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#1650490 - 03/29/20 02:17 PM 2480 studio
Heartwaves Offline
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Registered: 08/18/01
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This is a question for anyone who is using their 2480(s) as a working recording studio.
1. Are you using the built in mic and line inputs, using an external Pre amp box or a combination of these?
2. Are you linking 1 or 2 more machines together thru MIDI or some other means?
3. Are you using the internal CD burner for DATA backups or something else?
4. Are you using the automix or an external board?
5. Are you burning final mixes to the internal CD?
Thanks!
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#1650510 - 03/29/20 04:09 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
March Offline
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Registered: 04/26/99
Posts: 2069
Loc: IA
1.Combination
2. No, 24 channels are enough for me
3. Yes. I have a standby external unit, but it works only with CDs. The internal one uses DVDs
4. Automix. Steep learning curve and sometimes unstable, but well worth it
5, Yes

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#1650535 - 03/29/20 06:38 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: March]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
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Registered: 11/05/01
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Loc: carmel valley,ca
1.) external pre amps with digital converter

2.) midi sync 3 keyboards for an additional 16 channels at mixdown

3.) backups go to VIRDIS and/or a external SCSI burner

4.) automix ~ always


5.) final 2 track >> REAPER and render a stereo file ..


Edited by C Jo Go (03/31/20 03:35 AM)
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#1650542 - 03/29/20 07:43 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: C Jo Go]
Heartwaves Offline
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Registered: 08/18/01
Posts: 1729
Loc: Georgia or somewhere in the k...
Which pre amps do you use?
How many 2480's are synced together?
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#1650549 - 03/29/20 07:57 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
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Registered: 11/05/01
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Only one 2480 -- I midi sync the VS to a sequencer in my keyboards ... the keyboards have a total of 16 outputs --- so they are routed to the 16 inputs at mixdown --- giving me 36 channels for each Project



I have a Manley DVC and a UA 610 -- connected to a RME ADi2 --interface ( so we bypass the analog inputs for vocals /acoustics
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#1650565 - 03/29/20 09:17 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: C Jo Go]
powermac Offline
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Registered: 02/21/16
Posts: 396
Loc: Houston, Tx
I used to use the 2480 commercially and the pre's did an admirable job. Having said that, they are not as good as my 16 inputs of Clarret pre's that I'm now using. Also, having the ability of unlimited tracks (Reaper) is a huge plus. On top of that, the power you can get with the right plugins far surpasses that of the 2480's ability.

Not slamming the 2480 as I love that machine, but when you eventually go to a DAW with good preamps, you'll never look back. Of course if you want your hands on faders that can be solved with a faderport.


Edited by powermac (03/29/20 09:17 PM)

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#1650568 - 03/29/20 09:47 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: powermac]
March Offline
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Registered: 04/26/99
Posts: 2069
Loc: IA
The VS preamps are quite serviceable. Of course, you can always upgrade to higher end preamps. I started with a Focusrite and a Drawmer for vocals and was quite happy with them for years. Then I HAD TO have an upgrade to match better vocal mics--so I got a Grace. Cool! Soon enough, the need to upgrade overwhelmed me again and got an Avalon. Then a smaller Roland MMP II for only drums overheads

Point being, you can always find and add "better" outboards. Question is, do you really need them?

For instance, I would be hard-pressed to claim that I need an unlimited number of tracks. Or that the plug-ins are just as good as the outboards (I have tried a few and always preferred the outboards...--if I have them,

But to each his own.

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#1650569 - 03/29/20 09:54 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: March]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
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Loc: carmel valley,ca
Using outboard effects -- for the most part.. connected DIG I/O via the AE 7000.. Clocking everything through the RME ADi2
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#1650577 - 03/29/20 11:04 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: March]
powermac Offline
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Registered: 02/21/16
Posts: 396
Loc: Houston, Tx
 Originally Posted By: March
The VS preamps are quite serviceable. Of course, you can always upgrade to higher end preamps. I started with a Focusrite and a Drawmer for vocals and was quite happy with them for years. Then I HAD TO have an upgrade to match better vocal mics--so I got a Grace. Cool! Soon enough, the need to upgrade overwhelmed me again and got an Avalon. Then a smaller Roland MMP II for only drums overheads

Point being, you can always find and add "better" outboards. Question is, do you really need them?

For instance, I would be hard-pressed to claim that I need an unlimited number of tracks. Or that the plug-ins are just as good as the outboards (I have tried a few and always preferred the outboards...--if I have them,

But to each his own.


Aside from outboard gear (which is debateable) everything depends on how commercial one is working. I'm commercial enough that I need superior preamps and unlimited tracks, plus the ability to automate fast, etc, etc. In fact, at this moment I'm taking a break from a band that has 78 tracks on the song. It's a very dense song. Of course some of it is me duping snares, etc, but the fact is that it's a necessity for me and many of my clients.

Whether it is a necessity for the op is his call.

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#1650632 - 03/30/20 03:43 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: powermac]
I_CaneFire Offline
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Registered: 01/29/13
Posts: 206
Loc: Maryland U.S.A.
Hi,
I have a working studio that earns money. Been using the VS units in multiple ways since around 2004. Had VS1880, VS2000 (x2) and now two VS2480s.

1. Are you using the built in mic and line inputs, using an external Pre amp box or a combination of these? Started out using the internal. Then I noticed that I wanted a better vocal pre. Got a Joe Meek. Now I have a Langevin DVC. I only use it for vocals, I do everything else with the VS inputs.

2. Are you linking 1 or 2 more machines together thru MIDI or some other means? I link them thru midi (MMC) and digitally.

3. Are you using the internal CD burner for DATA backups or something else? I stopped making or burning CDs a while ago. Now I store everything as a live recoring on an SD card.

4. Are you using the automix or an external board? I never use automix. I mix by hand, feel, ears and emotion. which means I do a lot of dancing while mixing and all of my mixes are slightly different.

5. Are you burning final mixes to the internal CD? Not any more. I just save them on the VS. I play them out into another recorder Zoom Live Track and all of the channels can be separated on the SD card or I can record out a stereo mix.

Cheers,
Ian

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#1650676 - 03/30/20 07:31 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: I_CaneFire]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
Loquacious Planeteer


Registered: 11/05/01
Posts: 36520
Loc: carmel valley,ca
Never needed more than 24-36 channels --- coming from ole' tape days >>

Most the songs : that influence my productions : are under 4/16 tracks from the 60's.

Commercially open since the late 80's .. started recording in the 70's.

Always have had midi sync'd to our deck/DAW --adding tracks with sequencers .. for a final mixdown. Our three keyboards all came with 8 individual outputs : ie separate drum tracks .. we do lots of orchestration ...

Tracking with VIRDIS --- so everything is on a separate HD -- very stable.


pg


Edited by C Jo Go (03/30/20 07:48 PM)
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#1650679 - 03/30/20 08:13 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: C Jo Go]
powermac Offline
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Registered: 02/21/16
Posts: 396
Loc: Houston, Tx
Guy's please don't misunderstand my sentiments with my above reply. I still love the 2480 as it gave me several great years and some good income. I have no plans of selling it ether.

I only mentioned my move to another 16 inputs of superior preamp because I am tracking bands that in many cases require a minimum of 12 simultaneous inputs and at least 9 for drums. If I didn't have the need for that many pre's, and could invest in a high line preamp or two, I may have stuck with the 2480 as my go to tracking system.

The bottom line is that the 2480 can give admirable results with the built in amps. It does lack good editing power, but if that's not an issue for the op, then I say go for it.

Again, none of my statements are slamming the Roland. Just stating my personal findings.

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#1650682 - 03/30/20 08:21 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
uptildawn Offline
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Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 9073
Loc: on land
 Originally Posted By: Heartwaves
This is a question for anyone who is using their 2480(s) as a working recording studio.
1. Are you using the built in mic and line inputs, using an external Pre amp box or a combination of these?
2. Are you linking 1 or 2 more machines together thru MIDI or some other means?
3. Are you using the internal CD burner for DATA backups or something else?
4. Are you using the automix or an external board?
5. Are you burning final mixes to the internal CD?
Thanks!


Have we lost sight of the original post here?

I don't recall a request for debating one use of the gear over another, or a debate over who's gear is better, or more, or bigger......
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#1650718 - 03/30/20 11:52 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: uptildawn]
March Offline
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Registered: 04/26/99
Posts: 2069
Loc: IA
I dunno, uptildawn. Seems to me that Heartwaves (who has conspicuously disappeared) was interested in the capabilities and possible shortcomings of various VS configurations. Debating gears over other gears sounds like a normal, logical spinoff--unless he simply wanted to do a survey and gauge the percentages, which is doubtful.

I, for one, am always glad to learn new things about VS usage and am curious about how others have solved the problems that the questions the man asked imply. I am with C Jo Go here:16 tracks (plus extra 8 tracks to spare) seem enough to cover any project--but maybe I am wrong

So I would be very curious to learn, for instance, how powermac manages to mix 78 tracks and stay competitive in the commercial world--unless he charges by the track instead of charging by the project. Even if he charges by the hour, that would take an inordinate amount of time--but maybe that's the point.

So it's not exactly who has better gear, but how to make the best of one's gear -- by adding or subtracting, as needed.

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#1650722 - 03/31/20 12:38 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: March]
uptildawn Offline
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Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 9073
Loc: on land
I understand your points and think those are great conversations - I just get tired of seeing threads get pulled into this stuff that pulls it away from the simple offering of answers to a question...... reminds me of all the times I've searched for solutions on another website and never find the answer to the original question, pages later....

It's all good, I suppose. \:\)
Heartwaves did follow up with a question that sort of opened the flood gates, I suppose.
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#1650727 - 03/31/20 12:50 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: uptildawn]
Heartwaves Offline
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Registered: 08/18/01
Posts: 1729
Loc: Georgia or somewhere in the k...
I appreciate all of the answers. I have been off the internet, incessantly recording a new piece of music using the 2480 for the past few days, using this enforced sequestering to create. Once this total stay at home time ends, I want to be ready to take out the machines for live recordings. This is forcing me to spend the time to get the 2480 under my fingers (so to speak.) With the 8 mic inputs and the other 8 1/4 inputs, I could hook up 16 tracks at a time. I have gotten decent live recordings by using direct out board taps on my 1680 and adding a pair or a single audience mic.
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#1650728 - 03/31/20 12:52 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
Heartwaves Offline
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Registered: 08/18/01
Posts: 1729
Loc: Georgia or somewhere in the k...
C Jo Go, what are those keyboards in the picture? I have been looking to upgrade what I have been using. I love orchestrations.
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#1650729 - 03/31/20 12:53 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
Heartwaves Offline
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Registered: 08/18/01
Posts: 1729
Loc: Georgia or somewhere in the k...
Is that a Yamaha modx 88?
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#1650748 - 03/31/20 02:41 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
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Registered: 11/05/01
Posts: 36520
Loc: carmel valley,ca
 Originally Posted By: Heartwaves
C Jo Go, what are those keyboards in the picture? I have been looking to upgrade what I have been using. I love orchestrations.


All Kurzweils === Some of the best SOLO orchestra samples in the industry ///


The K2600 is our main controller

K2500 R with an internal HD -- also full of Akai /Emu / etc .samples on board.
K2VX has about 1000 samples on board ---


Edited by C Jo Go (03/31/20 02:45 AM)
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#1650753 - 03/31/20 02:50 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: C Jo Go]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
Loquacious Planeteer


Registered: 11/05/01
Posts: 36520
Loc: carmel valley,ca
Rarely track live drums Have preferred E drums since the late 80's

Still sticking with the 3 mic configuration for live drums ---


Edited by C Jo Go (03/31/20 02:52 AM)
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#1650758 - 03/31/20 03:33 AM Re: 2480 studio [Re: Heartwaves]
C Jo Go Online   content
EMERITUS ~ VS Roland
Loquacious Planeteer


Registered: 11/05/01
Posts: 36520
Loc: carmel valley,ca
 Originally Posted By: Heartwaves
I appreciate all of the answers. I have been off the internet, incessantly recording a new piece of music using the 2480 for the past few days, using this enforced sequestering to create. Once this total stay at home time ends, I want to be ready to take out the machines for live recordings. This is forcing me to spend the time to get the 2480 under my fingers (so to speak.) With the 8 mic inputs and the other 8 1/4 inputs, I could hook up 16 tracks at a time. I have gotten decent live recordings by using direct out board taps on my 1680 and adding a pair or a single audience mic.


Any other questions >>?? :: Feel free to post ... sorry if I swayed at all from your topic at hand ....
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#1651780 - 04/05/20 11:44 PM Re: 2480 studio [Re: C Jo Go]
wjgypsy Offline
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Registered: 08/27/12
Posts: 1643
Loc: Jeorgia
*currently using Reaper DAW with external preamps but I did operate a studio with up to two 2480s for over a decade.

1. Combo. The onboard pres (my main machine is from before the "pre-amp fix" era thankfully). Having said that, I think the onboard pres are fine. When I did use external preamps, I just went in through the inputs with the pad engaged.

2. I have before to take advantage of the 48 track count, ect. But if you have a working DAW system (like reaper) I've found that I'll opt for that instead of the circus show that is operating two 2480s (although, it's a fun/rewarding challenge!)

3. I have an old "song bank" DVD drive that I use, via the scsi port. I have used the internal CD burner also, but prefer DVD's, for their space.

4. I used the automix for years, it works great and is very editable, if you are familier with it's layout. Reaper is still easier, imo.

5. No. Although the machine is well equipped for that, I always opted for transferring a stereo mix down in real time via the SPDIF output into a soundcard equipped computer and recording that onto something like Sound Forge or Wavelab...or a real time CD-R recorder.

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