Recording Software & Hoster

[MackieRocks]

I am currently running Hoster 5.04. I've just started using audio recording software to record singer's performances and it is really taking off. My problem is I've been using a free download version of Audacity and it works pretty well but has some limitations. I purchased Magix Music Maker and installed it on my show laptop. Big mistake. It had a major conflict with Hoster so I uninstalled Magix. Is anyone out there using recording software that IS compatible with Hoster 5.04?

[Roy Dennis]

I use Roemer Easy HI-Q Recorder. You can download the free version which is a working version with limited functions the full version if your trial goes ok is $29.95. One thing i like about it is it has a small footprint on the screen. try for free: http://www.roemersoftware.com/index.html
Enjoy

[Lonman]

If you are running a mixer, I just use Audacity on a 2nd sound card and run the tape out of the mixer to the line in on that card. Haven't had any problems, what limitations would you need to get over?

[MackieRocks]

Audacity works well, but you have to convert the file to MP3 where as others out there do not require the added step. They record directly as MP3. I like as many bells and whistles as I can get even if I don't use them. That's just me. I'm in the process of testing Roemer and it also works well. I would like to try others (as long as they don't conflict with Hoster).

[Roy Dennis]

There is another free one here: http://www.freesoundrecorder.net/

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by MackieRocks

Audacity works well, but you have to convert the file to MP3 where as others out there do not require the added step. They record directly as MP3. I like as many bells and whistles as I can get even if I don't use them. That's just me. I'm in the process of testing Roemer and it also works well. I would like to try others (as long as they don't conflict with Hoster).

Well it's because it is a multitrack recorder. It saves as an .aud project file. I like it because you can actually record each singer throughout the night on a new track without having to save each track as you go. I preferred this method as I would take the file home and do all the editing/normalizing/dynamics/etc. , burn to a disc & bring back the next night (or week). This helped bring people back as well.
It sounds like you want more of a straightforward sound recorder type of option. But I haven't tried any others with Hoster so don't know of any conflicting issues.

[MackieRocks]

Audacity it is. Thanx Lon. I never thought about recording on more than one track. I'll give it a shot!

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by MackieRocks

Audacity it is. Thanx Lon. I never thought about recording on more than one track. I'll give it a shot!

Just make sure to mute the previous tracks as you go along otherwise they will play back over the system (provided it's set up to play through main sound device) while the new song is recording. You can also name each song as you go, it was a little time consuming in the beginning, but I got got pretty fluent at it after a couple weeks.

[Musicman51]

I am using "Sonar X1 Studio" by "cakewalk" Hoster works just dandy with it. What i like about my peavey board, and Sonar. Is it has a built in noise gate that filters out any hum your laptop, or PC generates. It even gets rid of any fan noise. I also have the free version of audacity. I found it actually harder to use then my sonar software. But for what you're doing, i'd stick with the audacity. Good luck with your recording and show. HOSTER RULES!

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

If you are running a mixer, I just use Audacity on a 2nd sound card and run the tape out of the mixer to the line in on that card. Haven't had any problems, what limitations would you need to get over?

I do exactly as Lonnie does and works well without any limitations I am aware of. I use it a lot for playing quick clips of singers within seconds after they finish a song. This goes over quite well.

[MackieRocks]

I went back to Audacity since it seems to work the best. We live out in the sticks so recording performances is just now starting to really take off. I've even gone one step further by having their recorded performance waiting for them at home when they get there via e-mail. People love it!

[admin]

Interesting discussions.

We have added record-while-playng into Microstudio in the past, and it works awesome. It even has a way to absolutely align the recorded sound with the playing music, thus removing the two digital delays (play buffer, record buffer) so you can do true synchronized multi track recording.

We are planning to add record into Hoster in 2012.

FYI: If you are supplying the music, and giving a copy to the singer, YOU are violating copyright law in the USA. Having said that, do what you want. I wouldn't be surprised if RIAA doesn't start policing this.

In Hoster, we will present a warning message (disable if you want) when you play a song from the hard drive that was not imported using the "Singers Disc" button; i.e. importing the Singer's song and playing it while recording. THAT... is legal because they already own the music, not you.

MTU is not playing Karaoke Kop, but we do feel someone should keep the law in front of this industry.

Illegal copying has driven out most of the Karaoke Producers, reducing the selection you now have to choose from.

[Musicman51]

I wouldn't be surprised if RIAA doesn't start policing this.

Admin, is so so right. Although it is not completly correct to do this, with your disc, i think the RIAA has their hands full trying to crack down on things that actually cost them money. You sitting there, recording an amature singer with a worn out karaoke track of "Daddy's Hands", is the least of RIAA's concerns. There is a way to actually do this legally, and not cost you, or your singer any grief, or money. Just search around online and you can figure out how to do this. Just do things right, and you'll be ok. Better yet, if you;re not sure, just follow admin's advice....great advice as always from mtu.

Just a side note. I still sit in wonder how the "Singer's Showcase" keeps going. There everyone records from karaoke tracks, and post them, for the world to hear......

[MackieRocks]

It is a slippery slope. Thanks for the comments Admin & Musicman51. I feel the need to re-evaluate my practice. Thanks.