I am in need of recording a drumset but I only have an interface with 2 inputs, is there a way around buying a new interface with at least 8 inputs?  Is there such a device that is just inputs and I can some way still use my Motu Ultralike 3 to do the recordings?  I could use my mixer to do it but that still only gives me two channels at the most

You can buy pre-amp with 8 mic pres, that has the same digital ins and outs as your sound card.

You can use a mixer, if your mixer has mic preamps and then you can use the line ins of your sound card. This will give you 10 inputs (2 mic pres and 8 line ins). Im sure your motu has line ins

Cj

Yeah, but he still can only record 2 tracks at a time with that soundcard. 

You could get an audio interface with 8 inputs, but then you'll need 8 microphones or pickups to record each drum individually. Is it really necessary for you to record each drum and cymbal on a separate track? 

I have studied and research mixing drums and the best results have been when each drum or cymbal can have it's own input.  In using session drummer 3 I have every instrument on a track and that comes well so I wanted to keep the same line of thought.  I spoke to a guy at the guitar center and he suggested this  http://www.guitarcenter.com/PreSonus-FireStudio-Project-Recording-Interface-241723-i1485101.gc?&source=4WWRWXGP&cagpspn=pla&=  Can X1 support two interfaces at the same time?

daveny5


Yeah, but he still can only record 2 tracks at a time with that soundcard. 

You could get an audio interface with 8 inputs, but then you'll need 8 microphones or pickups to record each drum individually. Is it really necessary for you to record each drum and cymbal on a separate track? 

Just curious if this is a one-time set-up, or if you are setting up a semi-permanent drum room in your studio.  Doesn't change your question, except that you would probably be willing to invest more if this were a permanent set-up.  I would think the mic cost would dwarf the interface/sound card cost.

If it's not a permanent set up maybe you can rent what u need for the session.

@daveny... It looks like it has a total of 8 analog ins (two multi ins and six line ins). http://www.motu.com/produ...ultralite-mk3/i-o.html BMOG, if that is indeed the correct interface you can do as CJay says and get a mic pre with line outs or use a mixer with 8 mic pres and dedicated line outs. You should be able to rent one of those items if this is only a one of recording.

You might be able to rent mics too but there are lots of semi decent drum mic kits you can pic up for pretty cheap. I've got a Samson kit that does the job and I think they are selling for a few hundred bucks. It's not the greatest but it covers a whole kit (including three toms and two overhead condensors... it even has a pencil condensor for hi-hats). You may however want to spend a little extra on the kick, snare and overhead mics.

Here is my situation I was approached this morning by a Bass Player who wants me to record and engineer his project and he stated that some songs he will want live drums.  This will be more of a permanent setup for me.  I like the idea of using a pre-amps and using the lines out to go into my Motu.  I need suggestions on some pre-amps to research please?

Focusrite has very nice sounding pres and they are fairly priced. You might want to look at the MOTU stuff as well but that will be more expensive. It's a shame your unit doesn't have an optical in. It would make things easier. I actually find it odd that it doesn't. I thought MOTU was all over that kind of thing.