]

Who's mastering this? Does the mastering studio not have an analog machine?

[markytheM]

Who's mastering this? Does the mastering studio not have an analog machine?

Thanks for replying, Jamie.
I'm not sure who's mastering. It's definitely RQ's normal guy. Usually when I do work for the Proverus label, they come to my studio with their computer and collect the mixes off my Revox PR99. (Thanks too, seriousfun)

I don't know what they have machine-wise but I really don't want to send out my master reels.

Is there a good coverter for $200-$300?

Can a CDR hold 12 24bit songs?

Thanks again, my friends.

[seriousfun]

...

Is there a good coverter for $200-$300?

Can a CDR hold 12 24bit songs?

...

That's a tough price range for great, but it just might get you to good. The EMU m-series audio interfaces have the same A/D as Pro Tools HD (not sayin' that that's the best there is, but it's a start). Get the best PCI-based audio interface from them (or RME, or Digigram) that you can afford. Or again, rent an Apogee, etc.

Maybe ten songs, depending on length. A fine DVD burner for your computer (replace your CD burner) can be bought for $30-35.00 these days, and blank DVD-R costs pennies. You may be able to send these files to the lable via FTP or yousendit.com for free (works great, industry-accepted, and all you need is broadband internet).

[Metoo]

Here's what Seriousfun has mentioned, only for PC, though: http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=505&subcategory=491&product=15189

I have it and am currently doing backups of my music. I think it's got good quality A/D converters. I am mostly recording my tape backups at 192/24.

Here's its price: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/478831-REG/E_mu_70EM896006000_1616M_PCI_Digital_Aud io_System.html But you won't be able to purchse it there, it takes them too long to receive the item for it to work for you.

What I would consider the biggest potential problem of renting is the learning curve to get the most out of the hardware.

[Jamie Tate]

That's a tough price range for great, but it just might get you to good. The EMU m-series audio interfaces have the same A/D as Pro Tools HD (not sayin' that that's the best there is, but it's a start). Get the best PCI-based audio interface from them (or RME, or Digigram) that you can afford. Or again, rent an Apogee, etc.

The converters in Pro Tools HD aren't bad. Much better than the dark sound of the 002 boxes.

Still, I agree you should rent a nice converter for this. It's important. I would think about investing in the Benchmark ADC-1 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ADC1/) TONEPUB mentioned.

What resolution are you using? I do all my masters at 24/88.2.

[markytheM]

The converters in Pro Tools HD aren't bad. Much better than the dark sound of the 002 boxes.

Still, I agree you should rent a nice converter for this. It's important. I would think about investing in the Benchmark ADC-1 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ADC1/) TONEPUB mentioned.



After checking out everyone's advice (THANK YOU ALL BTW) I think Jamie's and seriousfun's suggestion of the Benchmark looks the most delicious. Way too expensive for me at the moment though. But if I'm going to buy anything- that would be it. I've read enough about JT's tastes to know that I'd feel the exact same way.

I think my solution now is just finding someone who has one or driving a few hours with my revox and getting it transferred at Proverus.

What resolution are you using? I do all my masters at 24/88.2.

I want to do exactly as you do, Jamie. I've never had to personally deal with it before. I'm all analog in my studio. The only digital piece is the crapball Sony CD recorder.

Peace Love and BenchMarky:wave:
Marky