The following question does have multiple parts; I'll make that apparent now.
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Approximate Question Topic: Laptop USB playback/recording through/via Mixer.
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If I wanted to, I could probably gather what information I need to
answer my own question, but because of my situation's nature, I am
unsure what search queries should be used.
Pre-Info: My appreciation for theatre and the arts runs deep,
especially as an actor myself. In the past, as now, I have been
involved with live production/stage sound design and technology. In
fact, I am currently "running" sound for a community production in my
city of residence. As my amateur knowledge of live sound applications
broadens, I encounter more questions than answers. The following
query is one of the more tantalizing situations.
In the past, working with the theatre company in question, we have
employed the help of a professional to program our sound systems and
make the initial settings (he is the stage manager of "O", if you're
familiar with Las Vegas).
Most of our current productions take place in a specific public
Library equipped with a number of fairly professional sound/light
systems. ---->The mixer currently in use at this venue is the
Soundcraft K2 (http://www.soundcraft.com/product_sheet.asp?product_id=9).
During this professional's set-up procedure, he would break out an
Apple iBook and a little green box of some kind. This "interface" (I
am almost sure) allowed the iBook to record sound through the mixer
(in any number of configurations) and play sound back through the same
mixer as well.
During the run of the current show (which I have set-up, programmed,
and run with my amateur skills, mind you), the need to record sound
for different purposes has presented itself numerous times. In my
case I used the DAT recorder/player mounted in the sound booth for the
recording purposes. Needless to say, the recording itself is simple,
but playing that sound back on specific cue lines has been murder.
I've been off by at least a few seconds because of the lack of
precision when using these tapes (or tapes of any kind, for that
matter). Because of the professional quality of this theatre company,
I want to remedy this issue.
***I'm extremely interested in learning what kind of system our
professional was using.***
I would ask him personally, but I unable to get in contact during this
current show's run.
Essentially, I want to be able to record sound through the K2 into the
laptop. I also want to be able to play sound back through that same
laptop via the same K2. Ostensibly, what I really need is information
about what that "interface" may have been, and what kind of
(professional?) software may have been used on the laptop.
I am in the possession of a Windows XP notebook, and I would be
willing to buy the USB (almost sure it was USB, maybe firewire)
interface (it might involve MIDI in some way).
Apologies are made in advance for posting such a question.
Understandably, it shoots in many different directions. If any
clarification is needed, please do not hesitate to indicate this.
Additionally, I wasn't quite sure how to price this specific question,
so suggestions are welcome.
More information may be added within the next day or so regarding
information obtained or details that may be clarified or changed.
Thanks for your time and help.
-Bret |
Clarification of Question by
brucewest-ga
on
24 Sep 2004 18:06 PDT
After a quick switch of my minimized windows, I remembered to mention
a device I encountered:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--DGDMBOX
I doubt this is the exact type of item that was used in the case of
"the professional", but it seems as though it could be used in my type
of application.
For informational purposes, I thought I might add that the little box
"the professional" used was green in color and fairly square. It was
not large by any means... maybe 4 x 4 inches with a 1-3 in. depth.
Finally, it should be mentioned that this "other" system used by the
professional was able to play multiple sound effects at once as well
as record the show. I assume the laptop was responsible for sending
both effects out as well as recording, but this means the
device/interface must be capable of both things simultaneously as
well.
Thanks again,
Bret
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