Yeah that sounds pretty great. So the blackbox can’t record individual tracks? I ask because my routing is a bit complex to explain but basically I use a mixer and then have a software mixer that lets me send whatever I want back into my samplers. So essentially since I do long takes one at a time, I could just send 2 stereo ins to whatever device I choose and then record in single tracks one take at a time.
So the good news with the Bluebox is I wouldn’t need a ton of 1/4 to 1/8 cables all jammed together to do this setup. But there is future flexibility…
The other thing that does appeal to me about the Bluebox is if I wanted to use an older MPC, I could send 10 outs into the bluebox and still send in a stereo channel from the software mixer. So essentially I could have a really nicely synced up track with all my hardware recorded on there and then just export all those WAVS to the DAW.
So yeah, unless I am missing any pitfalls (I need to read through this thread), it appears that the blue box can receive clock and start/stop from the MPC and record just like a DAW would. And even let me start at say, bar 85 and punch in if I needed.
If so, this thing is a beast. I need to read what software updates they have given it.
The BlackBox has a single stereo input for sampling, so you would sample one thing at a time onto any of the 16 available pads. No punch in or overdub. You can resample if a blank pad is available.
As a sampler, and compared to the MPC One, the only advantage the BlackBox has is it’s portability and ability to power off a battery bank.
Otherwise the MPC series far outpaces the BB as a sampler in overall abilities (adding FX, manual slicing, playable pads etc).
I thoroughly enjoy sitting on the couch away from my setup with the BlackBox and iPad and creating samples, but I have all the synths, drum machines, FX apps to sculpt those samples first before putting them in the BB.
For your live jamming, I could see the BlueBox being great for recording an hour jam session as both individual stems, along with a master mix. You could go back and listen to the master mix, make note of sections you like, find the individual parts from your recorded stems and continue working with them in the box etc.
I have a UC4 too. Is it tough to set this up, and can you describe how you use it? That seems pretty awesome.
I read through this whole thread and enjoyed the rollercoaster of seeing no punch in and out and no MIDI sync record (dealbreakers) to the 1.11 update dropping and realizing that this gear is now going to work great for me.
Perfect Circuit is doing 10% off and free shipping so I got this and some 1010 cables for $40 under list.
I did watch that, and I definitely think the bluebox is the way forward for me. I got one on sale so I should have it this weekend. Looking forward to it.
Few questions -
On this, I am pretty sure the answer is yes. If I record into input 1 and keep a take and then want to record 3 more takes into the same input (1 at a time), can I just reroute those so they each have their own track and all play together? My main setup will just require 1 stereo input for now since I have everything going into a mixer before it hits the bluebox.
Second thing for down the road - another reason I bought this is because I can use that 1 input for my hardware coming from my mixer but I could then take 5 other inputs and have an older MPC or any drum machine record into those via its 10 outs- which is really pretty great. Has anyone made a little snake for something like that? Or are most people just buying splitters and then connecting a 1/8 to 1/4 TS cable to those? I have a TS cable snake so I was thinking maybe I’d just buy 1/4 to 1/8 adapters and some splitters.
Next question - lets say I record 3 separate stereo takes and decide I want to run them through some outboard after recording. Can I send one track at a time though and record it to open tracks? For example lets say 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 are recorded tracks and 7/8 is the output from the outboard. I blend 1/2 into the outboard to taste and then record into 7/8. Once I get that take, I move it to 1/2 and replace the dry track, then do the same process with 3/4. Is that possible?
Got the Bluebox and so far I am very impressed. The sync is awesome. It’s super easy to sync record this to my Octatrack, which so great. Very easy device to use.
I have it set up so everything goes into Input 1 and I use 6 stereo channels. This is because I record track by track right now and don’t need to multitrack.
I am thinking I can record 1 take intro track 1 and then once that is done, go to track 2 and change the inputs to 1L and 1R. This should make it so that I can record 1 take and then have it playing while I record the next one in another channel. Thats the only thing I have yet to try, but I am guessing that is the workflow.
Gripes - not many. The form factor is fantastic. Almost stunning how small this is. Yes, it kind of sucks to have to eject the mini SD card, but I will do that probably once per tune so it’s not a problem. The other is unplugging the USB cable just to power it off since there is no button. My workaround there was to power it via it’s own power strip and just turn the switch off for that when I am done. I also wish the USB cable was a bit longer, but that is not the end of the world.
This box solves a lot of problems for anyone who wants to record their hardware and not deal with syncing to a DAW. It’s amazing. I really only want to use my DAW once all the recordings are captured so this is ideal.
The other workflow I was thinking would be to sequence a song on an old MPC and multitrack the outs into the bluebox. I could then pull the stems off of the card and into the DAW and free up the inputs.
Then, I believe that the Bluebox also records the main stereo channel. So if that is correct, I would have a stereo file with all the drums that I could load up in the bluebox and play while I record from my synths and samplers.
Not sure if any of you have tried this, but if that works it would make multi tracking older drum machines so much easier.
Current Bluebox User and wife bought me a Blackbox for Christmas . . . anyone using both together? If so, how are you powering? Read that powering both from the same USB PSU creates a hum and hoping to find an efficient, portable solution - thanks!
I’ve had the bluebox a few weeks now, it’s a nice piece of kit.
2 things are slightly annoying and I’d like to check with other users of they experience the same issues.
Firstly, it’s a bit buggy. Mine crashes at least once a session - I now know to save the settings once established. Anyone elses do the same?
It’s extra annoying as the usb cable is very very snug and so powering off and back on at the unit is painful. Weirdly, once crashed, I can still use / hear through it, it just doesn’t respond to button or screen presses.
Second issue is midi sync. Obviously I don’t want this as master clock and transport, I want my squid or ar MK2 to serve this purpose, as this is where my tracks tempo is established. However, am I right in thinking pressing record and play together is the only way to record audio? If so this means it can never be in true recording sync unless its master?
When I set record going on the bluebox and then press play on the squid, it disarms the recording function. When I do the same with ar, it seems to not disarm the bluebox , although still not in proper sync.
Am I being thick, or should I resign myself to setting this to master when ready to record?
I would like to effectively arm the recording, and when pressing play on the midi sync and transport master, start the the recording.
Other than these issues, I like the box. Nice form factor, clear sound, good headroom and surprisingly nice reverb.
, although still not in proper sync.