recording vocals- file size

2 Nov 2009, 13:29

OK. So not only was I unable to find a keyboard player for my project (hence the purchase of a sequencer) No one can sing BGVs either... I think I am going to try my hand at recording the backup vox onth the sequencer for playback (I'll take any advice you want to offer).

My question is, can I change the audio file size when I record it, similar to changing resolution on a digital camera, in order to save disk space? I only have a 2GB flash drive right now and I don't know if it will hold 3 sets worth of sequences AND audio. Thoughts?

I'l take an opinion on this too: I am going to record dry with compression (probably 2 or 3:1 with a very low threshold) and then apply effects when I play back to my mixing console, rather than have my FX permanently recorded. That way I could use the same stereo verb on live and backing vocals.

Is this the right thing to do? BGV's will be played back through a separate output.

Re: recording vocals- file size

2 Nov 2009, 14:32

No, you can't reduce the sample size as the Fantom-G only works with non-compressed audio. You can only save space by recording in mono.

BTW, did you expand your sample memory with a DIMM module?

Re: recording vocals- file size

2 Nov 2009, 18:21

Yes, Art is right. There is no resampling and samples do not reside in USB memory. They reside in RAM, which needs expanded if you want to record more than about 2 minutes of audio.

Re: recording vocals- file size

2 Nov 2009, 19:15

Oh... Now that kinda stinks. I guess I should have read that part of the manual...

Looks like its going to cost about 50 bucks for a stick. Should I get the best one (Newegg lists KINGSTON as thier top for 512's) or can I go with a bottom end card? I am a get-what-you-pay-for kinda guy... Man, you would think with all of the money I paid for this G8 thing, it would have had a little more memory. WTF?

Thanks for the headz up fellas. I truly appreciate it!

Re: recording vocals- file size

2 Nov 2009, 19:38

You have to have specific memory. You just cant pull anything off the shelf.

http://www.oempcworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen...

This RAM is your safest bet. It is tested specifically for the G and it is what I, and many others, are using here on the forums.

Re: recording vocals- file size

3 Nov 2009, 19:11

Specific? The manual just says it needs to be a 168-pin (2 notches) PC133 and smaller than 1.57 inches. Your basic SDRAM card... I was also under the impression that the FG maxed out at 512MB. The link you posted was for a 1GB card.

I'm not trying to argue by any means. You all know way more than I do about this monster... I just want to make sure I get the right thing without spending half a day's pay on it.

Re: recording vocals- file size

3 Nov 2009, 21:03

Yea, the G is very specific what RAM needs to be used. That is why everyone buys from this company. They send RAM to Roland to be tested specifically for the G. With OS 1.2, the G can use 1GB RAM sticks, but nothing more.

Hope this helps! Enjoy your new keys.

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 10:28

More questions, if that's ok...

If I get the 512, and I fill it up, is all lost and I need to redo onto a larger capacity card? Could I transfer onto a PC? Or I guess I could at least play the samples real-time to a PC....

I guess I really don't know how much stuff I could fit on a 512. Considering having guitarist record extra parts etc...

What about bumping like 3 vocal parts/samples to one sample? Is that easy? I think I read that you can't overdub samples, just over write.

Not sure I even have OS 1.2. I think I got an email notice that it was available, but never did the upgrade (don't know how!!!)

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 11:33

I think you're forgetting that you can store multiple projects on a single USB drive.

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 12:05

Yeah. I guess I'm not getting the concept.

I was understanding that if I record a sample, it stays on the DIMM card. Like forever... and is recalled to be played from that card. Or something like that.

I tried to read up on this, but it was either over my head or too vague.

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 12:26

Sample RAM is just temporary memory. The samples are actually stored on the USB flash drive. This is the same as RAM vs. hard drive on your computer.

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 13:07

Ahh. I see. Like on a PC. But if I play an entire night's setlist, complete with samples, the ram would "fill up". Again, like my old PC would...

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 13:13

But you can do a break in your set and load another project.

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 15:00

this is true. So in your opinion, I should be ok with the 512? If the internal memory can play 6 minutes of samples (roughly) then 512 should should be able to play roughly 100 minutes. ??? Is it that cut and dry?

Re: recording vocals- file size

4 Nov 2009, 15:12

Yes, 512 MB = 51 minutes of stereo, 102 minutes of mono sampling at 16 bit 44.1 KHz.